Past Award Winners

2025 - Senator Melissa Wiklund

2024 - Stella Whitney-West, NorthPoint Health & Wellness

2023 - Mike Holmes, Scenic Rivers Health Services

2021 - Jan Malcolm, MDH

2020 - Laurel Reger, MDH; Representative Betty McCollum

2019 - Rita Plourde, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic

2018 - Laura Lipkin, MNACHC; Representative Jennifer Schultz

2017 - Mark Schoenbaum, MDH

2025 - Exceptional Community Connector: Comfort Dudzai Dondo, Phumulani

2024 - Exceptional Community Connector: Rain Prehsoeklwee, Mower County Department of Health and Human Services 

2023 - Exceptional Community Connector: Ruth Sherman, Community Resource Connections

2022 - Deeply Rooted Community Health Leader: Cristina Flood Urdangarin, St. Mary’s Health Clinics

2021 - Visionary Leader in the “New Normal”: Dr. Roli Dwivedi, CUHCC

2020

• Innovative COVID-19 Response - St. Mary’s Health Clinics

• Advancements in Telehealth - Shawn Williams, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic

2019

• Safety Net Champion - Dr. Diana Cutts, Hennepin Healthcare

• QI/Innovative Project - Dr. LaPrincess C. Brewer, Mayo Clinic

2025 - Geraldine Cereceda, Southside Community Health Services

2024 - Alyssa Palmer, Southside Community Health Services

2023 - Mary Brown, Community University Health Care Center

2022 - Tracey Howell, People’s Center Clinics & Services

2021 - Bridgette Shepherd, Neighborhood HealthSource

2020 - Desi Hachey, Lake Superior Community Health Center; Chris Singer, Minnesota Community Care

2019 - Jean Thomas, Open Cities Health Center