Community

Mark Peterson & Josh Fisher

Mark Peterson and Josh Fisher are both volunteer coaches for Special Olympics MN. Mark and Josh embody Special Olympics’ values of service, community, drive, and empowerment. Together, they represented Team Minnesota at this past June’s Special Olympics USA games, coaching the soccer team to a silver medal. Besides finding joy watching the athletes give it their all in competition and building confidence along the way, both Josh and Mark were inspired by the incredible joy and enthusiasm shared by athletes and volunteers throughout the USA games.

Date Honored: August 29, 2026

Don Tastad

Don Tastad is an extraordinary volunteer from Keystone Community Services. Keystone helps Ramsey County neighbors thrive through a holistic set of programs, including providing food support to over 58,000 people last year. For the past five years, Don has been a dedicated part of that mission, giving more than 925 volunteer hours to Keystone and helping neighbors in need of food support. Twice a week at the Keystone Food Shelf Market, he helps everyone with dignity, respect, and a warm smile. At 92, his unwavering kindness, humor, and steadfast dedication are a source of inspiration for us all.

Date Honored: August 19, 2026

Alicia D. Crudup

Alicia D. Crudup is the Director of Operations at T.O.U.C.H. Outreach. T.O.U.C.H Outreach transforms lives through community-centered violence prevention and outreach. Their team builds trusted relationships, de-escalates conflicts, and connects neighbors with critical resources to create safer communities. Alicia says the most rewarding part of her job is seeing hope replace hopelessness. Service is important to Alicia, and she ensures every person leaves their events with a smile and feeling valued, supported, and connected.

Date Honored: August 1, 2026

Piper Brutger & Brian Monson

As volunteer assistant coaches for both the MNUFC Power Soccer Team and the Academy Team, Piper Brutger and Brian Monson generously share their time and enthusiasm with every athlete on the team. Through the partnership between Allina Health’s Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and Minnesota United FC, power soccer gives athletes the opportunity to experience the joy of the beautiful game. Their dedication creates opportunities and builds confidence for the athletes. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment and the lasting impact they make on our power soccer community.

Date Honored: July 25, 2026

Makara Fairman

Makara Fairman was celebrated for her long-time dedication and support for Girls on the Run Minnesota. Makara has served as a coach for 18 seasons at four different schools, volunteered at countless girls on the run 5k events, mentored new coaches, and shared her lived experience as a coach of color to help inspire more kids and volunteers of all backgrounds to get involved. Makara truly believes in empowering girls and investing in the next generation of young people. She leads with authenticity, encouragement, and joy, consistently showing up for our community and inspiring others to do the same.

Date Honored: May 23, 2026

Fanny Fernandez

For the past seven years, Fanny has been a passionate and trusted leader within the NAMI Minnesota community. She works tirelessly to reduce stigma, increase mental health awareness, and help Spanish-speaking individuals and families navigate complex mental health systems. Through deep community partnerships, culturally responsive outreach, and genuine compassion, she has created safe spaces for conversation, connection, and support. Fanny embodies resilience, inclusivity, dedication, teamwork, and respect in everything she does, and her impact continues to strengthen communities across Minnesota.

Date Honored: May 13, 2026

Than Than Kyaw

Than Than Kyaw is a community builder, connector, and emerging leader dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity. Believing that lasting change starts with relationships, Than Than unites people across cultures, generations, and sectors, creating spaces where everyone feels valued. Their work with the Karen Organization of Minnesota and The Urban Village supports the strengths of refugee and immigrant communities and removes barriers to people achieving economic, social, and cultural well-being. Whether convening neighbors, empowering youth, or championing inclusive development, their work centers on belonging, creativity, and shared prosperity.

Date Honored: May 10, 2026

Evonnie Wilson

Evonnie Wilson is the 2026 Boys & Girls Clubs of The Twin Cities Youth of The Year, a Mt. Airy Club member AND a Keystone President. She exemplifies leadership, courage, and compassion. She’s led impactful initiatives throughout the Boys & Girls Club, elevating conversations on identity and belonging, and consistently shows what it means to lead with intention. Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs’ premier recognition program, honoring teens who embody leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles.

Date Honored: April 25, 2026

Jason Stock

Jason Stock has made a lasting impact on autism, mental health, and disability services through his generosity, leadership, and advocacy. He serves on Fraser’s board of directors and champions its mission. As CFO and Vice President of Central Roofing Company, Jason and his family are committed to building a more inclusive world. Central Roofing has supported inclusive spaces such as the Fraser Sensory Building at the State Fair, the new sensory space at MSP Airport, and the Fraser Festival on May 2 at the Rivercentre in St. Paul. As Jason says, “If I open the door, I open it for everyone.”

Date Honored: April 18, 2026

Women of Centro Tyrone Guzman

For over 50 years, Centro Tyrone Guzman has served and strengthened Minnesota’s Latine community—creating opportunities, nurturing leaders, and uplifting families. We honor the Women of Centro, who are beacons of hope and strength. Over the last few months, there has been intense strain on the Latine community, and throughout that time, the Women of Centro responded with compassion and commitment, delivering food and diapers, advocating and finding resources, mobilizing the community to help, and ensuring no one felt alone. The Women of Centro are a true guiding light for our community and lead with love.

Date Honored: March 22, 2026