Powering the Community
This award is given to regions that go above and beyond to provide mentoring, build outreach programs with colleges and universities, and create strategic alliances in their local community.
Criteria
- Open Minds: Mentoring and college/university engagement, including extending NextUp to students, interns and emerging leaders by engaging them through programs and events.
- Develop Capacity: Local Alliances – establish, strengthen, and build community with local companies and/or other like-minded organizations in regional geographies to scale the mission and grow membership. Uses local alliances to engage communities through collaborative programming.
- Create Opportunity: Local Sponsorships – demonstrates a strong sponsorship program that secures and retains regional sponsors who invest in and commit to NextUp’s mission.
2025 Award Winner
NextUp Twin Cities
NextUp Twin Cities has demonstrated outstanding commitment to community engagement and mentorship through impactful programming and partnership. This year, the team hosted Mentorship Matters in collaboration with Mentium, drawing more than 100 attendees and featuring leadership expert Allison Fragale. They also organized an early career event that brought together over 70 participants for leadership development, networking, and professional growth opportunities, including career panels and headshots. Through these initiatives and a thriving mentor circle program serving more than 100 members, the Twin Cities Region continues to strengthen connections, foster collaboration, and create meaningful opportunities for professional advancement across the community.
Previous Winners
2024 Recipient
- NextUp Texas
2023 Recipient
- NextUp Michigan
