Renaissance Awards

Renaissance Award Categories

• Early Educator of the Year (home-based and center-based) recognizes an early childhood education professional who has made an extraordinary contribution in improving the quality of care and education of young children.
• Home Visitor of the Year recognizes a home visiting professional who has made a significant contribution partnering with families to help them have healthy babies and encourage positive child and family development.
• Rising Star recognizes a young leader, age 16 to 24, who is creating meaningful change for children or youth in their community.
• Youth Champion of the Year recognizes an extraordinary adult ally who champions positive youth development, building resilience, and leadership development among school-age children and youth.

 Past Renaissance Award Honorees

2025

Jani Cousins | Rising Star

Jani Cousins is a freshman at the University of the District of Columbia having just proudly graduated from Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy. A native Washingtonian, Jani has evolved into a passionate activist committed to building a better future for her community. Despite facing immense personal hardship—including losing her mother to cancer, helping raise younger nieces and nephews, and experiencing homelessness after a house fire—Jani has remained steadfast in her mission: to advocate for affordable housing, equity, and opportunity for all.

Her leadership began early. At school, she served in student government, organized events, and engaged deeply in local politics. Through Tech Turnup, Jani learned to code and built a website with affordable housing resources for DC residents. As a LearnServe International participant, she presented those resources directly to DC Councilmembers, advocating for stronger housing policies. She further expanded her impact through an internship at the Federal Housing Finance Agency and as a member of Mikva Challenge, where she worked on transportation safety and helped create a pilot curriculum on social media safety for youth.

Jani’s voice has only grown stronger through her role on DC Action’s Youth Advisory Team. She has written op-eds, testified before the DC Council, spoken to the media, and played a key role in rapid-response advocacy efforts. Her persistence even shaped internal policy—her call for greater support led to the creation of an emergency fund for youth advisors facing crises.

What makes Jani truly extraordinary is her humility. She says she has “never been the first pick” or the one expected to win awards. Yet her record proves otherwise: she is a leader who turns personal pain into public purpose, a young woman who uses every platform to amplify the voices of those too often unheard.

Jani aspires to study pre-med and political science, with dreams of becoming a pediatrician. But her impact as an advocate is already undeniable. 

Glenda Diaz | United Planning Organization
Home Visitor of the Year

Glenda Diaz is a devoted Home Visitor with the United Planning Organization’s Office of Early Learning, where she supports expecting parents and families with children from birth to age three through the Early Head Start Home-Based Program. Every day, Glenda brings care, patience, and dedication to her work, helping families strengthen bonds, build parenting skills, and prepare their children for school. She emphasizes the importance of reading, play, and learning at home, while also leading workshops on safe sleep practices, child abuse prevention, and connecting families with local resources.

Her work has a profound impact. One parent shared: “Before I joined the program, I didn’t know what resources were available in my community. Glenda explained everything clearly and helped me sign up. She invited me to workshops and socialization events that gave me useful parenting tools. The activities she brought helped my son grow, and I learned how to support him at home. She also helped me find health insurance, food, clothing, and more. She listens to me and always checks in on my family goals. Her support has changed my life.”

Stories like this reflect what makes Glenda exceptional. She not only provides guidance and resources, but also builds lasting trust with families, empowering them to feel confident and capable. Her work ensures that children are growing strong and that parents have the tools they need to succeed.

Glenda’s impact is both deeply personal and far-reaching. Families who once felt isolated now feel supported, children who might have struggled are thriving, and parents feel hopeful about the future. She embodies the heart of home visiting—meeting families where they are, lifting them up, and helping them build brighter futures.

Danielle Dupree | Washington Urban Debate League
Youth Champion of the Year

Danielle embodies what it means to be a true youth champion—an extraordinary adult ally who nurtures resilience, leadership, and positive development among young people. An alumna of the Washington Urban Debate League, Danielle first stood out as an accountability-driven student leader who not only excelled herself, but also created space for others to shine. Since then, her journey has come full circle: from winning “Best Instructor” at summer camp, coaching across schools in the region, and mentoring alumni, to becoming an indispensable full-time staff member and Program Coordinator.

In this role, Danielle makes the impossible look effortless. She manages everything from travel programs for 120 students nationwide (often their first time leaving the region), to more than two dozen in-person tournaments serving 750 debaters and 350 volunteers each season, to the Debate League’s intensive three-week summer camp for nearly 300 students. She oversees logistics, ensures every event runs smoothly, and manages more than 80 teachers and 350 volunteers—including her own former coaches—with remarkable professionalism and grace.

What sets Danielle apart, however, are the qualities that extend beyond her organizational expertise. She is an unwavering advocate for inclusivity, designing curriculum that uplifts marginalized voices and bringing equity-focused insights to every staff discussion. She is a master of conflict resolution, building trust with students and parents while navigating challenges with honesty and care. And she radiates positivity—her enthusiasm inspires students to engage deeply, motivates volunteers to return season after season, and brings joy to every space she enters, whether it’s leading Halloween costume contests or DJing bus rides to tournaments.

Though Danielle is not a natural extrovert and sometimes doubts her place in the spotlight, her impact is undeniable. 

Priscilla Huayllas | Early Steps Bilingual Preschool of Georgetown
Early Educator of the Year, center-based

Priscilla Huayllas has dedicated more than 20 years to shaping the lives of young children through early childhood education. Since 2021, she has served as Director of Early Steps Bilingual Preschool of Georgetown, where her vision and leadership have transformed the program into a thriving, full-capacity community that families are eager to join.

Her journey began in Bolivia as an elementary school teacher, later taking her to London and eventually the United States. Along the way, she became a Spanish Lead Teacher, program owner, and now a director whose work is guided by a deep belief in the power of bilingual education. At Early Steps, she emphasizes Spanish language immersion, cultivating both academic growth and cultural awareness in one of the most diverse cities in the world.

Priscilla holds a degree in Elementary Education from Universidad Mayor de San Andrés and is pursuing further studies at the University of the District of Columbia. She is an active member of NAEYC and holds certifications in Infant CLASS Observation, CDA, and specialized training in child care, special needs, and safety. Her commitment to excellence is matched by her creativity: she composes and records original Spanish songs for children, drawing from traditional Bolivian rhythms. Through music, she helps children build language skills, explore percussion instruments, and experience culture with joy and confidence.

Families and colleagues alike describe Priscilla as a gifted leader whose optimism, empathy, and genuine connection make everyone feel like part of a family. Under her care, children are not only safe and supported—they are loved.

Priscilla Huayllas does not simply direct a preschool. She builds community, uplifts families, and creates environments where children thrive. Her leadership, creativity, and unwavering dedication make her profoundly deserving of this recognition.

Renita Gayle Simril | Angel’s Arena Child Care
Early Educator of the Year, home-based

Renita “Mommy Gayle” Simril, owner and operator of Angel’s Arena Child Care, LLC, is a pillar of strength, compassion, and quiet leadership in the Anacostia community she has always called home. From babysitting at 14 to saving enough to attend Hampton University, she has shown resilience and determination at every step. Just three months after graduating, she purchased her first home in Anacostia—her dream home and a symbol of her deep commitment to the neighborhood that raised her.

After nearly 30 years of service with the U.S. Postal Service Federal Credit Union, Renita launched Angel’s Arena Child Care, LLC, in 2007. Her work goes beyond business—she has consistently provided free childcare to mothers who couldn’t afford it and donated clothing and food to families in need. For her, caring for children and families isn’t just a job; it’s a calling.

Her impact reaches far beyond her own childcare program. When the Reinvestment Fund partnered with home-based providers in 2023, Renita not only secured a grant for her center but worked tirelessly to ensure other providers did the same. Because of her advocacy, over 90% of District providers were supported—an achievement possible only through her leadership and generosity of spirit.

Those who know her describe her as a quiet hero: someone who eats with the homeless, helps families in crisis, and speaks truth with love. She doesn’t seek recognition; she simply shows up with her full heart, every single day. Her example has inspired the next generation, including one of her mentees who is now studying early childhood education at Trinity Washington University, determined to carry forward Mommy Gayle’s legacy of care and compassion.

Renita Gayle is more than deserving of this honor. She embodies the strength, resilience, and selfless service that build stronger communities and change lives forever.

Rohan Young | Rising Star

Rohan, a proud Ward 7 resident and sophomore at Benjamin Banneker High School, is already emerging as one of the District’s most promising young leaders. A dedicated member of the Washington Urban Debate League, Rohan has sharpened his voice, his vision, and his determination to use both in service of his community. His commitment to advocacy is evident in every role he takes on—from serving on DC Action’s Youth Advisory to being appointed one of the youngest members of Mayor Bowser’s Commission on Out-of-School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes.

Through these platforms, Rohan has become a powerful advocate for young people, speaking truth to power with both courage and clarity. He has testified before the DC Council, served as a media spokesperson, and helped lead the DC Black Futures event elevating the Youth Jobs Guarantee proposal. His leadership is grounded in personal experience: as he shared in Council testimony, the lack of out-of-school time opportunities in his community has fueled his determination to make them free and accessible for all.

Debate has been central to Rohan’s growth, giving him the tools to think strategically, creatively, and with an open mind. These skills, combined with his passion for justice, have inspired him to pursue a career in environmental law. He understands the deep connection between out-of-school time, youth employment, and community well-being, and he is committed to ensuring that every young person has the same opportunities that shaped his own path.

As he prepares to mentor the next cohort of youth advisors, Rohan exemplifies what it means to lead with both vision and purpose. His voice carries the wisdom of lived experience and the hope of a generation determined to build a brighter, more equitable future.

Free DC | Inaugural Beacon Award

Free DC is a grassroots campaign led by residents of the District of Columbia whose mission is simple but urgent: win dignity for DC communities and demand full control over their own government. Rooted in the movement for Home Rule, Free DC insists that the 700,000 people of Washington, DC deserve to govern themselves without ongoing interference from Congress or the federal executive branch.

The campaign traces its roots to the “Hands Off DC” organizing effort of 2023, which rose up after Congress overturned the District’s revised criminal code. When subsequent efforts threatened DC’s autonomy—including attempts to “federalize” local law enforcement—Free DC formally organized in 2025 as a people-powered movement for self-determination.

As a fiscally sponsored project of Community Change (501(c)(3)) and Community Change Action (501(c)(4)), Free DC uses both nonprofit and political organizing tools to build power at the neighborhood level. Its ambitious goal is to mobilize at least 3.5% of DC’s population—about 24,500 people—a threshold proven in civil resistance movements to spark transformative change.

Free DC centers racial justice, defending the rights of Black and Brown residents, undocumented families, people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, LGBTQ residents, educators, and others too often marginalized. It opposes privatization, state overreach, and attacks on home rule, while fighting for statehood, truthful history, and democratic accountability.

Through training, neighborhood organizing, public actions, coalition building, and cultural celebrations, Free DC has become both a force for resistance and a beacon of hope. 

Free DC is more than an organization—it is a movement to ensure that DC residents are no longer treated as second-class citizens, but as people with full voice, full rights, and full power over their future.

2023

Hannah Wilson | Community Enrichment Project
Shooting Star

As a journalist, activist, and contributor to her community, Hannah Wilson uses her voice and boundless energy to uplift others, bring attention to social issues, and solve problems. Ms. Wilson serves as a Youth Ambassador and Investigative Journalist Intern for the Community Enrichment Project, hosts a podcast about the struggles of Black teenagers, and is launching a nonprofit to amplify the successes of Black women.

Ms. Wilson has written or interned for TurnUp, the Social Institute, and InLight Magazine. She previously participated in the New York Times Summer Writing Academy. Ms. Wilson hopes to study journalism at Columbia University and eventually become a reporter for the New York Times.

In addition to writing, she volunteers extensively in her community, including tutoring students at two neighborhood elementary schools. She runs track and plays volleyball and is a member of the Poms cheer squad. Wilson has played the trumpet since second grade, including for the DC Youth Orchestra for five years.

As part of her work with the Community Enrichment Project, Wilson testified before the DC Council at a 2023 budget hearing about educational inequities in the District, urging councilmembers to invest more in schools in Wards 7 and 8. A Ward 7 resident herself, Wilson attends the Academy of the Holy Cross. As one of only a few Black students at the school, Wilson works to promote racial justice and advocate for equity there.

Betania Pineda | Mary’s Center
Home Visitor of the Year

Growing up in Capitol Heights, Maryland, Betania Pineda didn’t see a lot of Hispanic professionals leading her community, but she was determined to change that and become a role model for others. So Ms. Pineda earned her degree from Bowie State University in child and adolescent studies, which integrated elements of education, social work, psychology, and child development. Her course of study prepared her perfectly for her current role as a home visitor. She now works with many Spanish-speaking families to help them understand the services available to them in the District and help them reach their goals as parents.

Ms. Pineda joined the Healthy Families America home visiting team at Mary’s Center in February 2021. While Pineda was recently promoted to supervisor, she still maintains a caseload of 14 families because of increased demand for services and challenges sustaining the home visiting workforce, which has long been undervalued and underpaid by District government. Pineda has partnered with the Home Visiting Council to advocate for higher pay for the profession.

Tiescheka Stuart | Roosevelt STAY Opportunity Academy
Youth Champion of the Year

Behind everything Tiescheka Stuart does is one goal–to make sure every individual she encounters possesses the resources, support system, and love they need to become the best possible versions of themselves. Whether she’s running a hotel restaurant, a special education classroom, or a career and technical education program, Ms. Stuart consistently goes above and beyond to lift people up and help them shine.

Raised in the Bahamas, Ms. Stuart came to the United States to study hospitality. Following four years managing a restaurant at a four-star hotel, she became a special education teaching assistant. Throughout her life, Ms. Stuart has cultivated and often combined both vocations. She recently launched More than Enough Center for Learning, a nonprofit focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, career readiness, and life skills for young people from underserved communities.

When Ms. Stuart returned to the Bahamas to teach hospitality and tourism studies to high school students, she created a hospitality club and a partnership with the University of the Bahamas to provide her students with opportunities for experiential learning. After moving back to the United States, Ms. Stuart served in a variety of roles, including working with children with special needs, teaching at a hospitality-focused charter school, and introducing adults with intellectual disabilities to the hospitality industry.

Now at Roosevelt STAY Opportunity Academy, Ms. Stuart works with students ages 16 to 22 seeking an alternative to traditional high school. Roosevelt STAY offers career and technology education pathways as well as the general academics required for a high school diploma. Some students are parenting and some come to Roosevelt STAY through the justice system. Ms. Stuart has coached students in SkillsUSA competitions and launched a partnership with Build, which enabled several of her students to become successful entrepreneurs.

Angelique Speight-Marshall | Ms. P’s Child and Family Services
Early Educator of the Year, home-based, Co-sponsored by DCAEYC

Although Angelique Marshall had a career with the Department of Defense for years, she discovered her true calling after her daughter Tanisha was born. When Ms. Marshall started looking for child care for Tanisha, who had been diagnosed with multiple disabilities, she was seeking an early childhood educator with the experience and expertise needed to properly care for her child. When she couldn’t find it, Ms. Marshall decided to quit her job and devote herself to becoming an early childhood educator and an advocate for children with special needs.

In the three decades since, Ms. Marshall has woven together her work as an educator–running Ms. P’s Daycare–with her professional and personal dedication to advocacy. She has served as a consultant to families through The HSC Health Care System, a trainer for the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education, and a parent advocate with Advocates for Justice in Education. Ms. Marshall is currently pursuing her master’s degree in education. Her daughter Takia, who works alongside her at the center, recently earned her bachelor’s degree in early child development. She and Takia regularly take the children in the center on outings in the community and even organized a trip to Disney World last year.

Patricia Bodrick | First Rock Baptist Church Child Development Center
Early Educator of the Year, center-based, Co-sponsored by DCAEYC

Native Washingtonian Patricia Bodrick always knew she would choose a profession that would enable her to care for others. She studied both education and nursing, and for a while worked as an educator by day and a nurse at night.

After her children were born, the joy she found volunteering in their classrooms convinced her to pursue teaching full-time. Bodrick worked in different early education settings before becoming a teacher’s aide at First Rock Child Development Center in 1989. She was quickly promoted to teacher, and served in that role for many years. While working primarily with two- to four-year-olds and in the center’s before care and after care programs, Bodrick earned her child development associate credential, her associate’s degree, and her director credential. She is continuing to work toward her bachelor’s degree. In 2012, Bodrick was named acting director and then permanent director of First Rock Child Development Center.

Ms. Bodrick raised three children as a single parent, and four of her grandchildren after the death of her daughter. She adopted a child who was enrolled at First Rock, after his mother could no longer care for her. And she’s volunteered as a Girl Scout leader for years.

As First Rock Child Development Center celebrates its 40th anniversary, and Bodrick celebrates her 35th year there, she shows no signs of slowing down. “I’ll keep working as long as I can,” she explained. “It’s my passion and a gift for me to reach out and help others.”

Legacy Award | DC Early Learning Collaborative

2021

Alethea Etinoff | Point of Care Child Care
Early Educator of the Year – Home-based

Native Washingtonian Alethea Etinoff grew up in Ward 6, in Lincoln Park and Eastern Market, and raised her children in the District. She took them all over the city to explore museums and attend special events. Until 12 years ago when she bought a home in Ward 8, however, Alethea had never crossed the bridge over the Anacostia River. That move unexpectedly changed her perspective, her life, and her career.

Although her degree was in business administration and she had worked in accounting and finance, when Alethea moved to Ward 8 she immediately saw a deep need for more high-quality early childhood education opportunities and for training and support for early educators. She earned her Child Development Associate credential and in 2013 Alethea opened Point of Care Childcare, with the goal of making a sustainable difference in her community. Since then she has launched Point of Care Staffing and Training to provide coaching services for early educators and created The Business of Early Childhood Education podcast, where she discusses the complexities of owning and operating a home-based early childhood center. Alethea is currently pursuing a degree in early childhood education at Trinity Washington University.

In addition to her work with children, families, and early educators, Alethea has become a fierce advocate for strengthening the early education sector and improving opportunities and compensation for early educators. Alethea is a fellow in Goldman Sachs 10k Small Businesses program. She also emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy for parents. This year Alethea wrote and presented powerful testimony to the DC Council about the need to stabilize operations and fairly raise the wages of home-based early educators. Thanks to Alethea and all the members of the Under 3 DC Coalition, the DC Council acted to raise $75 million to fairly compensate early educators and improve the quality of care for District children.

Audrey Walker | Jubilee Housing
Youth Champion of the Year

Growing up in Shepherd Park, Audrey Walker saw her social worker mom treat the children in her care like they were her own children. Audrey has always understood the importance of being a voice for those whose voices are often silenced, advocating for the needs of others, and giving back to her community. As Director of Jubilee Housing’s Youth Services program, she demonstrates that commitment every day.

While earning her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of the District of Columbia and her master’s degree in early childhood special education from Catholic University, Audrey gained valuable real-world experience and benefited from great mentors. Her post-graduate education career began at DC Public Schools, where she taught preschool through fifth graders. She also taught preschoolers at the Kennedy Institute. After having her own children, who are now ages 6 and 12–Audrey wanted a more flexible position where she could still have a positive impact on youth.

At Jubilee Housing, Audrey has also worked as an Early Start teacher, Program Coordinator, and Family Resource Specialist, watching children in the program go from babies to teenagers. In addition to building relationships with children and their families, Audrey values the opportunity to engage in activism and advocacy on behalf of and in collaboration with her community. She is committed to promoting cultural competency in youth development and equity in education. Audrey serves as treasurer of the neighborhood commission in Petworth, where she currently lives, and is learning how to work with members of that community to advocate for neighborhood goals and needs. She aspires to serve as an ANC commissioner so she can be a liaison between the community and the powers that be so everyone’s voice is heard and listened to. Audrey has testified often before the DC Council, and her ultimate goal is to be an elected member of it.

Barbara Lankster | Kennedy Institute CDC
Early Educator of the Year – Center-based

Although she always loved babies and children, as a young person Barbara Lankster swore she would not become a teacher or a nurse. Determined to find a more exciting career, she studied fashion design, and quickly realized it was not the right fit. So Barbara switched her major to nutrition. After completing an internship teaching nutrition to preschoolers, Barbara understood that she was destined to work with children.

While working with five-year-olds as a Head Start teacher, Barbara wondered why many of the children came to her classroom with delays. Because her own mother was deaf, Barbara had always been interested in people with disabilities. So her next job was at the Hospital for Sick Children (now the HSC Pediatric Center at Children’s National Medical Center), working with children who had developmental and health challenges. When the hospital closed its outpatient services–which included child care–Barbara engineered the transfer of its early education classes to the Kennedy Institute Child Development Center, a program of Catholic Charities.

Working at HSC inspired Barbara to earn her master’s degree in infant toddler special education from George Washington University. The program gave Barbara the opportunity to see the range of circumstances that children face from birth through preschool and how early interventions can help. She brought this knowledge to a parenting program at the Columbia Hospital for Women where she worked with children from birth to age two and their parents.

When Columbia Hospital closed, Barbara went to work at the Kennedy Institute, where she’s worked with children with disabilities ever since. She actually retired–twice–from her position, because vision and mobility issues impeded her ability to complete the paperwork required in her job. But her love of and expertise with young children have proven powerful enough to keep her coming back whenever the center needed additional support. Barbara’s dedication, insight, and enthusiasm throughout her 40-year career have made a difference in the lives of thousands of children and families.

Destiny Sharpe | SPACEs in Action
Shooting Star Award

Destiny Sharpe was in 11th grade when a podium and a law student changed her life. Destiny had attended the African-centered school NationHouse until enrolling in a DC public charter high school. The culture shock was significant, and Destiny struggled to find her identity until taking a class called Youth Justice. Fellows from the American University Washington College of Law taught the class. One day they brought in a podium and asked Destiny to get up and speak. Destiny suddenly found her voice, and the law fellow suggested that she would make a great lawyer. She started paying much closer attention in class, and was selected to participate in a National Moot Court competition, where she was a semifinalist. While still in high school, Destiny met with Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, studied public defenders and sat in on court cases, and attended the National Youth Leadership Forum Law and CSI program.

As a student at North Carolina A&T, Destiny gained organizing skills as a leader of 100 Collegiate Women, and a member of several pre-law organizations including Phi Alpha Delta. She was also active in mock trial and the debate team. Destiny participated in a Population Connection Action Fund conference where she learned about reproductive justice and health equity in Africa, and fell in love with lobbying on Capitol Hill. Destiny worked as a summer intern in the Office of the Architect of the Capitol.

After graduating with a degree in political science, Destiny went to work in 2020 as an economic justice organizer for SPACEs in Action, excited to apply her skills in her hometown. Her first assignment was mobilizing support for the Birth to Three For All DC law. She joined the Under 3 DC Coalition and quickly gained confidence and expertise in organizing and lobbying, creatively adapting her strategies to be successful as a digital organizer when the pandemic hit. She volunteered for two weeks with the New Georgia Project to help elect Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock. Meanwhile, committed to her dream of law school, Destiny started studying for the LSAT and working part-time jobs. Destiny plans to study family law while continuing her work to fully fund Birth to Three and strengthen the child care system in DC and worldwide. Her ultimate goal is to become a Supreme Court Justice.

Samantha McDaniel | Healthy Babies Project
Home Visitor of the Year

When Samantha McDaniel found out she was pregnant at age 19, she immediately signed up for all the parenting classes and resources she could find. Some people offered help, along with judgment and condescension, unfortunately. But, Healthy Babies had a different approach, helping Samantha feel welcomed and accepted and letting her know it’s normal for first-time moms to feel nervous. She participated in Healthy Babies’ programs for a year after her daughter was born and she no longer felt like she needed that extra support.

Two years later, Samantha returned to Healthy Babies as a volunteer. Even though she wasn’t officially a case manager or even on staff, one young mom connected with Samantha and consistently sought her out for support. That inspired Samantha to make it official, so she completed all the necessary training to become a full-time home visitor. She worked in that capacity for four years, until 2012 budget cuts to the program forced Healthy Babies to reduce Samantha’s position to part-time, which didn’t pay enough for her to take care of her family. She made the difficult decision to leave the organization and launched a career in facilities management, which she enjoys because each day brings new challenges.

There are always new moms and babies in the District, and in 2016, Healthy Babies asked Samantha if she would return to her role as home visitor. She knew that most of her work with expectant and new moms was on evenings and weekends, so Samantha decided to keep her property management job while also taking on Healthy Babies clients. She currently manages a caseload of 14 moms, many of whom are teens and unhoused. She sees each of them at least once a week, and a few every day. Understanding what it was like to be a teen mom trying to figure out life, Samantha is committed to providing that same support to her clients that she once received.