Meet the finalists: 2026 ELEVATE United Way Champion of the Year
The United Way Champion of the Year award will be given to a person who lends crucial support by encouraging their networks to get involved with United Way of Central Indiana. This honoree spearheads giving and volunteering initiatives and is the United Way ambassador for their organization.
This year’s finalists are passionate, dedicated philanthropists who raise their hands and voices – and inspire others to get involved. We can’t wait for you to join us in celebrating them at United Way’s 8th annual ELEVATE Feb. 21 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.
Let’s meet our finalists:
Vincent Aguirre, founder and president of Distinct:
Vincent “Vince” Aguirre is an entrepreneur, educator and community advocate. He’s the founder and president of Distinct, a company that helps small businesses grow and thrive with strong digital strategy and support. Over the past decade, he’s worked with hundreds of local businesses and nonprofits, lifting entrepreneurs and organizations from startups to established companies.
Vince also serves as a Greencastle city councilor (Fourth Ward) where he brings people-first leadership to local government.
Whether he’s teaching at DePauw University, mentoring students or helping businesses find their footing, he shows up with creativity, grit and heart.
“I believe everyone deserves the chance to work with dignity, to pursue their passion and to live in a community that supports them.”
Vote Vincent for People’s Choice.
Maddie Augustus, senior director of government affairs at Faegre Drinker:
Maddie Augustus is a strategic communicator and public affairs leader making lasting impact across sectors. At Faegre Drinker, she brings deep policy experience, strategic thinking and collaborative energy to her work every day.
Maddie is particularly passionate about United Way’s work in early childhood education – and she serves on United Way’s Public Policy Work Group.
Maddie’s focus on building connections between community priorities and public policy has helped drive progress — both professionally and through civic engagement. She’s a standout example of someone who uses her expertise and voice to serve others.
“My vision for Central Indiana is a community where every family can thrive – where safety, opportunity and connection form the foundation of daily life.”
Vote Maddie for People’s Choice.
Rachel Bragg, senior director, R&D strategic operations and engagement, Eli Lilly and Company:
At Eli Lilly and Company, Rachel Bragg is part of a Lilly team dedicated to inspiring employees to give their time, talent and resources to support the work of United Way.
She serves as chair of the team that launches the annual giving campaign, leading efforts to plan activities that educate employees about United Way’s mission and motivate them to contribute. This year’s kick-off event brought together hundreds of colleagues to learn and take action.
Rachel also serves on the board of the American Heart Association because she's passionate about ensuring every Hoosier has the opportunity to thrive.
"I believe in the power of community and the responsibility we all share to make it stronger. By working together, we can be a force multiplier for change.”
Vote Rachel for People’s Choice.
Julie Singer, financial advisor at Bluestar Wealth Advisory of Raymond James:
Julie Singer has been involved with United Way of Central Indiana as a volunteer since moving back to the region over a decade ago.
She serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and was the Community Engagement co-chair in 2019 and 2020. She began as a member of the Emerging Leaders Steering Committee, served as its chair, and she sat on both the Diversity Leadership Circle and Tocqueville Society Council.
From a young age, volunteerism and philanthropy were role-modeled for Julie by her parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles: “They stressed the importance of caring for your community and taking action to make the place you live, and the people who live there, have a higher quality of life.”
“Central Indiana is home to such a vibrant patchwork of neighborhoods, with incredible people, thriving businesses, and tragically, significant economic disparity. ... While poverty persists, our work must persist as well.”