MEET THE 2026 HONOREES

Gracie Cavnar, founder of Recipe for Success Foundation, is celebrating the organization's 20th Anniversary as she mentors the next generation to carry the mission forward. Since 2005, Recipe for Success has combated childhood obesity through Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education™—a hands-on culinary and gardening curriculum now scaled nationwide. At Hope Farms, a seven-acre urban agriculture showcase in Houston, children cook what they harvest and families rediscover shared meals.

Rachel R. Jackson, founder of Project Compassion, is marking 20 years of service with two honors: an Illinois State Senate Recognition and a 2025 Women's History Month distinction from the Illinois State Comptroller. Having served more than 200,000 individuals, Project Compassion continues building pathways to stability for homeless and low-income women, youth, and families through education, hot meals, and compassionate outreach across Illinois.

Jahnavi Rao, founder of New Voters, is launching the New Voters 250 Fellowship as America turns 250, empowering 125 student leaders with mentorship, civic training, and a national peer network. Fellows will run 250 voter registration drives, learn about issues shaping their communities, and apply those skills to produce tangible local impact. In summer 2026, fellows will convene in Washington, D.C. for a national summit.