Region’s top young philanthropists recognized at United Way’s ELEVATE awards

United Way of Central Indiana has named six winners of this year’s ELEVATE awards, an annual event that celebrates the region’s top young philanthropists.  

A panel of six judges chose the winners, who were announced Saturday at ELEVATE, held at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.  

Now in its eighth year, the event recognizes Central Indiana advocates, leaders, nonprofit employees and volunteers between the ages of 21 and 41 who exemplify leadership, creativity and community impact in the nonprofit sector.  

ELEVATE also serves as a fundraiser for United Way’s basic needs initiatives, which ensure our region’s most vulnerable neighbors have access to the essentials: safe and affordable housing, healthy food, health services and transportation. 

This year’s event, “Emerging Masterpieces,” was sponsored by Old National Bank.  

The winners were selected from a group of 24 finalists.  

The 2026 winners are:  

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advocate of the Year, presented by Glick Philanthropies: Nicole O’Neal, Free Press Indiana  

Emerging Leader of the Year: Maria Yuquilima, Indiana Army National Guard, Indiana University McKinney School of Law  

Nonprofit Employee of the Year, presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis: Neysa Meyer, Putnam County Community Foundation  

Volunteer of the Year: Emily Sandberg, Indiana University  

United Way Champion of the Year: Julie Singer, Bluestar Wealth Advisory of Raymond James  

People’s Choice Award, presented by Katz, Sapper & Miller:  Annie Cole, Riley Children’s Foundation