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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.

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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. 

Nominations are accepted annually.
Nominations Open In October
The 2025 winners will be inducted into our Hall of Fame at YIPA’s Annual Youth Worker Celebration on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Central Time. Join us for the celebration!
2024 Friends of Youth Leadership Inductees
Melissa Camacho
Aspiring

Antelope Valley Partners 
Nominated by: Tamara Kirpichyan

Tamara nominated Melissa Camacho and the one word she says best describes Melissa is aspiring. She says Melissa Camacho is a dedicated supervisor in the youth department at Antelope Valley Partners for Health in California. Known for her empathy and commitment, Melissa empowers young people by helping them identify their passions and guiding them toward meaningful opportunities. In one instance, she helped a youth explore interests in art, technology, and community service, connecting them with professionals and resources. Melissa’s approach goes beyond guidance; she collaborates with organizations like Valley Oasis and Project Joy to provide critical resources like housing and life skills workshops. Her belief that “Today’s youth is tomorrow’s future” fuels her dedication to creating a supportive community where young people feel seen and valued. Through her efforts, Melissa fosters resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging, inspiring youth to become leaders of tomorrow.
Darcy Hokkanen
Passionate

Anoka County Job Training
Nominated by: Sue Gunder

Sue wholeheartedly nominated Darcy Hokkanen and the one word Sue chose to describe her is passionate. Sue went on to write, as a supervisor at Anoka County Job Training, Darcy is known for her dedication and compassion, qualities that have defined her 30-plus years of service. She has been a pillar of support, guiding her team and the young people they serve with loyalty and empathy. Darcy’s hands-on leadership style sets her apart—she never asks her team to do anything she wouldn’t do herself and frequently takes on challenging cases. Her program supports young people from ages 14 to 24, providing training, internships, and educational guidance. Darcy’s empathy is evident in the countless ways she has impacted others, from supporting a colleague through grief to standing in the rain to welcome students to an event. Known throughout the community, Darcy’s dedication extends beyond her work as she fosters a supportive and uplifting environment for all those she leads and serves.
Tammi Johnson
Inspiring

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota 
Nominated by: Crystal Maki

Crystal nominated Tammi Johnson and described her in a word as inspiring. Crytal wrote, Tammi’s dedication as a High-Fidelity Wrap Around Coach at Lutheran Social Service of MN shines through her work with youth. Tammi has a gift for guiding youth through challenges, as seen in her year-long work with a young person who, under Tammi’s support, improved in school, strengthened their relationship with their mother, found a job, and earned a driver’s license. Tammi brings empathy and resilience to her role, collaborating with families, community supports, and service providers to create a supportive environment where young people feel valued. She emphasizes “voice and choice,” encouraging each young person to set goals that resonate with their strengths and aspirations. Known for her strength-based approach, Tammi not only provides resources but also celebrates every milestone with the youth she serves. Her dedication fosters trust and motivates young people to explore their potential and develop new skills within their community.
Edwin Rosas
Consistent

Hired
Nominated by: Rachel Grosskurth

Rachel nominated Edwin Rosas, describing him in one word: consistent! Rachel shared that as a Senior Employment Counselor at Hired, Edwin embodies reliability and dedication, especially with the youth he serves. Known for his compassionate, confident, and honest approach, Edwin has a way of connecting deeply with young people, who can easily sense authenticity. He fully invests in the well-being of each participant, the success of the program, and the support of his colleagues. Always willing to lend a hand, Edwin is trusted by his peers, who even showed up to cheer him on as he coached a high school soccer game. His commitment extends beyond work hours, as he takes time to engage with families, inform them about Hired Youth Services in Spanish, and attend cultural events with participants. By being a consistent and caring adult, Edwin provides a safe, judgment-free environment that young people trust, turning to him for guidance and support as they navigate their goals.
2024 Outstanding Achievement Inductee
A.J. Rinaldi
Steadfast

Founder of Pit 2 Purpose 
Selected by: Your friends at YIPA

The YIPA team chose A.J. Rinaldi as the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award, describing him in one word: steadfast. A.J.’s unwavering commitment to young people and leadership is evident in his work with YIPA. From his debut on the Passionate Youth Worker Podcast to his impactful Self-Awareness for Youth Workers training, A.J. has consistently gone above and beyond to support our Just Cause. He was the inspiration behind YIPA’s upcoming People-Centered Leadership certificate course and contributed ten insightful Competency Chats for that course. Known for his gift of storytelling, A.J. weaves together stories, metaphors, culture, and humor to create powerful messages that resonate and inspire. Through all his contributions, A.J. remains steadfast in his support for YIPA’s success, demonstrating his belief in youth workers’ potential and the power of supporting young people to achieve their dreams. His dedication to our mission and to youth work continues to improve the field of youth work, an inspiration to everyone at YIPA.
Our Message to You: With Gratitude

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

Past Friends Of Youth Leadership Award Winners

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

Past Outstanding Achievement Award Winners

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

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