2026 Award Winners honored May 2026

Youth Volunteer of the Year
Angelica Maltese, Blossom Vale Senior Living Center

Individual Volunteer of the Year
Roxie and Ernie Ford, Firefighters Burn Institute

Volunteer Manager of the Year
Goya Gutierrez, NorCal Resist

Youth Volunteer of the Year Winner

This award goes to a youth volunteer under age 21 who has contributed a minimum of 25 hours of service in 2026. The winner receives a $500 Scholarship. 

Winner Angelica created an "Adopt a Grandparent" program at Blossom Vale Senior Living Center. Angelica began visiting her "adopted grandparent" in 2024 and still does in 2026. She does this on a weekly basis and educates others about her program. An example of Angelica’s commitment includes collecting recipes from the residents in order to compile and create a Blossom Vale Senior Living Center cookbook.  

Youth Volunteer of the Year Nominees

• Dahlia--A reliable thrift store volunteer who grew from quiet student to proactive team member.
• Elizabeth, Kendayl & Lily--Middle school students who organized book drives, partnered with a school district, and built a free library for ESL learners.
• Isabella, Madison, Alyla & Kaitlyn--Created adoption vests for shelter dogs and trained others to sustain the program.
• Kelsie--Organized a talent show for seniors, coordinating with adults and learning about community belonging.
• Melvin--A hospice volunteer who brings comfort to patients while balancing college, work, EMT training, and medical career goals.

Individual Volunteer of the Year Winner

This award goes to a volunteer over the age of 21 who has contributed a minimum of 25 hours of service in 2026.

Winners Roxie and Ernie are a dedicated married couple who have volunteered with the Firefighters Burn Institute for a combined 37 years, showing unwavering commitment to supporting burn survivors and their families. Inspired by personal experience, they have turned adversity into purpose—consistently serving at outreach events and even creating meaningful initiatives like handmade quilts for survivors. 

Individual Volunteer of the Year Nominees

• Betty--A long‑term volunteer who has become part of a child cancer support community. She contributes to events, office work, and donation outreach.
• Brittni--Started as a student volunteer and stayed beyond requirements. She trained as a leader, volunteers’ multiple days a week, and adapts to any task—from stable chores to costumes.
• Denise--Supports cooking and nutrition classes in low‑income schools. Her teaching background strengthens the program, and she also helps at kids’ farmers markets.
• Fred--A foundational member of a community emergency response team. Known for trustworthiness, professionalism, and willingness to take on any task.
• Geri--Over 30 years of service across multiple organizations—supporting families experiencing homelessness, women in job‑readiness programs, food drives, outreach, and community events.
• Kelvin--A museum volunteer who makes science accessible through warm engagement and creative outreach materials.
• Kerry--Has volunteered over 1,000 hours. Began as a therapeutic equestrian sidewalker, trained as a leader, helps with events, and is becoming a certified instructor for equine therapy.
• Kim--Supports after‑school cooking and nutrition programs and community events. Known for kindness and long‑term commitment.
• Robyn--A long‑serving volunteer specializing in advanced health care directives. Completed 357 healthcare directives in one year.
• Sandy--A tutor who stepped into a full‑time role, building strong connections and using creative tools like activity dice to empower students.
• Sarah--Began as an intern and continued volunteering while studying, applying for graduate programs, and working. Flexible, reliable, and joyful in service.
• Tawney--Volunteer since 2018 and former board member. Helps with STEM meal kits, cooking, and gardening classes.
• Tim--A geology‑focused docent who creates sold‑out programs, connects students with nature, and develops training for others.
• Tyler--Supports LGBTQ+ youth, especially in employment readiness. Offers one‑on‑one guidance and builds confidence in young job seekers.

Volunteer Manager of the Year Winner

This award goes to a volunteer manager (paid or unpaid). The winner receives a one year complimentary DOVIA Sacramento organization membership.

Goya is a manifestation of love for your neighbor. She is devoted to NorCal Resist' immigrant neighbors who have been cast into the shadows. Goya has made it a mission to make them seen and build a bridge with the community at large so that the immigrant solidarity movement expands and grows stronger. Goya puts the community  before herself and selflessly devotes her skills to ensuring those who might have never come across an advocate before, find one through NorCal Resist.

We are so proud to share what our 2026 Nominees accomplished!

Questions? Please email:  awards@doviasacramento.org

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Plan Now for next Year

Eligibility

• Agency where the individual volunteered or is a volunteer manager is a charitable, nonprofit or public organization between January 2026 and December 2026. 

• All nominee volunteer organizations must provide service for the community at large. 

• Groups providing members-only services are not eligible. 

• Service organizations must endorse nominations. 

• Volunteer service may have been performed on work release time, without pay or for student course credit. Out of pocket expense reimbursement is permissible. 

• Volunteer service must have been performed in Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, El Dorado, Sutter, or Yuba Counties. 

• Current DOVIA board members are not eligible for the Volunteer Manager of the Year award.

• Nominated service work must have been performed between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026. 

• Past winners of the three awards are not eligible to win. 

NOMINATION PROCESS -- 

Step 1 (Required) -- Complete one nomination form for each candidate and submit by our deadline date (TBD). 

(Need Google Gmail address help -- go here)

Step 2 (Optional) -- If available, submit a 30-second video explaining why your nominee(s) deserves to be honored OR of your nominee(s) in action. Pictures and videos will be used for promotional purposes including but not limited to the awards ceremony in May, on our website, and on our social media accounts.  You can upload the file at the bottom of the nomination form or send in an email to awards@doviasacramento.org.

JUDGES

A panel of community leaders, independent of DOVIA board of directors and members, reviews each nomination and chooses a winner in each category. Nominees will be contacted by DOVIA shortly after the nomination due date. 

Thank you SVP for Being a 2026 Program Sponsor

Click the SVP logo to see what they are about. We appreciate anyone helping us honor volunteers, both youth and adults from our local community (most nominees are from non-profits).

DOVIA will introduce and honor all nominees and announce the winners with an awards ceremony in May 2027.   We encourage all nominees and nominators to attend on this special day.

DOVIA (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies) Sacramento provides a forum for exchange of information on relevant issues for professional volunteer managers and leaders of volunteers. Through collaborative efforts, DOVIA Sacramento is committed to promoting service and emphasizing professional growth and development of the profession.