Meet the finalists: 2026 ELEVATE Volunteer of the Year
The ELEVATE Volunteer of the Year award celebrates a young professional whose selfless dedication and service is leaving an unmistakable mark on Central Indiana. This honor recognizes someone who demonstrates outstanding leadership, commitment and contributions to a nonprofit organization.
This year’s finalists remind us what is possible when passion meets purpose. They have poured their time, talent and energy into lifting our neighbors by strengthening organizations and creating lasting change in the communities they serve.
Join us Feb. 21 at United Way’s 8th annual ELEVATE as we honor these inspiring people whose generosity is shaping the future of Central Indiana.
This year’s finalists:
Annie Cole, youth philanthropy program officer at Riley Children’s Foundation:
Annie Cole’s service mission uplifts youth and strengthens neighborhoods across Central Indiana.
With a background in trauma-informed care, she mentors at-risk young people through Realife, helping them build resilience and amplifying their voices to shape conversations around mental health and education. Since 2020, Annie also has volunteered with NeighborLink Indianapolis, providing critical home repairs so families can live with dignity and stability.
Through her role on IndyHub’s IndyVolved Committee, she mobilizes fellow young professionals into civic action.
Vote Annie for People’s Choice.
Loren Dent, director of marketing and communications at Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates:
Loren Dent invests in the community through youth mentorship, tutoring students in United Way’s ReadUP program and serving in leadership with Eastern Star Church’s Ignite Youth Ministry.
What sets Loren apart is her commitment to philanthropy: Each year, she transforms her birthday into a giving celebration, bringing people together to give generously and model a culture of service. Recognized as one of Indiana Business Journal’s 2025 20 in their Twenties, Loren exemplifies servant leadership and commitment to philanthropic mission.
Vote Loren for People’s Choice.
Megan Mioduski, president of Women for Riley:
Megan Mioduski is helping to transform the experience of care at Riley Children’s Health. As president of Women for Riley, she has grown the organization’s reach and inspired a new generation of volunteers to give of their time and talent.
Under her leadership, the group launched a new grant process that increased funding requests by 75% and reimagined the Cancer Center Prom, expanding attendance by 60% so more children in treatment could experience a night of joy and normalcy.
Megan also volunteers in the hospital, supporting staff and offering comfort to Riley families with empathy and unwavering commitment where and when it matters most.
Vote Megan for People’s Choice.
Randy Pease, managing director, network impact at Teach For America:
Known affectionately as “Mr. Indy Reads,” Randy Pease cares for the organization’s bookstore, recruits new volunteers and champions literacy across Central Indiana.
When cumbersome rolling bookshelves disrupted daily operations, Randy went above and beyond to fix it, saving staff countless hours. Beyond logistics, Randy connects with people in ways that change hearts, helping them see how literacy can strengthen the entire community.
A former teacher, board member and devoted father, Randy’s steady presence, generosity and belief in literacy are felt through everything he does.
Vote Randy for People’s Choice.
Bailey Peycha, catering sales manager at Conrad Indianapolis:
Since 2021, Bailey Peycha has served on the board of IndyHub, helping plan events that welcome emerging leaders and strengthen civic engagement.
She also serves on the board of Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis, where she oversees the scholarship committee and previously chaired the Annual Celebration, guiding nonprofits competing for the $100,000 Changemaker Grant. A former scholarship recipient herself, Bailey now mentors future philanthropists through Impact 100’s Leaders of the Future giving circle.
Committed to volunteering more than 20 hours each month, Bailey’s dedication and creativity are creating waves through Central Indiana.
Vote Bailey for People’s Choice.
Emily Sandberg, associate vice president for communications and public affairs at Indiana University:
A volunteer tutor for Brightlane Learning for over a decade, Emily Sandberg works once a week during the school year at the Wheeler Mission Center for Women and Children in Indianapolis. She helps students who are experiencing housing instability complete their homework and build academic skills, so they can stay on track in school despite the challenges their families are facing. Emily focuses on building trust and connection, so students feel safe and valued.
Beyond the classroom, Emily supported the Alzheimer’s Association as an Alzheimer’s Congressional Team member and communications volunteer, served as an auxiliary board member for Partners in Housing Development Corporation, and participated in the annual Point-in-Time Count with Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention.
Her vision for the Central Indiana community is one that intentionally invests in programs and policies that lift multiple generations of families out of poverty: “When we strengthen families, we build a stronger, more resilient community for everyone.”