Project Description

Announcing our 2024 Night with the Stars Gala Award Recipients!

We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Night with the Stars award recipients! These honorees embody COA’s mission and are a reflection of our organization’s values. We look forward to telling their stories and celebrating the work they do in our communities at this year’s Night with the Stars Gala on May 18th at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel. For more event information, please visit the gala webpage at bidpal.net/coastars.

 

Leslie Woodruff

Guiding Star Award

Leslie Woodruff exemplifies COA’s values and is an essential member of the team both at Camp Helen Brachman and at the Riverwest Center. During her 14 years at the agency, she has impacted countless Milwaukee youth through her work as Camp Registrar. Leslie received the Dedicated Service Award from the American Camp Association last year In recognition of the hard work it takes to make each session a success. Along with her enthusiasm for all things COA, Leslie’s commitment to service means she is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. We look forward to celebrating Leslie’s achievements with the 2024 Guiding Star Award.

Soleil Harvey

Rising Star Award

Soleil Harvey is a strong believer in COA’s mission, and during her time in our programs has grown into a leader and role model for our participants. Along with serving as the President of the Amani Youth Council, Soleil is deeply involved with the Teen Impact Program and is a natural advocate for fostering a safe space for teens. Soleil is currently a teacher at Burke Early Education Center, the same program where she was enrolled with her siblings as a child, and her work continues to make an impact on the next generation of Amani youth. We are honored to present Soleil with the 2024 Rising Star Award.

PrincessSafiya Byers

Alumni Star Award

PrincessSafiya grew up in COA programs as the oldest daughter of the Director of Programs Nicole Thompson. After working for the agency and lending a helping hand at the Gill Family Resource Center during the pandemic, she remains involved in the Amani neighborhood as a journalist who advocates for social and economic equality. PrincessSafiya publishes articles that highlight incentives and resources throughout the city, and her work in our community makes a positive impact on all the families we serve. We are proud to honor Princess with the 2024 Alumni Star Award.

Advocate Aurora Health

Community Star Award

Advocate Aurora Health’s partnership with COA has allowed for significant growth in the services available at our Gill Family Resource Center. Corresponding with our food pantry hours, their community health clinic at the Goldin Center provides child and adult care, general checkups and exams, various illness screenings, and sick visits. Thanks to these resources, the families we serve can now address all aspects of their health and wellness with just one visit to Goldin. This year we honor Advocate Aurora’s contribution to the real-life impact of COA’s mission with the 2024 Community Star Award.