Rising Leader
Established in 2017, the Nonprofit Federation Awards' Rising Leader Award celebrates the next generation of nonprofit marketing and fundraising leaders.
The recipient is determined based on the following criteria:
- is a professional marketer or fundraiser with either a nonprofit organization or a service provider.
- is a respected authority on marketing and fundraising practices.
- has demonstrated achievement, innovation, and leadership in the fundraising and marketing community.
- inclusive staffing and management practices exhibit the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others by exemplifying the highest standards in his or her work.
2026 Nominations will open in the spring. We look forward to celebrating the 2025 Rising Leader Award recipient Yewande Odusanwo of Feeding America at the 2025 ANA Nonprofit Conference, February 25-27 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. Learn more and register.
“Like many people in our industry, it was pure chance that led me to working in nonprofit marketing and fundraising...What has kept me around? That one is easy: the life-changing work we do and the friendships that we have developed while doing it.”
- Tyler Hall, 2022 Rising Leader Award Winner
Congratulations to the 2025 Rising Leader Award recipient, Yewande Odusanwo of Feeding America!
Past Rising Leader Award Winners
- 2023 — Amy Bobrick, ABD Direct
- 2022 — Tyler Hall, Easterseals
- 2021 — Summer Gill, Texas Children's Hospital
- 2020 — Erica Best, Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry
- 2019 — Adrian White Slagle, One & All
- 2018 — Shira Mitchell, Special Olympics
- 2017 — Eliza Slone, MKDM
Explore More Nonprofit Excellence
The Organization of the Year Award recognizes accomplishments by a nonprofit organization using marketing to advance its mission.
The Max Hart Nonprofit Achievement Award recognizes outstanding career accomplishments by fundraising professionals.
The ANA Nonprofit Federation provides the professional education, peer networking, and trusted guidance nonprofits need to advance their missions.