Awards and Recognitions

Aspire has been honored to receive numerous prestigious awards, including the following:

• Best Nonprofit of the Year (Arlington Chamber of Commerce). This award recognizes Aspire's leadership in the community, our long history of providing exceptional service to students and families, and our interest in and concern for the Arlington community.
• Torch Award for Ethical Leadership (Leadership Center of Arlington). This award went to Paula Fynboh, CEO, and recognizes a leader who “embodies ethical choices and behaviors in their professional career and community service.”
• Spirit of Community Award (Arlington Community Foundation). This award went to Claudia Ramirez Cuéllar, and recognizes her extraordinary community leadership in Arlington.
• Mentor of the Year Award (Urban Alliance). This award went to Waheed Sheriff and Anna Faulkner for their dedicated leadership and passion for supporting the growth of our Urban Alliance interns.
• Virginia AmeriCorps Member of the Year (Serve Virginia). This award went to Claudia Ramirez Cuéllar, and recognizes her invaluable support, connection with students and families, and proactive outreach.
• Honor Roll (Serve Virginia). Over 15 of our team members have been recognized through this program, which "spotlights the volunteers and organizations serving their communities, promoting quality of life, and creating lasting impacts."
• Top Ratings (Charity Navigator and Candid). These ratings reflect our effective financial management and accountability, program impact, leadership, and culture.

In addition to these awards, Aspire has also been recognized in the community through media coverage, which you can view here.