Princeton, NJ. October 27—Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania (YA) was recently honored with the 2025 Community Impact Award by NonProfitConnect. Young Audiences was presented the award for strong board governance, and a consistent commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access since 2018. 

The NonProfitConnect Impact Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that drive positive change through leadership, collaboration, and service. NonProfitConnect partners with local nonprofits to provide training, links to new board members, resources for effective leadership, and avenues for sharing, support and networking. 

The 2025 ceremony was held on Wednesday, October 22, at Mercer Oaks Golf Course in West Windsor Township, NJ.  At the event, two additional recipients were honored: Karen Andrade-Mims, CEO Emeritus of The Father Center of NJ received the Liz Erickson Volunteer Impact Award for her significant contributions in the region over many years; and Bristol Myers Squibb received the Corporate Impact Award for their commitment to Mercer County through volunteer service and by preparing employees to serve on nonprofit boards. 

A highlight of the night, student performers from Hedgepeth Williams Intermediate School in Trenton, a years-long partner of Young Audiences, kicked off the event. Sisters Gia and Journey Davis-Rooks sang “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna and Jazleidy Collado sang “Ocean” by Karol G. They had volunteered to sing publicly at the event, during the first few weeks of school, with little time for rehearsal, a testament to the impact of an arts-rich and supportive school community.

“As I watched Michele Russo and her board grow and build their board in the 7 years since I have known them, I have been so impressed by the commitment to the work, to truly incorporating diversity/equity/inclusion/access and to continuing to model strong board governance,” said Allison Howe, Executive Director at NonProfitConnect. “We know when we send BoardConnect grads to Young Audiences, and we have sent many, they will have a positive experience where they can activate their impact.”

Through YA’s programs in schools and community settings, YA engages tens of thousands of students annually in meaningful arts learning experiences that foster creativity, empathy, and connection. YA is governed by a volunteer board of field experts, advocates, artists, and educators in New Jersey and Eastern PA. 

“We are thrilled to receive the Community Impact Award from NonProfitConnect,” said Michele Russo, President & CEO of Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA. “It has been a team effort over many years, with our staff and board working together. And it is so important that we work together on this–especially in challenging times. Through the arts students share their voice and vision, they connect with each other, and they experience culture that expands their horizons.”

As YA celebrates this recognition, the organization remains committed to its mission: to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts. To learn more about YA visit yanjep.org.

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About Young Audiences Arts for Learning

Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ and Eastern PA, established in 1973, is the leading arts-in-education resource in the region, offering teaching artist-led performances, workshops, residencies, and professional learning programs to schools across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. With an extensive roster of professional artists spanning various art forms, Young Audiences has impacted over 15 million children in its 50-year history. Committed to inspiring young minds and fostering inclusive learning environments, Young Audiences strives to ensure that every child receives rich and meaningful arts experiences. Through diverse and accessible programs, the organization aims to strengthen arts education, meet curriculum standards, and enrich cultural life in communities throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

MEDIA CONTACT:

AnnMarie Gervasio

Director of Marketing and PR

Young Audiences Arts for Learning

866-500-9265 ext. 209

agervasio@yanjep.org

yanjep.org