Sydney Lewis Sydney Lewis
Former Associate Manager, Communications

Published

November 03, 2023

Share

For 24 years, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s annual Citizens Awards have honored the remarkable efforts of organizations that harness the power, resources, and talents of business to create positive change.

The 2023 Citizens Awards shined a light on those making a significant impact, driving change on issues critical to society, from addressing youth food insecurity, expanding access to quality healthcare to building resilience in the face of crises.

Recent national civics test scores indicate an urgent need for a renewed focus on engaging and empowering youth, positioning business as a key partner to innovate solutions. This year, we introduced the inaugural Best Civic Engagement Program award, recognizing a partnership between a chamber and a company that inspires youth to engage in and better their communities through civics.

Citizens Awards recipients, by their actions, not only contribute to their own success but also play a pivotal role in improving the communities they serve and the world at large. We applaud their dedication and impact, as they serve as an everyday testament to the enduring influence of business for good.

Meet the winners of the 2023 Citizens Awards:

Best Corporate Steward Large Business: Medtronic 

Improving healthcare outcomes and well-being for patients, benefitting future generations.

Heidi Jedlicka Halvarson, Senior Philanthropy Program Manager, Medtronic Foundation and Kristina Pisanelli, VP and Head, Global Government Affairs, Medtronic
Heidi Jedlicka Halvarson, Senior Philanthropy Program Manager, Medtronic Foundation and Kristina Pisanelli, VP and Head, Global Government Affairs, Medtronic
Best Corporate Steward Small and Middle-Market Business: Veris Residential 

Enhancing community well-being and resilience by addressing societal needs, tackling persistent issues, empowering communities, and the workforce.

Karen Cusmano, SVP, Head of Sustainability and ESG, Veris Residential
Karen Cusmano, SVP, Head of Sustainability and ESG, Veris Residential
Best Commitment to Education Program: RTX

Championing career readiness and preparation for high school students in engineering and technology fields.

Pam Erickson, Chief Communications Officer and Kristy Becerra, Director, Global Corporate Responsibility, RTX
Pam Erickson, Chief Communications Officer and Kristy Becerra, Director, Global Corporate Responsibility, RTX
Best Community Improvement Program:  Tru Earth Environmental Products, Inc.

Making earth-friendly practices everyday actions and supporting organizations to fight global poverty.

Darren Gross, Chief Supply Officer, Tru Earth Environmental Products, Inc.
Darren Gross, Chief Supply Officer, Tru Earth Environmental Products, Inc.
Best Community Resilience and Disaster Response Program: United Parcel Service, Inc.

Ensuring vaccine access is equitable, optimized and the key to global health resilience.

Joe Ruiz, Vice President of Social Impact and the UPS Foundation, UPS
Joe Ruiz, Vice President of Social Impact and the UPS Foundation, UPS
Best Economic Opportunity and Empowerment Program: Cargill, Incorporated 

Reducing poverty, food insecurity, and empowering communities and millions of people globally.

Michelle Grogg, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility, Cargill and Executive Director, Cargill Foundation
Michelle Grogg, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility, Cargill and Executive Director, Cargill Foundation
Best Health and Wellness Program: PepsiCo (In Partnership with GENYOUth)

Partnering to tackle youth food insecurity through America’s most loved game.

Ann Marie Krautheim, CEO, GENYOUth and Nikki Jolly, Senior Manager, Corporate Citizenship, PepsiCo
Ann Marie Krautheim, CEO, GENYOUth and Nikki Jolly, Senior Manager, Corporate Citizenship, PepsiCo
Best Sustainability Program: IBM 

Leveraging technology to address environmental challenges in vulnerable communities.

Justina Nixon-Saintil, Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, IBM
Justina Nixon-Saintil, Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, IBM
Best Civic Engagement Program: Greater Vancouver Chamber   

Promoting youth civics participation through private-public partnerships.

Janet Kenefsky, VP, Operations, Greater Vancouver Chamber
Janet Kenefsky, VP, Operations, Greater Vancouver Chamber

Share Your Purpose

Read more about the stories of the 2023 Citizens Awards winners here.

Celebrate with Us: Visit our social media profiles to explore our latest posts, where we highlight the remarkable achievements of our award recipients and share the latest news and insights on leading business for good.

Twitter (X): @USCCFoundation

LinkedIn: @U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Facebook: @U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Instagram: @usccfoundation

Save the Date: Nominations for the 25th Annual Citizens Awards will open in spring 2024. 

Stay in Touch: For all inquiries related to the Citizens Awards, please feel free to contact our team at foundation@uschamber.com.

About the author

Sydney Lewis

Sydney Lewis

Sydney Lewis was formerly an associate communications manager at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Read more

Topics