Bobbie O’Hare Impact Award
This award was created to honor our founder of the regions, Bobbie O’Hare. Region volunteer award recipients demonstrate a superior level of leadership in the regions while developing a boldly inclusive community at local and regional level.
Nomination Process: NextUp Region Board members nominate and individual from their region and the award recipient is selected in collaboration with Bobbie O’Hare
Criteria
Every Regional Leadership Team may nominate one of their leaders who demonstrates impact by opening minds, developing capacity, and creating opportunity. Each individual nominee is recognized as its Region’s ‘Best of the Best.’ One nominee will be awarded the Bobbie O’Hare Impact Award.
2025 Award Winner
Sunny Ashman, NextUp Atlanta
Sunny stepped into leadership during a pivotal time of rebuilding for the Atlanta Region and transformed it into one of NextUp’s most engaged communities. Since joining the board in 2023, she has revived consistent programming, empowered volunteers, and reestablished the region’s presence across the network. Under her leadership, engagement and satisfaction have soared, LinkedIn followers have more than doubled, and the board has grown from 11 to 30 active leaders. Her vision and dedication have built a strong foundation for lasting success.
Previous Winners
2024 Recipient
Brenda Valley, NextUp Northern California
2023 Recipient
Jenni Skiba, NextUp Cincinnati
2022 Recipient
Ebony Wyatt, NextUp Twin Cities
2021 Recipient
Jill McIntosh, NextUp Cincinnati
2019 Recipient
Kelly Rolader, NEW Atlanta
2018 Recipient
Kristine Pettoni, NEW Atlanta
