Community

Scott Accurso

Scott Accurso served for 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and National Guard. During his military career, Scott served as an HR Specialist, Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor, and Primary Marksmanship Instructor. For the final 16 years, he was a Canvassing Recruiter and NCOIC, helping enlist 257 service members.

Date Honored: May 24, 2025

Dana Malan

As a guiding voice at Nami Minnesota, Dana Malan is a dedicated leader whose work helps heal communities through compassion, education, and advocacy. She teaches others how to recognize and respond to mental health challenges, especially suicide prevention, emphasizing that talking about mental health saves lives. Dana embodies the belief that Nami isn’t just an organization—it’s a movement of people supporting one another. Her commitment, empathy, and tireless efforts have made a lasting impact in the mental health community.

Date Honored: May 17, 2025

Rich Melzer

Rich Melzer, the CEO of Youth Link, has had a lifelong commitment to service in the twin cities community. Under Rich’s leadership, Youth Link not only empowers youth but also helps protect and revitalize the community. Rich has championed initiatives that bridge gaps in mental health, housing, education, and employment, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to thrive. His advocacy for young people, the teams he serves, and his commitment to community revitalization make him a beacon of inspiration for all.

Date Honored: May 10, 2025

Leika Pierre-Louis

Small Sums has been dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of it successfully enter and stay in the workforce. Each year, Small Sums equip over 1,000 workers with essential job-starting tools, including work gear, boots, and transit passes, ensuring they are prepared and able to keep their new positions and achieve long-term economic and housing stability.

Date Honored: April 27, 2025

Anna Waugh

Lead by assistant director, Anna Waugh - Mississippi Park Connection strengthens the enduring connection between people and the Mississippi river by enriching the life of the river and the lives of all who experience near river national parks, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. MPC supports the park through education, stewardship, and community programs with all season programs around the Mississippi river. When Anna is not on the river – she enjoys cross country skiing, traveling to visit family, and playing board games.

Date Honored: April 19, 2025

Greig Metzger

Little free library strives to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access for all.their mission focuses on providing books to children, especially in underserved areas. This month, they installed the 200,000th little free library book-sharing box at the Benjamin E. Mays School here in St. Paul! Little free libraries is now in 128 countries, all 50 states, and even on all 7 continents, making books accessible to people everywhere.

Date Honored: March 29, 2025

Alice Buckner

Karen Organization of Minnesota is a pioneering organization that provides vital services to refugees, particularly those from Burma, helping them adjust to life in Minnesota. Founded by Karen refugees, K.O.M. has been instrumental in uplifting the Karen community and others in need. Their mission focuses on assisting refugees in their transition, achieving personal goals, and building a supportive community under alice's leadership since 2023, K.O.M. has expanded its services to refugees from all cultures, continuing its commitment to empowerment, support, and cultural understanding.

Date Honored: March 22, 2025

Susan Murray

For the last seven years, Susan Murray has served as the regional director for tickets for kids in Minnesota, and under her leadership, the organization has grown exponentially. What began as providing 10,000 tickets to children in need each year has now flourished into an incredible force—offering more than 55,000 tickets annually. What tickets for kids gives to these children is not just access to events and activities—it’s access to a world of possibilities. For kids who face barriers every day. They create memories, shape character, and open doors to futures full of promise.

Date Honored: March 1, 2025

Charlie Schmit

Charlie’s commitment to youth empowerment began during his time as a representative on the Minnesota youth council. Serving for three years, he took on significant roles, including two years as the chair of congressional district 5 and one year as co-chair of the education equity committee. It’s a testament to Charlie’s leadership that he has helped amplify the voices of young people across our state. Charlie stood alongside his state representative, advocating for this very change, and had the honor of speaking at the bill signing. His passion and drive for education equity and civic responsibility is a beacon for all.

Date Honored: November 2, 2024

DGS Foundation

Inspired by the collective vision of supporters from Minnesota United, the foundation embarked on a transformative journey resulting in the recurring mantra of "do good stuff" which encapsulates the essence of their aspirations. This simple yet powerful phrase has driven the foundation and MNUFC supporters to come together to support causes that promote diversity and raise awareness of vital community issues.

Date Honored: October 19, 2024

Adriana Arce

As a planning and evaluation analyst, Adriana’s work is grounded in research and evaluation, guiding the department towards better outcomes for the communities we serve. Adriana reminds us that behind every statistic is a story, a life, and a community. What truly sets Adriana apart is her unwavering commitment to equity. She champions a community-based approach, believing that the best solutions come from working alongside the people we serve.

Date Honored: September 28, 2024

Kenna Dooley

Every year in the United States, there are an estimated 15,780 children who are diagnosed with cancer. Through Kenna's role at Childrens cancer research fund, she stands as a powerful force for change. This month, Kenna and her team at CCRF are brining awareness to this critical cause using the gold ribbon—a symbol meant to remind us that our children are “more precious than gold.” Kenna’s commitment goes beyond mere words. She believes in a future where hope can triumph over heartbreak, but she knows it requires a collective effort. Her message is clear and powerful: we must all come together to fight for the lives of our children. By joining the cause, we can turn hope into reality.

Date Honored: September 18, 2024

Katie Kensy

As the head coach of the mnufc power soccer team, Katie has been at the helm of a program that not only competes at the highest levels but also works to help develop her athlete’s confidence and skills on and off the court. Power soccer is a unique and empowering sport designed specifically for individuals who use power wheelchairs. It’s a sport that combines skill, strategy, and a profound sense of camaraderie. Under Katie's leadership, the MNUFC power soccer team achieved a monumental milestone by winning the national championship at the founder’s conference level in 2023.

Date Honored: August 24, 2024

Dream of Wild Health

Dream of wild health is an intertribal nonprofit with a mission to restore health and wellbeing to the native community through food and culture. Dream of wild health is one of the oldest and longest operating Native American led and focused nonprofits in the twin cities. Each year DWH teaches Native American youth about gardening, cooking, and culture, while developing job and leadership skills.

Date Honored: July 20, 2024