United Way Awards Honor Local Diversity Leaders

Two individuals who played key roles in establishing the Minority Leadership Enhancement Program were honored at the graduation banquet Friday night for members of the MLEP Class of 2004.

Marion Vaughn-Howard was presented with the L. Douglas Wilder Leadership in Diversity Award for her sustained contributions to promoting diversity in the Roanoke Valley. Melinda Payne received the Pioneer Award to recognize her ongoing support of the United Way-sponsored program. The awards were presented before a crowd of almost 200 people at the Wyndham Hotel who gathered with members of the 13^th MLEP class to celebrate completion of the program.

Both women were instrumental in working with United Way of Roanoke Valley and other community members to create the program in 1992 as a way to increase minority participation in civic and charitable organization governance. Each has maintained an active role in recruiting and selecting program participants and supporting curriculum and class participation.

Vaughn-Howard, who is superintendent of the Roanoke City Office on Youth, showed her obvious surprise at being selected for the prestigious Wilder award. She drew a standing ovation and warm applause from the admiring audience.

Payne, who is public information officer for the City of Salem, was also surprised to receive the new Pioneer Award. She thanked the MLEP committee for selecting her to be so honored, and encouraged the graduates to pursue opportunities for applying what they learned in the program.

The Minority Leadership Enhancement Program has prepared nearly 300 people representing diverse races and ethnicities with the skills to serve on non-profit boards. This year's graduates and their affiliations are:

Veronica Anderson, Roanoke Times                  Percy Keeling, Friendly Lincoln-Mercury

 Tameka Barnett, Wachovia Bank                       Gail Kinzer, Probation & Parole

 LaFaune Carter, Carilion Health System            Amanda Starkey, Wachovia Bank

 Walter English III, Carilion Health System          Rachel Wheaton, Patrick Henry High School

 Archie Freeman III, Roanoke City Schools         Lori Wimbush, Roanoke County Schools

 Sheila Harper, Allstate Insurance                       Saron McEnheimer-Young, Friendly Lincoln-Mercury

 Asia Jones, Roanoke City Schools

United Way of Central Carolinas, Inc. Her inspiring remarks elaborated on the qualities of a good leader and the need for greater civic engagement by people skilled and willing to address community needs. United Way of Roanoke Valley, established in 1924, brings together people and resources to address issues that improve lives in Roanoke, Salem, Vinton and the counties of Botetourt, Craig and Roanoke. Each year more than 80,000 people benefit from United Way-funded programs and services.

[Back to Top]