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OneJax Announces 2023 Humanitarian Award Honorees

OneJax, an institute of the University of North Florida, announces the recipients of its 2023 Humanitarian Awards. The honorees will be recognized at the Humanitarian Awards Event on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

The OneJax Humanitarian Awards honor those who have demonstrated the highest level of personal and professional integrity, have given generously and extensively to the community and have been dedicated to the improvement of human relations among diverse groups in the community.

“The 2023 OneJax Humanitarians are a group of deserving people who have had a long-lasting impact on our community. These are community trustees who are genuinely passionate about making Jacksonville the best place it can possibly be,” said Kyle Reese, OneJax executive director. “These honorees represent a growing list of people laying the foundation to help take Northeast Florida into the future. Their impact is immeasurable.”

The 2023 OneJax Humanitarian Awards honorees are as follows:

  • Gold Medallion for Lifetime Achievement:
    • Nina Waters, President & CEO, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida
  • Silver Medallions:
    • Lad Daniels, Former president, First Coast Manufacturer’s Association
    • Cynthia (Cindy) Smith-Funkhouser, MSW, President & CEO, Sulzbacher
    • Stacey Goldring, Founder & Executive Director, Searching for Identity
  • Fernando Acosta-Rua Young Professionals Award:
    • Kimberly Allen, Ph.D., CEO, 904WARD

View honoree biographies on the Humanitarian Awards website.

“The 2023 OneJax Humanitarian Award Honorees represent an eclectic group of leaders who reflect the past, present and future of our community,” said Dr. Mobeen Rathore, OneJax board chair. “They have each inspired others to work together to bring the vision of a stronger Jacksonville to fruition. These impressive individuals have made noteworthy contributions to the emotional and physical needs of our community, and OneJax is proud to recognize their accomplishments.”

Sponsorships for the Humanitarian Awards Event will be available online in early 2023.

Since 2012, OneJax has been an institute at UNF.  For 50 years, through education, community building and advocacy, OneJax has worked to make Northeast Florida a better place for everyone by celebrating differences and identifying all we have in common.