Celebrating Philanthropy & Community at the 2025 Prince George’s HONORS
On October 30, the Greater Washington Community Foundation gathered with over 200 friends and supporters in Prince George’s County for the 2025 Prince George’s HONORS – a celebration of philanthropy and community changemakers.
“It is an honor for us to recognize the often-unsung heroes and leaders in this room,” Tonia Wellons, President & CEO of The Community Foundation shared. “Together, we are working together to build stronger, more connected communities.”
Secretary of Service & Civic Innovation Paul Monteiro presents The Community Foundation with a special citation from the office of Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
This past year, The Community Foundation and its community of givers disbursed nearly $120 million in grants to organizations across the region. It also celebrated the launch of the Brilliant Futures child savings pilot program at Bradbury Heights Elementary School and the continued impact of Thrive Prince George’s – a guaranteed income pilot for seniors and youth aging out of foster care.
“The stories we’ve heard from these programs have given us hope,” Darcelle Wilson, Executive Director for Prince George’s County shared. “It motivates us to find new ways to do more and be better for the families we serve.”
“Prince George’s HONORS is about celebrating the true heroes in our community,” Tiffany Turner-Allen, Executive Director of Nonprofit Prince George’s and member of The Community Foundation’s Prince George’s County Advisory Board shared. “This evening we’ve come to acknowledge, celebrate and honor these folks who have chosen to show up and fight for this community.”
The 2025 Nonprofit Leaders of the Year included A. Toni Lewis, Founder & CEO of Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education (FAME); Shaunda Bellamy, Executive Director of Pickett Fences Senior Services, Inc.; Abel Olivo, Co-founder and Executive Director of Defensores de la Cuenca (Watershed Defenders); and Joe Fisher, CEO & Founder of First Generation College Bound.
Dr. Tiffany Howard, daughter of Howard Burnett & Gloria Brown Burnett, then presented her parents with the 2025 Civic Leadership Award. Gloria Brown Burnett is the Deputy Secretary of Operations at the Maryland Department of Human Services and former Director of the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services. Howard is a distinguished educator and administrator with nearly five decades of leadership experience in public education and government service.
Tonia then retook the stage to honor Wanda Durant, President of the Durant Family Foundation.
A proud 3rd Generation Prince Georgian, Wanda shared her journey raising her two sons, Anthony & Kevin – who would go on to become a world-renowned NBA Superstar. Today, the Durant Family Foundation works to enrich the lives of at-risk youth from low-income backgrounds through educational, athletic, & social programs.
Following Wanda, Rev. Dr. Rene Alston presented Rev. Dr. Henry P. Davis of First Baptist Church of Highland Park with the 2025 Faith Leader of the Year Award. Recognizing the critical role of the faith community in Prince George’s County, Rev. Dr. Davis has gone above and beyond to take care of the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of his community.
Former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker then presented the 2025 Wayne K. Curry Award for Leadership & Public Service to The Honorable Dereck E. Davis, Maryland State Treasurer. Named for the first African American County Executive for Prince George’s County, the Wayne K. Curry Award recognizes an outstanding public servant for their commitment and contributions to the community.
Russel Shipley of Shipley & Horne was then presented the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award by Betty Hewlett. A former law partner of Wayne K. Curry, Russell has been actively practicing law in Prince George’s County for over 65 years and has been active in numerous civic and community organizations for more than four decades.
Finally, Charnell Ferguson, winner of the 2023 Emerging Leader Award presented the nominees for the 2025 Emerging Leader Award – Ashley Sharp, Senior Advisor, Maryland Department of Labor – who won the award -- Paul Tarrance, DCPS Educator, Mentor, & Youth Advocate, and Azel Prather, Founder & CEO of The Prather Foundation.
A special thank you to all of our sponsors and community champions who made this event possible! Click here for more photos from the 2025 Prince George’s HONORS Event!