Impact Advocate Award

Every child needs a champion—an adult who will never give up on them.

— Rita F. Pierson

Impact Advocate Award
Thank You For Submitting Your 2025 Impact Advocate Award Nominations!
What is the Impact Advocate Award? 

The Impact Advocate Award aims to celebrate and recognize a remarkable individual in their career who is positively shaping the future of Florida’s young children, teens, and families. This award is presented to an individual who is actively engaged as an advocate, working diligently on behalf of their local communities or statewide, initiating programs or policies that positively affect the status and well-being of others. Congratulations again to our 2025 Impact Advocate Award recipient, Dr. Jose L. Dotres of Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS).

What is the Difference Between the Chiles Advocate Award and the Impact Advocate Award?

The Impact Advocate Award was created to celebrate the champions advocating for young children, teens, and families right now. These individuals are amid their professional journeys and working towards creating a lasting impact within their organization, community, or across the state.

Who is Eligible to Receive this Award?
  • Anyone can submit a nomination; you may nominate yourself 
  • Nominees must be well recognized, known for their leadership, and demonstrate a commitment to advocating for public policies that improve the lives of Florida’s young children, teens, and their families
  • Legislators or elected officials currently in office are not eligible for this award 
Who Selects the Recipient and How? 

Nominations are reviewed by the Children’s Week Florida Advocacy Awards Committee, which is composed of former award recipients, community partners, and dedicated advocates. All nominations will be pre-screened to ensure eligibility. If a nominee’s qualifications align better with a different award category (Chiles, Impact, or Youth), the nominator will be contacted regarding any recommended changes.

Please stay tuned for the call for 2026 Impact Advocate Award nominations!

2025 Impact Advocate Award Nominees
Dr. Jose L. Dotres
Dr. Jose L. Dotres
2025 Award Recipient
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS)
Dr. Saralyn Grass
Dr. Saralyn Grass
Kids Hope Alliance
stacy_gromatski
Stacy Gromatski
Florida Network of Youth and Family Services
Debra Harris_Impact Nom
Debra Harris
Making Miracles Group Home
Christian Minor
Christian Minor
Florida Juvenile Justice Association
Tina Gill
Tina Gill
Castles of Imagination Preschool
Paul Mitchell
Paul Mitchell
Southern Strategy Group
Penny Frederick
Penny Frederick
Selby Preschool at The Haven
Felicia Harris
Felicia Harris
Hope Academy International
Sharon Hughes
Sharon Hughes
YMCA of South Florida, L.A. Lee/Mizell Community Center Branch
Dan & Rebecca Burd_Impact Nom
Dan and Rebecca Burd
Speak Life End Bullying
James (JR) Minter
James (JR) Minter
Selfless Love Foundation
Megan Rose
Megan Rose
Better Together