Each year, the Awards Breakfast brings together supporters, partners, employees, and community members to recognize extraordinary individuals whose journeys reflect the impact of opportunity, determination, and support. This page highlights the stories of our honorees and the collective work taking place across our network to help people achieve their goals, strengthen their communities, and build brighter futures.
Employment Achievement Award
Heather Griffith
At 30 with nothing but determination Heather started working at Goodwill. She has grown professionally and embodies what the award is all about.
“I never thought I was smart before, now I know that I am.” – Heather Griffith, Senior Quality Supervisor, Commercial Services – Tremont Manufacturing
Over 7,000 people are employed with Goodwill.
%
Over 61% have a barrier to employment such as limited education, a disability or a criminal record.
Indianapolis Metropolitan High School Outstanding Student Achievement Award
Kelli Gillis
Kelli has been through more in 16 years than many face in 36. She is vigilant in her studies and participates in extracurricular activities. Kelli is unstoppable and exemplifies Goodwill’s mission.
“I’m becoming someone who is a lot stronger than she thought.” – Kelli Gillis, Senior, Indianapolis Metropolitan High School
%
of 2024-2025 graduates had a postsecondary plan
Goodwill awarded more than $100k in scholarships to low-income students in 2024
Health Achievement Award
Sha’Nila Sloan
Sha’nila Sloan enrolled in the Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership R (NFP) when she was pregnant with her first child. She didn’t know how she was going to achieve her academic and employment goals. Today she has a healthy child, employment in the medical field and is continuing her education at Ivy Tech.
“I’m most proud of not giving up on myself. I’m proud that I stuck with the program.” – Sha’nila Sloan, graduate, Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership
Over 10,000 families served since 2011
Over 1,100 families served in 2025 alone
Education Achievement Award
Grace Stuteville
Grace has demonstrated incredible resilience in overcoming barriers and is exactly what we hope The Excel Center can do for people.
“I am very happy and blessed and grateful to be where I’m at, with everything I have been through.” – Grace Stuteville, Graduate, The Excel Center
Over 10,000 students have graduated since 2009
job certifications earned since 2009
Barbara Robinson Memorial Award
Micah Krieg
In 2021 Micah suffered a traumatic brain injury from a motorcycle accident. He started working at Goodwill in 2024 and within two months was working without a job coach. His journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope and the life changing impact of rehabilitation.
“Now I totally want to give everything my best and show how far I’ve come. I can do lots of stuff and I do everything the best I can.” – Micah Krieg, Floor Staff, Goodwill Store #23
%
of persons with a disability were unemployed in 2024, compared to 3.8% for persons without disabilities
%
31% of Goodwill employees in 2025 reported a disability
Connections Award
Old National Bank
Old National Bank has been a Goodwill partner since 2019, serving Goodwill in a number of different ways: volunteerism, community engagement, charitable giving, workforce development and banking services.
”It is in our corporate DNA to have our employees engage and volunteer in the Community.” – Rafael A. Sanchez, Chief Impact Officer & Market President, Old National Bank
Retail Site of the Year Award
Brownsburg Store
The Brownsburg l store has been named Retail Site of the Year for 2026, recognizing its commitment to Goodwill’s mission as well as its exceptional performance, including an increase of 14.8 percent in year-over-year sales and 11.1 percent increase in transactions.
“Our team is collaborative, we support one another and everyone connects and cares about each other. I feel proud when they get a sense of accomplishment.” – Alicia Stegeman, Site Leader Brownsburg