Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth, has devoted her life to servant leadership, healthcare excellence, and community advancement across Mississippi. A Dominican Sister of Springfield, Illinois, she is widely respected for her decades-long career in healthcare administration and her unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals and families. Sister Dorothea holds advanced degrees from Saint Louis University and received an Honorary Doctor of Public Service from Millsaps College in recognition of her extraordinary public service.

Her influence extends far beyond healthcare. Sister Dorothea has held numerous leadership roles across civic, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations, including serving as Chair of the United Way of the Capital Area Board of Directors, President of the Rotary Club of Jackson, and Chair of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Board of Governors. She has been deeply involved with initiatives supporting education, workforce development, neighborhood revitalization, and public health—always leading with collaboration, integrity, and vision. Her enduring impact, humility, and dedication to the common good embody the values of the Carol Burger Legacy Award, making her a fitting and inspiring honoree whose legacy continues to strengthen the community she has served so faithfully.

Vangela M. Wade is an attorney, nonprofit leader, and advocate for equity whose work has strengthened families and communities across Mississippi. Most recently, she founded Collaborative Resources and Solutions, LLC, a forthcoming firm focused on life and retirement planning for the “sandwich generation,” helping families navigate generational responsibilities with compassion and strategy. From 2020 to 2024, Vangela served as President and CEO of the Mississippi Center for Justice, where she expanded the organization’s reach, strengthened its infrastructure, and deepened its statewide and national impact on access to justice.

Throughout her career, Vangela has partnered with nonprofits, corporations, and public institutions to advance fair policies, inclusive practices, and community-driven solutions. Her leadership and service have earned numerous honors, including national and state recognition for social impact and legal advocacy. A committed civic leader, she serves on multiple boards and advisory committees and remains deeply engaged in strengthening Mississippi’s communities—making her a deserving Transformational Partner whose values align closely with United Way’s mission to advance equity, opportunity, and long-term stability for all.

Treona “Tré” Landfair is a Mississippi-based healthcare worker, entrepreneur, and community leader with a deep commitment to empowering underserved individuals and families. She is the Co-Founder of Hopeful Community Outreach, a 501(c)(3) organization she and her husband built that is dedicated to faith-based mentorship, educational development, workforce readiness, and holistic support through life’s necessities. Through this work, Tré helps individuals overcome personal and systemic barriers by meeting people where they are and walking alongside them toward personal, spiritual, and economic growth.

A significant part of Tré’s calling includes prison ministry, where she provides mentorship, encouragement, and faith-centered support to incarcerated individuals, reinforcing accountability, restoration, and hope. Across her work, she is known for leading with compassion, purpose, and a belief that empowered people transform communities. When asked what she is most proud of, Tré points not to titles or accomplishments, but to the meaningful transformation she witnesses in the lives of others.

Elaine Toney is a proud native of State Line, MS, and has served as a Mortgage Loan Originator for over 37 years. She has been with Community Bank for the last 15 years. She specializes in first-time home buying, building credit, and promoting financial literacy. Elaine takes pride in walking clients through every step of the mortgage process, making sure they feel confident and supported along the way. She is especially passionate about helping families achieve the dream of homeownership and educating young buyers on building a strong financial foundation.

Her colleagues describe her as patient, knowledgeable, and dependable, always going the extra mile for her clients. Elaine believes that financial literacy is a lifelong skill that can change families for generations, and she has dedicated her career to being a resource in this area. She has guided hundreds of families into new homes and takes great satisfaction in watching her clients grow and succeed financially. With deep roots in her community, Elaine combines professional expertise with genuine care, making her a trusted partner for anyone seeking a mortgage or financial guidance.

Jannifer Norwood is a proud native of Jackson, Mississippi, and an accomplished educator and leader dedicated to empowering students through innovative career pathways. She is a graduate of Holy Ghost Catholic School, Brinkley Junior High, Murrah High School, Jackson State University, and Belhaven University, institutions that shaped her commitment to lifelong learning and service. Her leadership and vision propelled her to become the Career Academy Coach at Provine High School, and today, she proudly serves as the Director of Academies for the district. In this role, Jannifer oversees the development and implementation of career-focused programs that prepare students for success in an ever-changing global economy. She is passionate about creating equitable access to education and ensuring that every student graduates with a plan and a purpose.

Jannifer believes in the power of opportunity and the courage to take chances. Inspired by Michael Jordan’s words, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” she encourages her students to step forward boldly and take their shot—because every attempt brings them closer to success. Jannifer Norwood’s career is a testament to her dedication, innovation, and advocacy for student success. Her work continues to inspire educators, empower students, and strengthen the connection between education and opportunity.

Gwen is deeply engaged in community health, wellness, and service leadership through We Are One United Methodist Church. She serves as Chair of the Health and Wellness Ministry, Chair of the Stewardship Committee, Grant Writer, a member of the Finance Committee, PEARLS Women’s Ministry, and Bible Study facilitator. Her strong dedication to holistic health, encompassing spiritual, mental, physical, and financial aspects, has positioned her as a key leader in developing and sustaining impactful programs that strengthen both the church and the South Jackson community.

Gwen played an instrumental role in establishing the church’s partnership with the United Way of the Capital Area, expanding access to resources, funding, and volunteers that strengthened the GOOD Project (Gardens Out of Deserts), the community garden program, Food Pantry Ministry, and various Health and Wellness initiatives. Through this partnership, additional collaborations were developed, including Alcorn State University's Extension Program, which provided hands-on education and training for adults and youth in the church and community on gardening, harvesting, and food preparation. Her leadership continues to amplify health awareness, inspire community empowerment, and promote a culture of service and wellness in South Jackson. While she has dedicated her life to serving others, her most treasured accomplishment is her role as mother to her two children, Ariel and Nicholas.