National Philanthropy Day Highlights 2024

Throughout the month of November, AFP will be highlighting honorees from National Philanthropy Day chapter events around the world, showcasing outstanding donors, volunteers, corporations, foundations and others who are being recognized for their commitment to change and philanthropy.

Outstanding Emerging Professional: Kirsten Brauch (St. Louis Chapter)

In 2024, Kirsten Brauch was honored as the Outstanding Emerging Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals St. Louis Regional Chapter. Currently, Kirsten serves as the Senior Director of Development at Guardian Angel Settlement Association, a role she has held since January 2022. In addition to her leadership at GASA, Kirsten dedicates her evenings part-time to iSocial, where she teaches social and professional skills development to neurodiverse adults, emphasizing her commitment to inclusive community engagement.

As a native of St. Louis, Kirsten Brauch is deeply committed to serving those in her own “backyard” and helping make St. Louis a more loving, inclusive community. She is a dynamic and highly organized nonprofit leader dedicated to advancing community growth, promoting equitable access to education and resources, and advocating for the holistic wellbeing of her neighbors.

Outstanding Community Leader Award: Ayesha Jaco, MAM (Chicago Chapter)

Ayesha Jaco, a lifelong resident of Chicago’s west side, has dedicated her career to improving the health and economic vitality of the community she grew up in. As Executive Director of West Side United (WSU) she leads programs and partnerships with additional anchor institutions, including nonprofits and churches, who work collaboratively to eliminate the 14-year life expectancy gap between Black and Brown residents on Chicago’s West Side and Chicago’s Loop.

Under Ayesha’s leadership, WSU has co-created strategies that address social drivers of health including a small business grant program that has awarded $2.5 million to support the development of more than 175 West Side businesses. Her team has also coordinated $10 million in social impact investing funds pooled by WSU hospitals, American Medical Association, Illinois Medical District and Northern Trust to increase access to capital for west side communities through 600 low interest loans curated by Community Development Financial Institution partners to support affordable housing, community projects and other economic development projects.

Award for Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist: Cushman and Wakefield Ottawa (Ottawa Chapter)

Cushman & Wakefield Ottawa has had a significant impact on the community through its annual golf tournament, raising more than $1.6 million in support of Bruyère Health to help fund the acquisition of specialty equipment, as well as helping to fund major construction projects and research, all for the benefit of patients, residents, families and staff. Cushman & Wakefield Ottawa has had one of its members on the board of the Bruyere Foundation for the past 20-plus years.

Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Tim Ardillo, CFRE (Indiana Chapter)

Tim Ardillo is being honored for his 25 years of exemplary leadership and innovative fundraising strategies. Currently serving as Director of Advancement at Firefly Children and Family Alliance, Tim has successfully led major campaigns, including a $34 million capital campaign at the Indianapolis Zoo, and has been a dedicated volunteer and leader within the AFP Indiana Chapter.

Outstanding Founder: Connor Wong and Wilson Song (Orange County Chapter)

Connor Wong and Wilson Song founded Sandbox Synergy, a nonprofit that empowers the next generation of innovative leaders and connects them with resources of local enterprises.

As young entrepreneurs who launched a stationery venture, they recognized the barriers that under resourced youth faced due to lack of support. They organized Youth Entrepreneur Fairs with a mission to offer a no-cost, inclusive platform for budding entrepreneurs.

They have raised funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Pretend City Children’s Museum. They hope to pursue the fields of Business and Economics and fight for equality through philanthropy and public service.

Philanthropic Leader of Tomorrow: Sydney Langdon (Greater Atlanta Chapter)

Sydney Langdon leads charitable giving, nonprofit partnerships, employee volunteerism and community impact for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), one of the most prominent media and entertainment companies in the world. In her capacity as Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, Sydney’s work is focused on community impact on a local, national, and global level. Sydney plays a leading role in shaping WBD’s social impact and philanthropic efforts, serving as an internal social impact consultant and advisor for WBD’s impressive portfolio of brands (HBO / Max, CNN, Food Network, OWN, TBS/TNT, DC Comics, etc.) She has been with WBD (formerly WarnerMedia & Turner Broadcasting System) for 10+ years where she has led major social impact initiatives such as Say Yes to the Prom, WarnerMedia Institute for Future Leaders, WarnerMedia Global Volunteer Day, Turner Volunteer Day, the Turner Voices Youth Media Institute, the 21st Century Leaders Film & Entertainment Institute, and, most recently, WBD Impact Day.   

Lifetime Achievement Award: Jo Wright, O.M. (Manitoba Chapter)

Throughout her career, Jo demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact in the field of fundraising, making her mark on the social services sector in particular and in the growth of philanthropy and volunteerism in our community. Her efforts have profoundly impacted countless individuals’ lives.

Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Angie Doss (Oklahoma Chapter)

Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Payton Obert (Greater Cincinnati Chapter)

Payton Obert is the founder of Payton’s Lemonade Stand and a seventh grader at Saint Ignatius of Loyola School. In 2018, at age 6, Payton hosted her first lemonade stand in her driveway and donated the proceeds to charity. That lemonade stand has evolved into a successful nonprofit that has given away over $2.5 million since its inception in 2021. Payton has inspired thousands of kids to give back to their communities through their own lemonade stands.

IDEA Champion of the Year: Derek Mosley and the MU Law Lubar Center (Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter)

Derek Mosley is one of the most well-known influencers in Milwaukee. Lawyer, municipal judge for 22 years, lecturer, foodie, restaurant critic and historian, Mosley is truly a man for all seasons with a distinguished career in public service. Since 2023, he has been the director of the Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education at Marquette University Law School.