To recognize the important contributions of volunteers to non-profit organizations, schools, faith-based organizations and the community at-large, United Way for Southeastern Michigan presents the 2024 Volunteer Honor Roll. Honor Roll members were nominated by organizations and fellow community members who recognized the differences each of these volunteers have made in our community. Read more about the work of volunteers in our community here!

Tracie T. Apatira

Rho Sigma Foundation

Tracie is an advocate for community service whose actions affirm the motto “No child left behind”.

Nicole Castka

Neighborhood Service Organization

NSO is thankful for Nicole’s heart of gold! Every month she coordinates a team of volunteers to make meals for residents of our shelter and other nonprofits in Detroit.

Sharon I. Davis

Hospitality Caring and Sharing, Rho Sigma Foundation, Keep Growing Detroit, Detroit Community School District, Love Only

Mrs. Davis’ life’s mission is in service to others, sharing her knowledge, skills and wisdom with individuals, groups, teams and myriad organizations.

Jeffrey DeGasperis

Innovation Lab at Ann Visger Elementary School

Jeff’s always willing to volunteer and assist when needed. He is a true advocate when it comes to making a difference and he always shows up with a positive attitude. He not only shows up, but he always extends an invite to his team.

Rosemarie Forrest

Giving Food for Life

“Mama Rose” has an upstanding place in our community! Her philanthropic spirit and willingness to help others deserves acknowledgement of her selfless efforts to give back.


Abdul Hamidadeen and Amat Almahdi

AmeriCorps

Amat and Abdul have limited English language proficiency, but they are able to provide much needed social, emotional and academic support to children in their classroom because they have found that love is a language all children understand.

Marnita S. Harris

United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Marnita has a lets-make-it-happen attitude and work ethic combined with a passion to serve others for the betterment of the community.


Cynthia Hicks

Zaman

Cynthia is a reliable and dedicated volunteer who not only makes time for her community but brings endless care to everyone around her.

Beatrice Jackson

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries

Ms. Jackson is a 24-year retired Ford employee and, although she is retired, her community involvement has continued. DRMM will always be grateful for her continued partnership and generous spirit!

Holly Kim

MiGen – Michigan LGBTQ+ Elder’s Network

Holly exemplifies success in establishing intergenerational relationships among LGBTQ+ community members and providing much-needed services to an underrepresented population.

Eric Larrieux

Giving Food for Life

Eric goes above and beyond to ensure that he provides excellent customer service. He gives back to the community by feeding them and extending an open heart and warm kindness!

Meaghan Madison

Green Door Initiative, Focus:HOPE, Higher Ground Church Ministries

Meaghan has focused her community commitment in the last 5+ years to ensuring the Southeast Michigan community is knowledgeable about their finances and provided with the tools to support financial education.


Michael Madison

Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels

Mike is selfless, dedicated and passionate about supporting our community and goes above and beyond to positively impact others with his caring heart.

Kathy Mollo

Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance

Kathy has dedicated an indescribable amount of time and effort to help raise awareness of ovarian cancer in the state of Michigan.

Robert Mull

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Bob has volunteered with the VITA clinic in Washtenaw County for many years, often going above and beyond for VITA clients: Showing up before/after clinics, scheduling appointments and ensuring that the client’s needs are met.

Chinmay Sujith Nair

Michigan Youth Volunteering Alliance

Chinmay has worked to serve his community by working with the Michigan Youth Volunteering Alliance to help those in need. Working with his robotics team, he is fostering future generation’s growth. Working with Be the Star You Are!, he is facilitating literacy for younger children.


Pam Otto

Crossroads of Michigan

Pam has shown exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to serving our community. Through her tireless efforts, she has become a beacon of hope and compassion, touching the lives of countless individuals in need. Pam exemplifies the true essence of volunteerism, demonstrating remarkable kindness, generosity and empathy in all she does.

Greg Petrosky

Forgotten Harvest

Greg is a “super volunteer” and works daily through food rescue to further our overall mission of eliminating food insecurity in our communities.

Darvell Powell

Handle Bars for the Homeless

Darvell & BYP have been a key part of NSO’s Handlebars for the Homeless for many years, helping to ensure it’s a successful fundraiser for programs that support unhoused in our community.

Karthik Prasant

Michigan Youth Volunteering Association

Karthik Prasant’s unwavering commitment to making a lasting impact notably through delivering meals to the needy and supporting human service organizations reveal his dedication and accountability.

Julie Rayes

Center for Success Detroit

Julie’s passion for children to succeed is evident in her dedicated volunteer efforts through CFSN!

Dr. Felix Rogers

Hope Village

Dr Felix Rogers has made an extraordinary contribution to the Hope Village neighborhood in Detroit, volunteering literally thousands of hours over the course of a decade. He is the embodiment of empathy, selflessness, generosity and genuine caring for all of God’s creations.

Nikita Sathiaprakash

Nikita is always on time, very good with students and always willing to lend a helping hand.

(Rev.) Samuel Spruill

Helping Operations for People Empowerment 

Rev. Samuel Spruill goes above and beyond by advocating for those that are less fortunate, bridging the gap between ministries and the surrounding communities to enhance their lives .

Heather Storey

United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Heather has been a long time supporter of United Way and a champion for early childhood education. She is  always first to raise her hand, willing to jump in and get the support the children and families in our community need.

Nivin Suresh

Michigan Youth Volunteering Alliance

Nivin Suresh displays leadership and dedication in helping the younger generation get proper and fulfilling experiences outside of school.

Michael Szmansky

Innovation Lab at Ann Visger Elementary School

Mike is dedicated to making a difference in the community. His ability to care for others’ needs shows his commitment to giving back.

Faye Taylor

The Konnection Kloset

Ms. Faye Taylor exemplifies unwavering dedication as she warmly welcomes Detroit youth weekly, ensuring every child finds the perfect fit while touching the lives of over 300 individuals. Since October 2022, she has lead intergenerational programming initiatives through the crochet club at Central High School, showcasing her indispensable role within the community.

Peggy Williams

The Konnection Kloset

Ms. Peggy Williams has been an invaluable asset to The Konnection Kloset, showcasing exceptional dedication as a team member. She warmly engages Detroit youth, providing resources and comfort with her genuine spirit. She has served over 300 individuals since its inception in October 2022.

Ericka Woods

Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS), Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO), Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM), Forgotten Harvest, the Ronald McDonald House, Meals on Wheels

Ericka has dedicated herself to giving back in her community and getting others involved. Just like superheroes, Ericka is no stranger to caring for others and helping those in need.