The Congressional Award

The Congressional Award Podcast: Elevating DC Youth is back with new episodes! The guests were CEOs from diverse companies and sectors for the third season. Each episode offers an expert's point of view regarding various industries and topics. This season: Explore the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and diversity with Barbara Humpton, U.S. CEO of Siemens. Learn about health equity and the career path to helping others with Jean C. Accius, PhD, NACD.DC, the President & CEO of CHC: Creating Healthier Communities. Build an understanding of sports facilities, development, and entrepreneurship with Christopher Dunlavey, FAIA, LEEDap, CEO of Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. and Owner of CENTERS, LLC. Dive into sports ownership and management with Jason Levien, the managing general partner and CEO of D.C. United. Foster an appreciation for artistic development and a career influencing talented minds with Deborah Rutter, President of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Travel to being a trailblazer and commanding officer with Captain Lena Kaman, the first woman to command the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in New Orleans, Louisiana. Thank you to everyone who participated and worked to make this season great. Stay tuned for updates on Season Four! You can find this season on Apple and Spotify. Or visit us at: https://lnkd.in/diUXrqdG

Hundreds of Congressional Award Gold Medalists have framed pictures with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on their mantels at home. That's because the Congresswoman would stay for hours at every Gold Medal Ceremony to ensure that each participant had a photo with a member of Congress, even if their own member didn't attend. So whether or not you are from Houston, you may have fond memories of shaking her hand and receiving your award from this incredible person. If you stayed to hear her speak, you'd be reminded that it is "what you do for others" that counts most. And at any age, you can make a difference. This week, the life of Congresswoman Jackson Lee will be celebrated in Houston and across the nation. At The Congressional Award we will remember her as a dedicated board member, colleague, advocate and great friend. She will be missed tremendously. As she often spoke to us about strength of character, she truly led the way. And as she always closed her remarks, God Bless all of you, and God Bless the United States of America.

As a private-public partnership, The Congressional Award Foundation brings together members the House and Senate, business and civic leaders to bring needed resources, opportunities and curriculum for young people ages 14-24. Our 2024 Gold Medalists joined us at the US Capitol for panel discussions in four key areas – STEM Education, Financial Empowerment, Global Sustainability and Pathway to Career.  Thank you to our phenomenal #CAFSummit panelists and speakers: Steve Hartell Vice President, Public Policy at Amazon Pamela Alexander, Managing Director, Head of Corporate Citizenship at KKR Erin Roberts, Deputy General Counsel and Chief People Officer at Five Guys Enterprises Raymond F. Kerins Jr., CEO at The Next Solutions Group Michael Kennedy, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Intuit Lea Landaverde, MSF, Founder & CEO at Riqueza Senator Cynthia Lummis, Wyoming Mike Parrish, Vice President Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability at Bayer Barron Segar, President and CEO at World Food Program USA Jean C. Accius, PhD, NACD.DC, President & Chief Executive Officer at CHC: Creating Healthier Communities  Jayme Holliday, Senior Advisor at USDA Dr. Brian K. Johnson, President & CEO, Advance Higher Ed Representative Gabe Amo, Rhode Island Katie Barletta MD, PhD, FACOG, Medical Director at Ferring Pharmaceuticals James L. Moore III, Assistant Director at National Science Foundation (NSF) Representative Hank Johnson, Georgia Jade Shields, Vice President, Corporate Affairs at Ferring Pharmaceuticals Paxton Baker, Chairman of the Board #financialempowerment #STEMEducation #GlobalSustainability #PathwaytoCareer

I’m excited to share that I have officially received my Congressional Award Gold Medal after 5 years of hard work! This summer, I was invited to the The Congressional Award Gold Medal Summit 2024 in Washington, DC. Throughout the summit, I had great networking opportunities with influential government, business, and civic leaders. I also was able to attend leadership and STEM related panels where I received my STEM Excellence Star Award. I finished the summit with a scavenger hunt of National Mall and a baseball game between the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals. I am thankful for having the opportunity to have met with Congress and Senate members. I appreciate Senator Marsha Blackburn and Congressman David Kustoff for taking time out of their busy schedules to meet with me. Additional thanks to Congressman David Kustoff’s office team for the amazing Capitol tour. Special thanks to Yasemin Keles and Cansu Inan, M.Ed. for being my advisors. Most importantly, thank you to my parents Fadime Dibi and Murat Dibi who have supported me and guided me throughout the process. I could not have done this without their support. #CongressionalAward #GoldMedal #GoldSummit2024 #CommunityService #DC

This is a heartbreaking loss and will leave a big hole in America. 🙏🏿 Last summer, as I went to DC to be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, I was so excited to spend time with her. It was a highlight of my trip. She walked with immense wisdom and strength. I am so thankful for all her work that made things better. Thank you, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, you will be greatly missed. The Congressional Award

The Congressional Award mourns the loss of our friend, colleague, and Board Member, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. She was an avid supporter and advocate of the Congressional Award program and inspired everyone around her to break barriers and embrace their full potential. We remain grateful for the positivity and mentorship she offered young people working to make a difference. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

The Congressional Award Gold Medal Summit celebrated 724 young people from across the country - our largest class of Gold Medalists to date. Over 200 congressional meetings took place on Capitol Hill to present each young person with the Gold Medal - the highest honor bestowed upon a youth civilian through the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives under Public Law 96-114. It was an inspiring day of conversations with members of Congress, personal testaments, photos and celebrations with families and friends. Congratulations to all of the 2024 Congressional Award Gold Medalists, and a huge thank you to the supporters, advocates, volunteers and staff who helped to make this all possible - especially our Congressional Award team. Bethie Woodall, Eric Fernandez, Rachel Mallory, Jordan Lindsey, Ph.D., Francesca D'Ambrosi, Lukas Meyer, Nicholas Martinez, Steward Beckham Jr., M.A. #service #volunteer #personaldevelopment #physicalfitness #expedition #leadership #civicengagement #Congress #GoForGold

Congressional Award Ambassador Maya Srikantan interviews Board Member Sanyin Siang about her pathway to success! The discussion reflects on the importance of making authentic connections with others, her moments of self-discovery, and the skills required to overcome obstacles. Read the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/ecynN4jW