Latest news with #JeffersonAward
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Courthouse law library renamed after civil rights trailblazer, late Judge Edward Rodgers
WEST PALM BEACH — The law library inside the Daniel T.K. Hurley Courthouse now bears the name of one of Palm Beach County's most revered civil rights figures and legal pioneers: Judge Edward Rodgers. The Palm Beach County Commission voted in April to rename the library the Judge Edward Rodgers Law Library, honoring the late jurist's groundbreaking career and enduring contributions to justice and public service. The renaming, initiated by Chief Judge Glenn Kelley, was commemorated with an official unveiling ceremony on May 29. Rodgers made history throughout his 22-year tenure in the 15th Judicial Circuit. He became the first Black judge appointed in Palm Beach County in 1973, having already broken barriers as the county's first Black prosecutor. He later served as the circuit's first Black chief judge, leading the judiciary from 1983 to 1985. Born in Pittsburgh in 1927, Rodgers moved to West Palm Beach in 1950 and experienced firsthand the segregation that defined the region. Denied admission to the University of Miami School of Law due to his race, he instead attended Florida A&M University's law school. After entering legal practice, Rodgers quickly emerged as a civil rights leader, pushing to desegregate institutions like the West Palm Beach Police Department and what is now Good Samaritan Medical Center. Read more: Hundreds gather to mourn Edward Rodgers, civil rights trailblazer and legal giant Rodgers built a reputation as both a compassionate judge and a fierce advocate for equality throughout his career. In 1991, he founded the Riviera Beach Civil Drug Court, among the first of its kind, offering treatment and rehabilitation rather than incarceration. The effort earned him the Jefferson Award, often referred to as the Nobel Prize for public service. After retiring from the bench in 1995, Rodgers remained a powerful voice in public life. He served as mayor and councilman of Riviera Beach and was the first chairman of the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics. His final years were spent mentoring public servants and challenging the conscience of local institutions. Rodgers died in 2018 at the age of 91, survived by three children and a legacy that helped shape Palm Beach County's legal and civic landscape. Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@ This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Law library renamed to honor late judge and civic icon Edward Rodgers
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Jefferson Award winner brought spirit of giving to USA
Mar. 21—LIMA — Heera Shenoy left India with her husband and 2 1/2-year-old son in 1982. They came to the United States seeking a better life, and Shenoy knew it would take hard work and plenty of it to succeed in the New World. She was willing to make that commitment. Today, at age 88, she continues to amaze others much younger with her commitment to volunteerism. Shenoy is in her 15th year of volunteer service at Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center, averaging 88 volunteer hours each month. That service has not gone unnoticed as she is one of nine winners of the 2025 Jefferson Award for Public Service. Getting Heera Shenoy to lend her time and talents wherever needed is the easy part of this story. Getting the petite woman to step into the spotlight — even for a brief moment — is much more difficult. "I would be happy if this story wasn't written," she chided during an interview in recognition of her Jefferson Award. "I was even nominated without my knowledge. I don't volunteer my time to get attention. I feel good when I can give back to society," Shenoy said. "When we first came to this country we went through a lot of hardships and now I can understand the problems of others and help out wherever I can. I volunteer because I like to do it." New country, new job Trained in India with a Master's degree in cytogenetics, Shenoy found work at St. Rita's Hospital — now Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center — in the accounting, finance and IT departments. She worked in the IT field for the hospital for 43 years before her job was outsourced some 10 years ago. "I worked 85 to 90 hours a week for 24 years; one day job and one night job," Shenoy said. Today she volunteers at Mercy Health and the India Club. She takes people to appointments, escorts Haitian ladies to nursing homes to look for employment and brings food to elderly shut-ins. She is also a fixture at the Mercy Health Thrift Store in Lima. Without hesitation "Heera gives — her time, her talents, her resources — without hesitation," said Sara Heitmeyer, volunteer/auxiliary resource director for the hospital. "Her willingness to help those in need lifts up all who come in contact with her. She is completely unaware of how much she impacts those she helps. Heera feels that she has been blessed and therefore must bless others." Heitmeyer said Shenoy worked two jobs for many years to put her son through college. "Heera came to this country (from India) with very little. It's because of the hardships she herself has faced that she is so sensitive to the needs of others." "I have known Heera since 2007 when she volunteered as an assistant treasurer for the India Club in Cridersville," Heidi Barnett said. "She has volunteered at St. Rita's since 2005. She helped build a shelter for Eagle Scouts, contributed regularly to St. Jude's and helped settle new arrivals from India by opening her heart and her home. She has regularly donated and collected donations for Goodwill and the Lima Soup Kitchen. "Heera is a pious, devout Hindu Brahmin. She is humble, caring and wants to help others like a soldier of God and a silent worker without expecting any return," Barnett said. Maddie Brunner, fitness coordinator at Mercy Health, said Shenoy exhibits "exceptional dedication" that contributes to the center's success. "Heera comes to the fitness center six days a week and cleans for us. She consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and brings a lot of joy to the fitness center. She never fails to being a smile to the faces of those working out in the center." Featured Local Savings
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Global Press CEO, Cristi Hegranes, Honored Among Top Female Founders
Leading media brand Inc. announces its top 500 Female Founders, recognizing women leaders challenging some of the world's biggest problems. WASHINGTON, March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Press founder and CEO Cristi Hegranes has been recognized as one of the most dynamic women entrepreneurs in the US. Honored by Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future, Hegranes was today named to its top 500 Female Founders list, recognizing a bold group of women whose innovations and ideas are leading their industries forward. Cristi Hegranes founded Global Press in 2006 to train and employ local women journalists in undercovered regions. Her values-driven approach prioritizes newsroom representation and journalist security, redefining international journalism. She has received numerous honors, including the SPJ Journalism Innovation Prize, a Jefferson Award, and the Ida B. Wells Award for Bravery. Her Duty of Care program earned the Chester M. Pierce Human Rights Prize and was a Fast Company World Changing Idea. She is also the author of the bestselling book Byline: How Local Journalists Can Transform the Global News Industry and Change the World. "I'm honored by this recognition, but the spotlight belongs to our incredible global team. In this challenging moment, their passion, resilience, and commitment to a more informed and inclusive world drive us forward," Hegranes said. "As Global Press celebrates its 19th anniversary, it is a testament to the power of collective effort. I'm deeply grateful to stand alongside such inspiring individuals every day." The founders who made Inc.'s 2025 list cross all industries and bring with them unique stories of success from each stage of the entrepreneurial journey — from startup to going public, being acquired by big buyers, or spending decades at the helm of an organization. "Female founders know what struggle is, but they're also experts of improvisation, adaptability, and creativity; the women featured on this year's list exemplify these qualities," said Inc. executive editor Diana Ransom. "Through times of uncertainty, their unwavering dedication and steadfast leadership are not only inspiring but vital to driving progress." To see the complete list of honorees, please visit: For more information and interview requests, please contact Louise Scrivens, louise@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Global Press Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Jefferson Awards: St. Marys youth volunteers 'because I care'
Mar. 10—ST. MARYS — Kera Dorsten is involved with so many in-school activities, after-school organizations and charitable endeavors, it makes one's head spin. The daughter of Mark and Teresa Dorsten is a senior at St. Marys Memorial High School, where she carries a 4.7 grade point average. The National Honor Society member maintains a 4.0 GPA in dual enrollment classes at Wright State University-Lake Campus and is active in the Roughrider marching band, symphonic band, symphonic choir, jazz band and drama club. She is the treasurer of the Auglaize County Junior Fair Board and chairman of the rabbit department. Dorsten is also an usher, women's fellowship secretary and choir member at Buckland United Church of Christ. In 2022 she spent a week volunteering at Back Bay Mission on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to improve the lives of others. She is also active with the Lima-based Family Promise organization, providing Christmas presents and meals for needy families around the holidays and throughout the year. Dorsten averages more than 200 volunteer hours each month. It's easy to see why she was selected as a 2025 Jefferson Award for Public Service youth winner. Equally simplistic is Dorsten's response when asked why she chooses to so freely donate her time and talents. "Because I care," the 17-year-old replied. "I want my life to have purpose, and I want to fulfil that purpose." Part of her time at St. Marys is spent tutoring elementary school students "who have trouble learning and need a little extra guidance." Dorsten hopes to continue that path after graduation and intends to enroll at The Ohio State University-Lima to study special education or become an intervention specialist. In the mean time, Dorsten admits she's "flying by the seat of my pants" as she travels life's path. A confident but unassuming young woman who doesn't take herself nearly as seriously as she does the charities with which she's involved, Dorsten leans heavily on her faith to guide her through life. "My faith kind of steers me in the direction toward positivity," she said. "Just trust in God and trust life's process and hope you do the right thing." She knew at an early age that helping others was her role. "My love of volunteer work started when I was in fifth grade. Our church held a fundraiser for hurricane victims, and I started to understand that I can make a difference," she said. Luann Eeverett nominated Dorsten for the Jefferson Award. "Kera is the most amazing young lady I have had the privilege to know," Everett said. "She does not know a stranger, is willing to help anyone in need. Her kindness is overwhelming. If she sees a need, she will do whatever it takes to fill that need and to be a friend to anyone who may need someone." Dorsten is humbled to be a Jefferson Award recipient, now that she knows the honor even exists. "I wasn't aware of the award, but it's nice to know someone is watching," she said. As a youth recipient of a Jefferson Award, Dorsten will receive a $250 donation to go to the charity of her choice. The 2025 Jefferson Awards for Public Service committee has selected nine winners from throughout the region, including eight adult winners and one youth winner. They will be honored at a banquet March 25 at Veterans Memorial Civic Center in downtown Lima. Read past Jefferson Awards profiles at Featured Local Savings
