2020 UNA-USA Award Recipients
When we think about progress, and how we can work together to create a brighter future, we look to our members and chapters to see how they’re paving the path forward. As UNA-USA’s National Council Chair, I’m excited to recognize the leaders in our movement and announce UNA-USA’s 2020 award recipients.
While UNA-USA celebrates the work and dedication of its more than 200 chapters across the country, I’d like to take a moment to recognize an extraordinary group of members and chapters that have gone above and beyond to drive forward UNA-USA’s mission of supporting the critical work of the United Nations.
Learn more about our award recipients!
2020 Advocate of the Year Award
Jillian Boardman; President, UNA Los Angeles Chapter
The Advocate of the Year Award recognizes a member who supports UNA-USA’s many advocacy initiatives, from organizing in-district meetings with their elected officials to participating in our calls to action.
As President of the new UNA Los Angeles Chapter, Jillian was quick to form partnerships with local organizations and establish a committed group of members. She has spearheaded a fundraising campaign for the World Health Organization, set up meetings with elected officials, and invited numerous local organizations to speak at chapter events that are aligned with advocacy initiatives. Congratulations, Jillian!
2020 Community Chapter of Excellence Award
UNA Broward County Chapter
The Community Chapter of Excellence Award is awarded to a community chapter that has grown its membership, developed programming or campaigns to support UNA-USA’s mission, and conducted both local and national advocacy outreach.
The UNA Broward County Chapter has gone above and beyond to support the United Nations in their community. Over the last year, UNA Broward County Chapter members have participated in 10 in-district meetings, shared their visions with the UN for a brighter future during Florida’s UN75 consultation, and raised funds for the Adopt-A-Future initiative which helped provide quality education to refugee children. Through the chapter’s advocacy efforts, 31 cities enacted CEDAW. Congratulations, UNA Broward County Chapter!
2020 Campus Chapter of Excellence Award
UNA Arizona State University Chapter
The Campus Chapter of Excellence Award is awarded to a campus chapter that has gone above and beyond to host various programs, actively recruit, engage and retain members, and promote advocacy initiatives.
The UNA Arizona State University Chapter has organized numerous programs, from its United Nations Gala and Sustainability Forum to hosting networking events and meeting with elected officials. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person programming, UNA-ASU members made masks for first-responders and encouraged students to write thank you notes to healthcare workers. Congratulations to the UNA-ASU Chapter!
2020 Young Leader of the Year Award
Bianca Salgado; President, UNA Whittier Chapter
The Young Leader of the Year Award recognizes a youth member who has exemplified chapter leadership and is an ardent supporter of UNA-USA’s many initiatives.
Bianca Salgado demonstrates leadership in both the UNA Southern California Division, the UNA Whittier chapter and within the community through her continued advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals, human rights, and student activism. Bianca has been a UNA-USA member for four years and was elected President of the UNA Whittier Chapter when she was just 24-years-old. She was also instrumental in delegating tasks for California’s UN75 consultation. Congratulations, Bianca!
2020 Arnold Goodman Lifetime Achievement Award
Joseph Baxer; President, UNA Connecticut Chapter
The Arnold Goodman Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a longtime volunteer leader for their continued support of UNA-USA’s mission. This member has served more than 10 years as a chapter leader and has previously served on UNA-USA’s National Council.
Joe has been involved with UNA for almost 20 years and has served two terms on the National Council. Joe coordinated the merger of six small Connecticut chapters, creating solidarity in programming and strengthening relationships among chapter members. Joe has also been actively engaged with the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) for more than 10 years. He currently serves as President of the UNA Connecticut Chapter, working tirelessly to organize presentations and programs across the state each month to continue building support for the UN, its vision, and its goals. Congratulations, Joseph!
Congratulations to all our 2020 award recipients! Your work and commitment is certainly very inspiring to us all at UNA-USA. Our movement of building a strong U.S.-UN partnership has never been more critical, and as we celebrate the 75th anniversary, we must continue to work together for a better world.
