2014 Who’s Who in America’s Neighborhoods Award

by | Jun 1, 2014 | Awards, Who's Who in America's Neighborhoods

The Board of Directors of Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) annually recognizes neighborhood advocates and volunteers whose work mirrors the mission of NUSA with the “Who’s Who in America’s Neighborhoods” award. Established in 2010, the award honors individual(s) who work to: (1) build and strengthen neighborhood associations; (2) encourage neighborhood involvement in the decision-making process in local governments; and (3) promote productive communications and collaborations among neighborhood associations, local governments and the public and private sectors. The 2014 “Who’s Who in America’s Neighborhoods” award recipients are: 

Mayor Annise Parker

Houston, Texas

Empowering individuals and organizations to work together for the good of the entire community is a hallmark of the leadership from Annise Parker, Mayor of Houston.

Elected mayor in 2009, and re-elected in 2013, Parker took her efforts to advance neighborhoods to the next level when she created the Department of Neighborhoods, which serves as a centralized source of services and resources in Houston.

A catalyst for community mobilization and neighborhood empowerment before becoming Mayor, Park believes that shared information and experiences make neighborhoods stronger.

“She works tirelessly to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods and for all Houstonians. The love she has for her hometown shines through in everything she does,” writes her nominator.

Vanessa Ward

Omaha, Nebraska

Apostle Vanessa Ward has led the way in transforming her community, back home in Omaha, Nebraska. 

Her passion for community and neighbors is humbling and the word “failure” is not in her vocabulary. Vanessa regularly takes the time to engage people from all walks of life with the belief that neighbors can live and work together. 

Vanessa wrote the book “Somebody Do Something,” which tells the story of her personal struggles and gives tips on how someone can make a difference in their community. She has received countless awards, including the Gregg Young Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Community and the 2014 Hero of the Heartland Award from the American Red Cross.