To shine a bright light on the value of youth workers and the strong allies that support them, our Youth Worker Hall of Fame features their amazing passion.
As a YIPA member, you nominate your top performers for the Friends of Youth Leadership Award. We select four exceptional individuals every year.
And YIPA recognizes the contributions of one of our dedicated volunteers or advocates with our Outstanding Achievement Award.
Get excited! This is your opportunity to share the greatness of others with the YIPA community. Who will you nominate for the Friends of Youth Leadership award?
Your superstar could be a volunteer, a staff member, a program leader, a director, a philanthropist, an elected official, or even a young person themselves. We’re looking for people who go above and beyond to help our young people positively develop their unique skills and talents.
Ain Dah Yung Center
Nominated by: Sadie Hart
Sadie nominated Sharla Burth, describing her in one word: benevolent. Sharla is the Clinical Health and Wellness Director at the Ain Dah Yung Center in Minnesota, and everyone who works with her knows how deeply she cares for the young people she serves. She always shows up, and that consistency means everything to young people who are learning who they can trust.
One young person was struggling to find help for their Emotional Support Animal, a loyal companion who had been by their side through so many challenges. When the animal’s health began to fail, Sharla stepped in without hesitation. On her own time, she personally took their pet to the veterinarian, making sure it got the care it needed. That act of kindness not only saved a life, it also showed a young person what real compassion looks like.
Sharla’s empathy and integrity shine through in everything she does. She creates a space where young people can open up, feel seen, and know that her support is real. Her benevolence reminds us all what it means to lead with kindness and heart.
Midwest Christian Center
Nominated by: Brandi Spooner
Brandi nominated Deanna Scott, describing her in one word: committed. Deanna is the Executive Director at Midwest Christian Services in Iowa, where she has devoted nearly 30 years to working with young people. Her dedication is evident in the countless hours she spends supporting both youth and staff. Deanna’s impact runs deep, with former clients from decades ago still reaching out for advice, encouragement, and to share their successes.
Working with young people in the system can be challenging, yet Deanna approaches it with resilience and determination. She inspires her staff to stay strong, think creatively, and always keep the best interests of young people at heart.
Despite her busy schedule, Deanna continues to meet with clients most evenings after school for goal-setting sessions. She listens closely, helps them recognize their strengths, and guides them as they build on their goals. That’s what sets her apart. She makes time, no matter what, and that commitment continues to change lives across Iowa.
STARS Mentoring
Nominated by: Linda Swehla, Jana Smith, and Kim Lorentzen
Each of their one words collectively described Watsana Thiravong as a superstar. Watsana is the Program Director for STARS Mentoring in Minnesota, and her leadership has completely transformed the program. When she stepped into her role, it was struggling, but through her energy, creativity, and commitment, it is now thriving and gaining well-deserved recognition in the community.
Watsana brings people together. She plans group activities like art projects, swimming, rock climbing, and even parades, helping mentors and mentees build confidence and connection. Her calm nature shines through even when things do not go as planned, and her attention to detail ensures that everyone feels welcome and included.
She is also incredibly resourceful and generous, always finding ways to support kids and families beyond the program itself. Whether securing donations, helping families in need, or encouraging young people to set goals and believe in themselves, Watsana leads with vision, grace, and heart. She truly is a superstar in every sense of the word.
Esperanza United
Nominated by: Nallely Castro Montoya
Nallely described Milca Dominguez in one word: devoted. Milca is a Cultural Family Advocate at Esperanza United in Minnesota, and her leadership has had a lasting impact on both youth and parents in her community. She consistently shows up with heart, volunteering her time at camps, conferences, and community events to ensure families feel seen, welcomed, and valued.
From the very beginning, Milca’s advocacy has been at the center of Esperanza United’s success. She not only recruits students for youth conferences, but she also personally accompanies them, making sure they feel safe and supported every step of the way. For parent leadership trainings, she calls families directly to extend a warm invitation, helping them build confidence and connection.
What stands out most about Milca is her courage and integrity. She never waits for permission to do what she knows is right. She leads with cultural fluency, trust, and care, bridging families, schools, and communities in meaningful ways. Her devotion reminds us that true leadership is rooted in love, action, and unwavering commitment to others.
Founder of BlackDot Technologies
Selected by: Your friends at YIPA
The YIPA team chose Mohsin Johar as the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award, describing him in one word: explorer. Mohsin is the owner of Blackdot, an IT company whose motto, We think with you, we build with you, could not be more true. What began as a project to redesign our training website quickly became something much greater. Mohsin didn’t just deliver a beautiful and functional platform; he became a true partner. He worked diligently to understand who we are, what we value, and how we could better share our services with the world.
A mountain climber at heart, Mohsin brings the same spirit of exploration and perseverance to his work as he does to the mountains he climbs. He guided us up steep learning curves and invited us to see from new heights. He asked thoughtful questions, encouraged reflection, and helped us view our value proposition through a whole new lens. Along the way, we discovered that his technical expertise is matched only by his humanity. We gained not just a partner, but a friend, someone of remarkable integrity whose care for others runs deep.
Through his work with YIPA, Mohsin has come to understand the need to introduce youth work to his home country of Pakistan, where the field does not yet exist. That speaks volumes about who he is. His work has strengthened YIPA, deepened our own understanding, and brought us even closer to achieving our Just Cause. His character, curiosity, and compassion are what make him an outstanding achiever and a true member of the YIPA team.
Each year, we have the great honor to uplift our award winners. And our celebration includes youth workers everywhere. So, when the event comes to an end we always send you off with our personal messages of gratitude.
With love,
Your Friends at YIPA
Class of 2024: Melissa Camacho, Darcy Hokkanen, Tammi Johnson, Edwin Rosas
Class of 2023: Brian Swerine, Jameka Usher, Laura Bradshaw, Ray Roskop
Class of 2022: Angella Erickson, Jerod Petersen, Soua Thao, Felix Martinez-Paz
Class of 2021: Bobbie Bement, Norita CHarfauros, Ta'Shena Sams, Kenny Kraft
Class of 2020: Ed Steinhauer, Caitlin Ignasiak, Nancy Vang, Kristi Thao
Class of 2019: Christine Kustelski, Julie Green, Kathy Welch, Mary McRoy
Class of 2018: Adam Gau, Jenilee Drilling, Nikki Monette, Rica Rivera
Class of 2017: Andrew “Drew” Lemmie, Chandra “CeeJay” Jackson, Natalie Johnson Lee, Sherenia Gibbs
Class of 2016: Susie Bjorklund, Rita Younger, Christina McCoy, Phil Winger
Class of 2015: Gary Keifenheim, Erich Lutz, Ruby Cortez
Class of 2014: Alec Staffon, Ehyrn Barthelme, Eriann Faris, Shari Barmash
Class of 2013: Julie Hignell, Loralee Marvin, Lisa Crocker, Senator Scott Dibble
Class of 2012: Patty Wetterling, Mandy Meisner, Kate Swenson, Louis Ochoa
Class of 2011: Maria Kustritz, Dean Prince, Steve Smith, Cathy ten Broeke, Akeel King
Class of 2010: Patty Halvorson, Lisa Hoogheem, Paul Weiler, Mayor Scott Lund, Commissioner Gail Dorfman
Class of 2009: Talia Beck, Doug Hovelson, Meredythe Jones Rossi, Krista McFarland, Quintin Jackson, Erin Rasmussen, Mayor R. T. Rybak
Class of 2008: Guadelupe Gadea, Angela Gonzalez, Autumn Nelson, Mayor Bob Nelson, Patsy Boen, Ronald Evans, Jr., Jenny Hong, Girls RAP Program of the YWCA of Minneapolis
Class of 2007: Montrell Donaldson, Chief John Harrington, James Backstrom, Mike Loud, Nick Schuum, Pam Rusten
Class of 2006: Jason Christen, Senator Sam Dallas, The Smith Foundation, Darrell Thompson
Class of 2005: Yusuf Abdullah, Cass County Commissioners, Lynn Haglin, The Ordean Foundation
Class of 2004: Chris Ganzlin, Terry Troy, Real Estate Equities, Inc.
Class of 2003: Marc Ashton, Representative Karen Clark, Mariah Docksteader
2024: A.J. Rinaldi
2023: Rep. Sandra Feist
2022: Kristin Elizondo
2021: Brandon Jones
2020: Allie Birdseye-Hannula
2019: Darrell Thompson
2018: Bob Sherman
2017: Chris Aldrich
2016: Lisa Meunier
2015: Kathy Tingelstad
2014: Tamar Ghidalia
2013: Connie Landecker
2012: Colleen Fritsch
2011: Talia Beck
2010: Peter Geier
2009: Paul Ramsour
2008: Cheryl Meld
2007: Paul Meunier
2006: Cathy Bergh
2005: Paul Weiler
2004: Kelly Peterson
2003: David Wilmes
2002: Steve Commerford
2001: Brian Dahl
2000: Cheryl Jensen
1999: Perry Lofquist