UNA Nonprofit Leader Awards

Honoring Nonprofit Leaders in Utah

UNA's Nonprofit Leader Awards recognize the incredible individuals who devote their time and careers to the nonprofit sector. These leaders bring selflessness, dedication, and of course, unrivaled passion to caring for Utah's people, cultures, communities, animals, and environment.

Nominating someone for UNA's Outstanding Nonprofit Leader or submitting a Hall of Fame recognition is a public way to celebrate these amazing individuals. When you acknowledge their contributions to your organization, mission, and community, you help create a culture of appreciation and support.

2025 UNA Leader Award Nominations

2025 Outstanding Nonprofit Leader Award

To honor nonprofit leaders who go above and beyond to serve their organizations and communities, UNA celebrates two Outstanding Nonprofit Leaders every year. Our view of leadership is not defined by title or designation, age, authority, or any other qualifier. Instead, it is about the individuals who not only persevere in the face of obstacles, but also engage and inspire the people around them, motivating others to dig deeper and work harder to get results. Regardless of their role, these individuals have made a lasting and positive impact on their organization and in the community. Their passion is contagious, and their results are impressive.

Nominations have now closed for this year's Outstanding Nonprofit Leader Awards. Winners will be announced at the 2025 UNA Annual Conference, Hope in Action, on September 18 at the Davis Conference Center.

2025 Hall of Fame Spotlight Recognition

Looking for a way to celebrate the outstanding work and contributions of your organization's staff members? Celebrate those amazing individuals who go above and beyond, day in and day out, to make a difference in your community with recognition in the UNA Hall of Fame. The UNA Hall of Fame honors those hardworking nonprofit employees who have made a lasting impact on your team, your organization, and your mission. Whether it's their exceptional work ethic, their positive attitude, or their unwavering dedication, this is your opportunity to recognize those who embody the values of your organization. All submissions will be honored—this is not a selective award.

Nominations have now closed for this year's Hall of Fame Spotlight Recognitions.

2025 UNA Hall of Fame Spotlight Recognition

The UNA Hall of Fame honors those hardworking nonprofit employees who have made a lasting impact on their team, organization, and mission. Whether it's their exceptional work ethic, their positive attitude, or their unwavering dedication, this is an opportunity to recognize those who embody the values of their nominating organizations and make a difference to our community.

Learn More About the 2025 Nominees

2025 UNA Outstanding Nonprofit Leaders

Each year, the Conference Committee has the monumental task of selecting the recipients of the Nonprofit Leader Awards. This year was no different, as the committee reviewed incredible stories of leadership and perseverance, compassion and empathy, joy and creativity.

However, from these heartfelt nominations, two leaders truly stood out. As you learn about the 2025 UNA Outstanding Nonprofit Leaders, consider how their values and character are reflected in our community at large. These individuals represent our highest ideals, embodying our collective hope for change and our willingness to achieve it. They advance their missions through bold vision, bolstered by authenticity and genuine compassion.

Michelle Flynn

Executive Director, The Road Home

Michelle Flynn serves as the Executive Director of The Road Home, a position she has held since 2020 following a long-standing tenure with the organization beginning in 1995. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah and contributes her expertise to several boards, including the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness. Over the course of her 30-year career, Michelle has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the areas of systems planning, emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing. She has successfully guided The Road Home through significant organizational changes, including the closure of the downtown shelter, the establishment of new resource centers, and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the agency has expanded its housing and shelter capacity by more than 280 beds. Michelle is widely recognized for her steadfast commitment to serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness with dignity and compassion, and for her impactful contributions to the nonprofit sector in Salt Lake County.

Watch Michelle's Video

Emily Bell McCormick

President + Founder, The Policy Project

Emily Bell McCormick is the founder of The Policy Project, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing long-term, inclusive policy—especially for women, girls, and historically overlooked communities. Under her leadership, the organization launched initiatives like The Period Project, which successfully passed legislation in Utah to provide free period products in all public and charter school bathrooms, impacting over 337,000 students. Before her work in policy, Emily founded and sold a clothing company, worked in media, and consulted across various industries. She holds degrees from BYU and The Ohio State University and loves spending time with her five kids and enjoying a good walk.

Emily is transformative leader who has turned urgent community needs into impactful, bipartisan policy, securing major legislation and funding for youth, education, and family support across Utah. Known for her compassion and collaborative approach, she proves that bold, empathetic leadership can drive meaningful, lasting change.

Watch Emily's Video