United Way of Central Indiana has named six winners of this year’s ELEVATE awards, an annual event that celebrates the region’s top young philanthropists.
A panel of six judges chose the winners, who were announced Saturday at ELEVATE, held at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.
Now in its eighth year, the event recognizes Central Indiana advocates, leaders, nonprofit employees and volunteers between the ages of 21 and 41 who exemplify leadership, creativity and community impact in the nonprofit sector.
ELEVATE also serves as a fundraiser for United Way’s basic needs initiatives, which ensure our region’s most vulnerable neighbors have access to the essentials: safe and affordable housing, healthy food, health services and transportation.
This year’s event, “Emerging Masterpieces,” raised over $66,000 and was sponsored by Old National Bank.
Vincent Aguirre was among the 24 finalists. He was mentioned for the United Way Champion of the Year.
The Nonprofit Employee of the Year, presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis, is Neysa Meyer with the Putnam County Community Foundation.
The 2026 winners also include:
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advocate of the Year, presented by Glick Philanthropies: Nicole O’Neal, Free Press Indiana
Emerging Leader of the Year: Maria Yuquilima, Indiana Army National Guard, Indiana University McKinney School of Law
Volunteer of the Year: Emily Sandberg, Indiana University
United Way Champion of the Year: Julie Singer, Bluestar Wealth Advisory of Raymond James
People’s Choice Award, presented by Katz, Sapper & Miller: Annie Cole, Riley Children’s Foundation
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