Tacoma’s top volunteers and service providers will be recognized during the 36th Annual City of Destiny Awards, which will take place on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 5 p.m. at Theater on the Square, , 915 Broadway Plaza. Mayor Victoria Woodards and the City Council will lead the ceremony, honoring individuals and groups whose dedication to service has positively impacted Tacoma.
“These awards recognize community leaders whose love and compassion for their neighbors have positively impacted Tacoma,” said Woodards. “Each recipient’s dedication to service showcases how we all can spark change in our communities and create ripples that inspire others to build stronger connections together for a better Tacoma.”
The City Events and Recognitions Committee’s Committee Chair, Jessica Johnston, added, “It is with great joy we illuminate the contributions of the individuals and groups that generously give of themselves. We look forward to celebrating them and their inspiration to our city at this year’s ceremony.”
The 2023 City of Destiny Award recipients will include:
• Lifetime Achievement: Dedicated life to achieving a goal that benefits a specific community. Ramona Bennett of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians will receive this award.
• Lifetime Service: Dedicated service performed by an individual for an extended period that benefits the community. Dr. Timmie Foster of Boys & Girls Clubs, PUSH for Inspiration LLC will receive this award.
• Adult Leadership: An individual that inspires others to help meet a need in the community. Rachi Wortham of TeamWRK will receive this award.
• Youth Leadership: An individual up to 18 years of age that inspires others to help meet a need in the community. Tara Ryan and Tara Zolfaghari, who are part of the Mayor’s Youth Commission of Tacoma, will receive this award.
• Group: Teamwork on a project that benefits the community. The Pierce County Community Engagement Task Force will receive this award.
• Environmental Sustainability: Individual or group of all ages dedicated to improving, conserving, or protecting the natural environment. Lauren Scheidt-Padron of the Eastside Neighborhood Advisory Council of Tacoma will receive this award.
• Disability Advocate: Professional: Individual professional dedicated to increasing access to services such as employment, health, housing, civics, culture, recreation, facilities, and/or programs for people with disabilities. Stu Heath will receive this award.
• Economic Development: Group or individual dedicated to improving, encouraging, and promoting sustainable economic development for under-represented communities. Noemi Cagatin-Porter of CJK Community Homes will receive this award.
• Equity & Empowerment: Group or individual dedicated to the promotion of social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring all have access to resources and opportunities, with a specific focus on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Ashley Jones will receive this award.
Since 1987, the City of Tacoma has honored over 320 outstanding local volunteers and professionals. Visit cityoftacoma.org/DestinyAwards for more information, including a list of previous years’ awardees.
