Amplify Award Honorees

Honoring Virginia’s Changemakers for Children, Youth, and Families

Every year, Voices for Virginia’s Children shines a spotlight on the advocates, leaders, and organizations making extraordinary contributions to the well-being of young people across the commonwealth. The Amplify Awards celebrate those who amplify the voices of children and families—whether through community care, courageous leadership, or bold policy change. Scroll to learn more about current and previous winners of Voices’ Amplify Awards.

Meet the 2025 Ampilfy Award Honorees

Emil Cortorreal | NOVA

Emil Cortorreal is a Social Work Case Manager at Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area. Drawing from her own experience in foster and kinship care, Emil advocates for unaccompanied refugee and immigrant youth with compassion and resilience. She is completing a Master’s in Leadership and will begin her Master of Social Work at the University of Kentucky in 2025.

Renee Brown | Roanoke

Renee Brown, LPC, CSAC, is the President & CEO of DePaul Community Resources. With a career spanning over 20 years in mental health and child welfare, she has expanded foster care, adoption, and independent living programs while fostering hope and belonging for children and families. A former foster parent herself, Renee now leads DePaul with a vision for innovative services, strong community partnerships, and sustainable growth.

No Kid Hungry VA | Multiregion

Led by Director Sarah Steely, No Kid Hungry Virginia has secured over $10 million in grants to ensure every child has access to three healthy meals a day, year-round. Sarah partners with state leaders, schools, and communities to strengthen child nutrition programs and is passionate about building sustainable, people-centered solutions. She lives in Charlottesville with her rescue pup, Penny, and a thriving collection of houseplants.

S.E.R.V. | Charlottesville

Students for Equity and Reform in Virginia (S.E.R.V.) is a student-run CIO at the University of Virginia dedicated to fighting for equitable state legislation.

Eli Weinger, Former President — A UVA student of Government and Public Policy, Eli helped lead SERV’s legislative strategy while also serving as a Resident Advisor and engaging in civic initiatives like Hoos Vote and the Center for Politics.

Maggie Chang, Current President — A second-year UVA student, Maggie began her advocacy on SERV’s Environmental Justice team and now leads legislative efforts across education, reproductive rights, democracy reform, and more. She is also a founding leader of Sunrise UVA, advancing climate and environmental justice.