The Community Champion is someone who is active in their community and makes the time to participate, even when it may not be convenient to do so. They volunteer time, advocate for others in need, and they work tirelessly to further the cause, whether it is to raise money, provide a service, or just to make the world a better place, even if that world is their own neighborhood.

Outstanding community service is at the heart of so many critical initiatives, and has a lasting, positive impact on our society as a whole. By recognizing, developing and celebrating our community service efforts we celebrate the meaning and spirit of giving back and paying it forward.

To be eligible for nomination, the Community Champion of the Year must have shown through their words, actions, and behavior, that they have offered an exemplary role for some or all of the calendar year of nomination.
Individuals must be nominated by someone other than themselves.

...in no particular order:

Community Champion Finalist #1:       Mitchell Cooper, Loss Prevention Link PLL

Here's what people are saying about Mitchell:
Mitchell Cooper is probably one of the most helpful people I know. He worked for the State
attorneys office specifically working for LEO and retailers on Statewide organized Retail crime cases. Mitchell now has his own company and is working in our community daily to confine the work he is passionate about on a deeper level to us retail and law enforcement partners. If you even say the name "Mitchell" anywhere in the community, everyone knows it's Cooper! He spends countless hours and his time making connections to help each other. With Mitchell starting his own business and really focusing solely on what he can do for the community in Orlando and more, I believe he's the epitome of a community champion!

Community Champion Finalist #2:         Jennifer Carl, Target
 
Here's what people are saying about Jennifer:
Jen is the Asset Protection Outreach Coordinator in Seattle, WA. While in the role, she has dedicated herself to training Target team members about empathetic leadership and has connected thousands of would-be shoplifters to housing, mental health, or substance treatment to avoid cycles of law enforcement contact and address the real problems of theft for survival. Jen has also contributed greatly to the community, organizing and attending volunteer events throughout the year. Not only has Jen led by example in her hours of community service, but she has also driven others to serve the community and brought more AP teams into volunteerism. Jen has gone into encampments to assist homeless people with having their needs met, cleaned up parks and beaches, built tiny houses, and completed projects throughout the state to make it a better place for us to live and work. Jen works with organizations like the Seattle Police community service officers and youth resource officer to provide help to those who need it. She also teaches teams about how embracing the community can solve problems, instead of just using punishment. Jen continues to build bridges between the community by focusing on people of color and LGBTQ people, volunteering with tribal communities, pride, and focused shelters. Jen's partnerships within the community make people feel safe and valued, even within an asset protection capacity, and there is no one more deserving of such an award.