They Don’t Do It for the Applause—But We Applauded Anyway

From left: Yvoncerria Sutton, Meaghan Whitson representing Triad Adult & Pediatric Medicine, Ronda Holloway representing Ward Black Law, and Kamilah Usoro.

You won’t find any of this year’s Journey Award winners asking for attention. That’s not really their thing. They’re too busy showing up, stepping in, lifting others, and—without a lot of fanfare—making the world better than they found it. That’s exactly why they were recognized at this year’s Journey to Brave.

The Journey Award for Education:
Kamilah Usoro brings innovation to life through her work with Triad Play, where children connect with nature, build life skills, and begin to heal from trauma in a space that feels safe and supportive. Her calm, intentional approach helps kids grow in ways that ripple out into the classroom, their families, and the wider community. It’s the kind of work that speaks for itself—and still deserves to be recognized out loud.

The Journey Award for Community:
Yvonnceria Sutton gives the kind of help that can’t be wrapped in red tape. From organizing meals to offering a safe place to sleep to handing out voter info and Wi-Fi hotspots—she acts fast and with heart. She’s been there. She knows what it’s like. And now, she’s using that experience to walk beside others. She doesn’t do this for grants or headlines. She does it because someone needs to—and because she can.

The Journey Award for Business:
Ward Black Law could teach a masterclass on community-minded business—but they probably wouldn’t. They prefer to give quietly. They donate without press releases. They serve without expecting anything back. Their values run deep, and they act on them without needing applause. But we gave them some anyway. Because if every business had their sense of responsibility, we’d all be better for it.

The Journey Award for Healthcare:
Triad Adult & Pediatric Medicine is expanding access to care with intention and heart. Their team is growing services where they’re needed most—offering pediatric dental care, opening a new health center, and continuing to serve families with the compassion and consistency they’re known for. It’s healthcare that reflects the strength of the communities they serve—and a commitment to walking alongside them.

To all of this year’s Journey Award winners: thank you. Not just for what you’ve done, but for how you do it—quietly, consistently, and always with heart.