Ozaukee Impact Awards

Sponsors of the Ozaukee Impact Awards play a key role in allowing this event to take place. As a sponsor, exposure and recognition are provided based on the level of support. For more information or questions regarding sponsorship, please email us at events@oznc.org

Nominations for the Ozaukee Impact Awards (to be held Thursday, July 23, 2026) are now open. Individuals are invited to make a nomination in any or all of the award categories you see listed. Please scroll all the way through to review every category.

Those nominated are then contacted to complete a questionnaire. Their answers are considered by the judging committee. The judges’ decision is final. All eligible nominees will be acknowledged for their nomination, and winners will be announced at the Ozaukee Impact Awards.

Special consideration for the 2026 Impact Awards will be given to Ozaukee Nonprofit Center Member Organizations where applicable. Winners from the 2025 Ozaukee Impact Awards will not be eligible to receive the same award two years in a row but may be recognized in another category.

*PLEASE NOTE – awards are not based on the number of nominations.

We will present the following six awards for 2026:

• Community Collaboration of the Year: Recognizes two or more volunteer groups or nonprofit organizations that collaborated on a local initiative or project that made an impact within the community.
• Community Stewardship of the Year: Honors a corporation or business entity that has made a substantial impact in the community through monetary or in-kind donations, sponsorships, or employee volunteer programs.
• Nonprofit Emerging Leader of the Year: Recognizes an individual who is an early or mid-career nonprofit professional who demonstrates a strong sense of vision, passion, and commitment to the community.
• Nonprofit of the Year: Acknowledges an outstanding nonprofit organization for its service and mission-based success in 2025.
• Volunteer of the Year: A volunteer who consistently went above and beyond this year in lending their time and expertise to a nonprofit organization.
• Legacy Award: The Legacy Award honors an individual whose longstanding dedication, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact on Ozaukee County and its communities. This award recognizes a deep, sustained commitment to strengthening the community and improving the lives of those who live and work within it.

2025 Ozaukee Impact Awards Nominees:

Nonprofit Emerging Leader of the Year

Andrea Acosta – Ozaukee Food Alliance  2025 WINNER
Martha Derocher – The Arts Mill
Sarah Laduke
Mya Masse – Partner’s with Paws Service Dogs
Shannon McCann – Balance Inc.
Tina Perry – Just Listen
Martin Schmidt – Port Main Street
Jake and Mitch Worzalla

Nonprofit of the Year

Cedarburg Friends of the Library
Habitat for Humanity Ozaukee County
Junior Woman’s Club of Mequon-Thiensville
Ozaukee Family Services  2025 WINNER
Ozaukee Food Alliance
Riveredge Nature Center

Community Stewardship of the Year

Ansay and Associates
Bloomin’ Olive LLC
Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce
H-Knox Development
Orange Theory Fitness – Mequon
Lee Schmidt
That Taco Guy, LLC  2025 WINNER
Worzalla Brothers

Volunteer of the Year

Nancy Gierach – Ozaukee Food Alliance
Duane Helms – Feith Family YMCA
Cheri Hesse – Mr. Bob’s Under the Bridge
Mary Karnitz – Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce  2025 WINNER
Jim Meyer – Habitat for Humanity Ozaukee
Andy Normile – Habitat for Humanity Ozaukee
Jim Ravet – Riveredge Nature Center
Sommer Robinson – Ozaukee Family Services
Jim Sigwart – Greater Port Washington Kiwani’s Club
Julia Sollazo – Lion’s Club
Mary Ann Velnetske – Ozaukee Historical Society

Community Collaboration Award

Balance, INC. and Happy Place Cooking Space
Community Services Navigator Program
Family Promise of Ozaukee and Kohler Credit Union  2025 WINNER
Forward Careers, Inc. and Kettle Moraine YMCA
Four Seasons To Flourish
The Ozaukee Homeless Coalition