This award recognizes an individual for extraordinary accomplishment in advancing public policy or funding decisions for the benefit of our community’s children, in furtherance of ROC the Future Alliance's mission to improve cradle-to-career outcomes for Rochester’s children. 

As part of the award, the recipient selects a child-serving agency, ages 0-8, to receive a $5,000 donation, courtesy of Rochester’s Child, an initiative of the Rochester Area Community Foundation, in honor of Jacque Cady.

Past Jacque Cady Advocacy Award Winners:

2024 - Dr. LeKeyah Wilson, beneficiary: Reach out and Read

2023 - Dr. Tokeya Graham, beneficiary: The Avenue Blackbox Theatre

2022 - Dina Faticone, beneficiary: Marvelous Minds Academy

2021 - Tonia Burton, beneficiary: Friends & Foundation of Rochester Public Library 

2020 – Dr. Lisa Hiley, beneficiary: Rochester Hearing & Speech Center

2019 - Dr. A. Dirk Hightower, beneficiary: Children's Institute, Inc.

2018 – Dr. Jeff Kaczorowski, beneficiary: All Kids Thrive

2017 – Jacque Cady, beneficiary Friendship: Children’s Center (Joi McMurtry, Executive Director)

The Parent Leader Award recognizes a parent/family member who engages and partners with other parents/families in support of ROC the Future Alliance’s mission to improve cradle-to-career outcomes for Rochester’s children.

Past Parent Leader Award Winners:

2024:

Kearstin Brown-Warren, ROC the Future Alliance

Makhi Whitley, ROC the Future Alliance

Diveth Garcia, The Children's Agenda

2023:

Jasmin Vega, ROC the Future Alliance

Shamika Fusco, Common Ground Health

Chrissy Miller, The Children's Agenda

2022:

Maurice Haskins, PECAN

Tina Carney, PECAN and Whole Child Initiative

Latasha Pomerantz, School #23

Lydia Rivera, Healthi Kids Coalition

2021:

Allen Jackson, Healthi Kids Coalition

Cherriese Bufis, Healthi Kids Coalition

Heather Feinman, Healthi Kids Coalition

Patricia McKinney, School #23

Michaela Wall, Healthy & Equitable Futures Resources Learning Collaborative

2020:

Jennifer Ghidiu, Civic Partnership Designer, National Parent Leadership Institute

Toyin Anderson, PECAN Parent Leader, The Children’s Agenda board member

Shaniela Lewis, PECAN Parent Leader

Luva Alvarez, Parent Leadership Training Institute

Walida Monroe-Sims, City of Rochester

2019:

Catherine Wilson, Co-Chair of the Family and Community Engagement Committee at East

Nahmese Bacot, PTA Treasurer at School No. 46

Lisa Alexander, Parent Liaison, School No. 43

Yohana Gonzalez, PTA member at School No. 33

This award recognizes an organization that embodies our guiding principles - Strengthening Relationships, Community Engagement, Racial Equity and Continuous Improvement - in support of ROC the Future Alliance's mission to improve cradle-to-career outcomes for Rochester’s children.

Past Systems Change Award Winners:

2024 - Hope585

2023 - The Children's Agenda

2022 - Teen Empowerment

2021 - Greater Rochester Parent Leadership Training Institute

2020 - Department of Recreation and Human Services, City of Rochester

2019 - Greater Rochester Summer Learning Association (GRSLA)

The Youth Leadership Award recognizes a young leader who inspires other youth to use their voice - to make a change in the Rochester community - in support of ROC the Future Alliance’s mission to improve cradle-to-career outcomes for Rochester’s children.

2024 - Caydence Dobbs

2023 - Sarah Adams