Faith and Four Letter Words, Entre Amanda Goodman is an Emmy Award–winning journalist with nearly 20 years in television news, known for fearless storytelling and unapologetic advocacy for women and children. She built her career tackling tough conversations, amplifying unheard voices and holding systems accountable. She is the co-author of two best-selling books, with a […]
Category: Honorees 2026
Amanda Grieder
City of Cedar Rapids Amanda Grieder became the assistant city manager in 2025. She provides support for daily operations and strategic initiatives, overseeing the facilities, fleet, and safety division managers; the innovation and customer service program manager; the animal care and control manager; and federal and state legislation. In 2025, she served as interim parks […]
Crissy Canganelli
Shelter House Community Shelter and Transition Services Crissy Canganelli has served as executive director of Shelter House since 1998. She has since led Shelter House through considerable evolution, guiding the organization from one house in Iowa City’s Northside to an eight-building operation providing life-saving interventions to 2,000 people annually. She does it with equal parts […]
Cindy Young
Especially For You Race Against Breast Cancer Cindy S. Young has played an instrumental role in the creation and continued success of the Especially for You Race Against Breast Cancer for more than 35 years. What began as her sister Sandy Knight’s vision has become a legacy: one that continues to change lives across the […]
Debbie Courtney
CRUSH Recovery Center Debbie Courtney serves as Assistant Director of CRUSH Recovery Center, a community she helped build from the ground up to support individuals and families impacted by substance use. What began as a small gathering rooted in shared loss and lived experience has grown into a thriving recovery hub reaching thousands across the […]
Jennifer Miller
UI Health Care Medical Center Downtown Jennifer Miller is the chief administrative officer at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown. In this role, she oversees the hospital’s finances, daily operations, quality and safety efforts, and community partnerships. She also helps ensure the downtown campus is well integrated into the broader UI Health Care […]
Kasasila Gloire
United We March Forward Kasasila Gloire is the founder of the Multicultural Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a childcare program rooted in culture, compassion and belonging. Originally from Burundi, Kasasila’s journey was shaped by resilience after her family fled their home country due to war and rebuilt their lives in the United States. Inspired by […]
Kelly Pizana
All Saints Elementary School Kelly Pizana currently serves as elementary principal at All Saints Elementary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is in her ninth year as an elementary administrator. It is her joy and passion to serve all children in their early years of life. She strives to be a positive role model and create […]
Dr Mary Anne Nelson
Nelson PC Over the course of 47 years, Dr. Mary Anne Nelson faithfully served the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, community with dedication and compassion. Her expertise was in family practice, treating dementia, diabetes, hypertension and high blood pressure. In 2018, Mary Anne received the prestigious gold-headed cane of Mercy’s Medical Laureate Award of Mercy Medical Center […]
Melissa Payne
Kirkwood Community College Melissa Payne is the vice president of student services at Kirkwood Community College. She started at Kirkwood in 2015, when she was hired as the dean of students. Melissa’s career includes more than 20 years in higher education at both two- and four-year institutions, including advising, teaching, student conduct, gender-based violence prevention […]