Along with guest speakers Ami Dar from Idealist, Charles Best from DonorsChoose and William Upski Wimsatt from League of Young Voters Education Fund, the YNPN-NYC Advisory Board presented Jessica Walker with the 2006 Nonprofiteer of the Year award at the Fourth Anniversary event, held March 29, 2006.

As a young leader in the nonprofit sector, this young woman has not only excelled in her position as Senior Policy Analyst at the United Neighborhood House of New York (UNH), but has also proven to be a strong advocate for the elderly in New York City. She served as the principal author of a groundbreaking report entitled, Aging in the Shadows, which explores the growing problem of social isolation among seniors. This report highlights the vulnerability of New York seniors aging alone, presents existing programs working to combat this problem, and offers recommendations for change. Most notably, the Commissioner of the City's Department for the Aging made the report mandatory reading for his senior staff. At UNH, Jessica oversees the UNH/Starr Foundation Initiative: Strengthening Neighborhood Based Services for the Elderly, a $500,000 initiative piloting eight geriatric mental health programs throughout the City.

Like many rising young leaders in the nonprofit sector, her role in the community extends beyond her full time position. She is involved in a number of community organizations and also volunteers her time as a host at Rise Up Radio on WBAI 99.5 FM, a weekly radio show that highlights youth issues and advocacy. Congrats to Jessica!

Read our Spotlight article with Jessica.