Recognizing Excellence: Highlights from the 7th Annual Change Maker Impact Awards

We are proud to share that the 7th Annual Change Maker Impact Awards were a resounding success!  

Held on February 27 at the Aloft Orlando Lake Nona, and hosted by Christina Watkins, WESH2 journalist and anchor, this inspiring event recognized remarkable individuals and groups who are making significant contributions to our Central Florida community. This year’s Change Makers are visionaries who not only dream of a brighter future, but who wholeheartedly commit themselves to turning those dreams into reality. 

Learn more about the 7^th Annual Change Maker honorees below: 

Change Maker of the Year was awarded to Ken Robinson of Dr. Phillips, Inc. in recognition of the vision and transformation that has taken place in the Packing District. These enhancements provide new employment opportunities, as well as recreational and cultural spaces for the region to enjoy. 

The LIVE UNITED Impact Awards were presented to four extraordinary Change Makers: 

• Live United Impact Award for Financial Stability: Kate Wilson, Wells Fargo, for leading local community relations and philanthropic engagement efforts for Wells Fargo throughout Central Florida.  

• Live United Impact Award for Basic Needs: Marty Rubin, Smart City Telecom. As the biggest supporter of our Thanksgiving Project since its inception in 2019, Marty’s contribution this year enabled the distribution of a record-breaking 5,000 meal kits, feeding 20,000 people in Central Florida. 

• Live United Impact Award for Health: Heather Wilkie, Zebra Youth for transforming the lives of countless LGBTQ+ at-risk youth in Central Florida by providing essential wraparound services such as short-term housing, mental health counseling, and access to a drop-in center. 

• Live United Award for Education: Bill Daniel, Boone High School for his 30-year commitment to education and financial literacy and his role as a VITA site coordinator and leader of the Boone High School VITA program. 
   

The four honorees selected from the Community Choice nominations included: 

• Unsung Hero: Marilyn King, Grace Medical Home, for advocating for healthcare equity in Central Florida and providing comprehensive care to the ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) population through Grace Medical Home, which she co-founded. 

• Women United Impact Award:  Malika Harrison, MENTOR, for making significant contributions to early learning, mentoring, and community development in Central Florida through her role as the President and CEO of MENTOR Florida.   

• Emerging Leader Impact Award: Britt Johnson Jr., Christian HELP, for positively impacting more than 16,000 individuals annually through food and toy distributions. 

• Change Maker Junior: Annabel Joseph, 14-year-old student, for advocating for mental health and community well-being. Through Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida’s Mental Health Myth Busters program, she challenges stigmas and promotes healthy coping strategies among her peers. Collaborating with her father, she distributes food to those in need and leads the Food for Thought initiative, partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank to address food insecurity. 

Every one of our incredible Change Makers embodies our mission. They are individuals who see a need in our community and rise to meet it, who dream of a better future, and work tirelessly to see it through. They are living testament to the power of what we can achieve when we LIVE UNITED.