Meet the finalists: 2024 ELEVATE Volunteer of the Year
The Volunteer of the Year award will go to a young professional volunteer whose unselfish and dedicated service has made meaningful and lasting impact in Central Indiana and has demonstrated outstanding service, leadership and commitment to a nonprofit organization.
This year’s finalists volunteer their time to help those in need and support women, youth, education, health, social justice, financial literacy and the arts.
We hope you can join us this month to celebrate these five incredible finalists:
Ashley Bridges, financial center manager at Fifth Third Bank:
After attending a women’s retreat two years ago, Ashley has seen the impact small business owners can have on their community. She took this inspiration to get out of her comfort zone and get more involved in her community. Passionate about helping those in need, she tries to attend two or three events a week, with several organizations including Coburn Place, Urban League and JA. Ashley serves on the boards of NICHE, Jordan YMCA, AKA and COIN. She envisions a community of more equal opportunity, with businesses and nonprofits helping to fund education and provide necessary resources.
Vote Ashley for People’s Choice.
Moussa Ibrahim, financial empowerment and community development officer at Old National Bank:
Moussa has a passion for financial education, which allows for a blurring between his professional and volunteering roles. At Old National Bank, he partners with schools, businesses and government agencies to enhance financial education initiatives. Moussa has segued this experience into serving on the board of Andrew J. Brown Academy, the finance committee for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, the “Museum by Moonlight” planning committee, and is currently serving on the Goodwill Young Leaders Board as an advocacy committee member. Moussa is excited to play a role in advancing this city’s future and has a vision of our community building around the concept of human flourishing, with safety and security for everyone.
Vote Moussa for People’s Choice.
Patrick Jessee, president and CEO at Enable:
Volunteering with many organizations, Patrick is especially passionate about his roles with The District Theatre, and the Boys & Girls Clubs. Having had a passion for the arts from a young age, he is fascinated by the ability of art to bring people and perspectives together to challenge the fundamentals of world views and opinions. In his role as board chair at The District Theatre, Patrick has helped raise $3.5 million that will go toward elevating Black artists in our community and provide them tools to succeed. Patrick serves as board chair with the Boys & Girls Clubs, an organization that greatly impacted him having had a challenging childhood. He hopes to help youth lead lives full of hope and opportunity. His vision for Central Indiana: that we overcome our Midwest modesty and lean into the brilliant and untapped cultural creativity of our city, becoming a destination for culture-seekers and innovation-thirsty minds.
Vote Patrick for People’s Choice.
Ariel A. Relf, digital communications specialist at Cummins, Inc.:
As a firm believer in the principle of treating others as you would like to be treated, Ariel finds her asking: “How can I help?” This perspective has led to her involvement in several organizations helping youth, education, health and social justice. Ariel’s vision for the Central Indiana community is one where all people have equal opportunity to reach their full potential, “no matter the barrier, gender, place or race.” This year she dedicated over 200 hours to community service, for her love of seeing people smile.
Vote Ariel for People’s Choice.
Paige Vanzo, development officer at Sheltering Wings:
Paige has developed a passion for donor communications and fund development having fundraised with small theater companies and the Presbyterian Villages of Michigan. She has used this professionally as a development director for Sheltering Wings and in her volunteer work with Women4Change Indiana. Paige volunteers to get out the vote and educate voters on issues that most impact the women of Indiana. She shares a similar vision to Sheltering Wings for our community and hopes for a community that is safe, healthy and free from abuse.