AL!VE is excited to announce the six honorees of the 2025 Impact Awards. Three honorees received the Exemplary Leader award and three honorees received the Emerging Leader award. Awards were formally presented during the Volunteer Manager Hybrid Conference on October 28 and 29, 2025.
Now in its seventh year, the Impact Awards program is sponsored by Better Impact and recognizes the exceptional contributions of professionals who demonstrate innovation, dedication, and measurable impact in volunteer engagement in their organization and across the field.
“These awards shine a light on the incredible leadership, creativity, and innovation happening every day in our field and in communities across the country,” said Darlene Laird, CVA, AL!VE President. “They remind us how powerful volunteer engagement can be in creating real, lasting change.”
2025 Exemplary Leaders (with 7+ years experience)
Callie Le’au Courtright, CVA
City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation
Des Moines, IA
Callie Le’au Courtright, CVA, leads volunteer engagement for the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, connecting thousands of volunteers to meaningful projects citywide. A champion for professional volunteer management, she’s advanced innovation, accessibility, and excellence across the field.
Jennifer Weichel, CVA
Michigan State University Extension
East Lansing, MI
Jennifer Weichel, CVA, is a respected leader advancing volunteer engagement through strategy, innovation, and advocacy. Guiding national programs and championing professional development, she strengthens recognition of volunteerism as essential to mission success.
Lisa Marie Mooney, CVA
FIRST
Germantown, MD
Lisa Marie Mooney, CVA, directs volunteer engagement for a national nonprofit, creating meaningful opportunities that drive mission impact. A dedicated mentor and advocate, she elevates the profession through innovation, collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of service.
2025 Emerging Leaders (with 3-7 years experience)
Meagan Patterson, CVA
Gateway Arch Park Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
Meagan Patterson, CVA, leads inclusive, mission-driven volunteer programs that strengthen community connection and capacity. With creativity and compassion, she builds trust, fosters belonging, and transforms challenges into opportunities for growth—advancing a shared vision for a vibrant, welcoming community.
Joshua Rodgers
Habitat for Humanity International
Atlanta, GA
Joshua Rodgers leads national volunteer initiatives grounded in equity, dignity, and community trust. Through trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices, he reframes service as transformation, not charity—empowering volunteers as advocates and partners in systemic change.
Mayleen Santos Watson
United Community
Alexandria, VA
Mayleen Watson-Santos builds compassionate, inclusive volunteer programs that uplift families and strengthen communities. Drawing from her own volunteer journey, she celebrates diversity, fosters belonging, and empowers others to lead with empathy and purpose.
Honorees will be awarded:
A full list of current and past Impact Award honorees can be found at volunteeralive.org/impact_awardees.
Thank you to the judges for their time and expertise. Emerging Leader judges this year: Lisa Romish, Corina Sadler, Brittany McGarry, Tim Suda, Jared Peer, and Sarah Sukhram. Exemplary Leader judges this year: Mary Lynn Perry, Rebecca Hand, Rob Toonkel, Sidney Enss, Angela Williamson, and Nicole Smith. The committee was happy to see all the nominations especially with the changes they made this year. They continue to discuss improvements and changes each year. Learn more about volunteering on the committee at volunteeralive.org/volunteer.
Learn more about the Impact Awards program at volunteeralive.org/impact_awards.