Named in honor of a beloved community leader and Philanthropy Northwest member, our Mary Helen Moore Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes an individual or organization who has demonstrated remarkable leadership and made personal contributions — beyond financial support — that benefit the entire network. This year, based on our daily interactions with our network members and partners, we chose both an individual and an organization as our 2015 Ambassadors of the Year.
Individual Ambassador of the Year: Cat Martin, JPMorgan Chase
As an active member of Philanthropy Northwest's network, Cat Martin, JPMorgan Chase vice resident & relationship manager of global philanthropy in the Pacific Northwest, has helped drive much of our work this year. Her leadership roles include addressing regional food chain supply challenges as a significant supporter and cheerleader of our Cascadia Foodshed Financing Project; veterans transitioning to civilian life and workforce; youth workforce development and employment with the City of Seattle; and our Local Matters 2015 series of community conversations around our region. She has also been a gracious sounding board, elevating our thinking around around supporting women's leadership within philanthropic institutions and challenges unique to corporate philanthropy. We thank you, Cat, for all you have done and supported us with in 2015.
Organization Ambassador of the Year: First Alaskans Institute
The staff and board at First Alaskans Institute, led by President/CEO Liz Medicine Crow, were tremendous with our Local Matters: Alaska + Indigenous Communities convening, and really are a living and breathing example to us of intentional and authentic community building. Their strength and grace in advancing Alaska Native peoples and their communities; developing the next generation of leaders; welcoming us into their community with open hearts; teaching us how to deeply engage; and challenging the status quo of traditional philanthropy, is an absolute inspiration to us and role model for philanthropy. We thank you, First Alaskans Institute, for reminding us that the closest distance between two people is a story.
We look forward to continuing our work with Cat Martin and First Alaskans Institute in 2016, advancing the field of philanthropy in the Northwest and beyond.