Catholic Charities Employee Recognition 2026
Recognizing Catholic Charities Employees
Catholic Charities Twin Cities helps tens of thousands of people each year, thanks to more than 500 dedicated employees. This year, more than 215 employee recognition award nominations were submitted by staff across the agency. Each nomination contained a story of dedication, compassion, and excellence. We’re honored to announce the recipients of the 2026 Employee Recognition Awards:
Leadership Award
Tara Mallick
Program Manager, Aging and Disability Services Ramsey County
Tara is a leader who combines vision, decisiveness, and genuine care for her team. Over her years at Catholic Charities, she has continually adapted to new challenges while helping her team navigate change with confidence and purpose. Colleagues describe her as someone who advocates tirelessly for staff, communicates with honesty and respect, and consistently recognizes the contributions of others. Through creativity, accountability, and a commitment to helping both individuals and teams thrive, Tara has strengthened her program and inspired excellence in those around her.
Advocacy Award
Jessica Smith
Client Advocate, Emergency Services
Jessica exemplifies advocacy through action. In her time with our Housing-Focused Behavioral Health Support Team she consistently went beyond providing resources and instead walked alongside clients as they navigated some of life’s most complex challenges. After pursuing an advocacy-related career opportunity outside our agency, her commitment to our clients led her to remain on with our casual on-call team where she still helps individuals at SPOC overcome barriers related to housing, benefits, treatment, transportation, and other critical services. Colleagues describe her as someone who ensures every person feels heard, valued, and respected. Jessica’s commitment to empowering others and ensuring every voice matters reflects the very heart of this award.
Supportive Services Award
Veronica Dokken
Desktop & Networking Direct Support Specialist, IT
Veronica consistently goes above and beyond in service to Catholic Charities staff across the organization. Whether troubleshooting technology issues, helping employees navigate unfamiliar systems, or traveling between sites to provide hands-on assistance, she approaches every interaction with patience, professionalism, and care. During a significant transition in IT leadership, Veronica stepped forward to learn new processes, coordinate support efforts, and ensure continuity for staff throughout the organization. Her willingness to solve problems, encourage coworkers, and make technology accessible for everyone exemplifies the very best of supportive service.
Teamwork Award: Diversion Team
Robert, Kuatree, Mariela, Juan, Sabira, Shanay, Dinella, April, Saynab, Nataly, Rosamaria, Emoni, Angelique, Latanya, Mary, Evelin, Sharon, Erica
Robert, Kuatree, Mariela, Juan, Sabira, Shanay, Dinella, April, Saynab, Nataly, Rosamaria, Emoni, Angelique, Latanya, Mary, Evelin, Sharon, Erica
As the front door to Hennepin County’s Homeless Response System, the Diversion Team supports thousands of individuals, youth, and families experiencing housing crises. In a year marked by increasing demand and growing complexity, the team continued to provide compassionate, trauma-responsive, and nonjudgmental service to every person who reached out for help. Their success is built on trust, collaboration, accountability, resilience, and a shared commitment to finding the best possible outcomes for those in crisis. Colleagues describe a team that supports one another, shares knowledge freely, adapts quickly to challenges, and demonstrates leadership at every level. Their extraordinary work has strengthened not only their participants, but an entire system of care.
Inclusion & Belonging Award
Valentino Starnes
Annual Giving and Stewardship Officer, Advancement
Valentino has an extraordinary gift for helping people feel they belong. Whether greeting coworkers by name, building meaningful relationships across departments, supporting residents, or creating opportunities for different voices and cultures to be celebrated, Valentino consistently helps strengthen connection throughout Catholic Charities. Colleagues describe him as someone whose warmth, authenticity, and genuine curiosity brighten every room he enters. His ability to build bridges, foster belonging, and make others feel seen has had a lasting impact on the culture of our organization.
Organizational Sustainability Award
Carys Church
Director of Warehouse, Procurement, and Food Op
After a return to Catholic Charities as one of our many boomerang employees, Carys has transformed the way programs, procurement, food services, and warehouse operations work together across Catholic Charities. Through innovative thinking, strong project management, and a relentless focus on efficiency, she has helped programs access the resources they need while maximizing the impact of every dollar and donation. From streamlining ordering systems to leading major projects, sourcing critical supplies, supporting creative new initiatives, and strengthening partnerships across departments, Carys consistently finds ways to improve how we serve both staff and clients. Her vision, creativity, and dedication continue to strengthen Catholic Charities today and for a sustainable future.
Outstanding Supervisor Award
Alyssa Leach
Program Manager, Endeavors
Alyssa exemplifies servant leadership. Colleagues describe her as the glue that holds her team together, a leader who challenges people to grow while providing unwavering support. She leads with integrity, compassion, and clear communication, investing deeply in the success of her staff. Employees consistently note her willingness to encourage professional development, celebrate accomplishments, and help others reach their full potential. Through her dedication, thoughtful leadership, and commitment to developing others, Alyssa has created a culture where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to succeed. Let’s hear it for Alyssa.
Rising Star Award
Elizabeth “Izzy” Grajewski
Housing Eligibility Specialist, Higher Ground Minneapolis
Since joining Catholic Charities, Izzy has made an immediate and lasting impact and now serves as our Housing Eligibility Specialist on the Higher Ground Minneapolis Campus. She approaches every interaction with residents, applicants, and coworkers with creativity, warmth, and genuine respect. Whether creating personalized welcome experiences for new residents, helping colleagues manage growing workloads, or finding innovative ways to make people feel comfortable and empowered, Izzy consistently exemplifies our values. Her creativity, leadership, and dedication have earned the trust of residents and coworkers alike, making her a shining example of a Rising Star.
Rising Star Award
Sheeba Bhadrashetti
Sr. Talent Acquisition Partner, Human Resources
In a remarkably short time, Sheeba Bhadrashetti has become an invaluable partner to leaders throughout Catholic Charities. Her professionalism, compassion, and adaptability have strengthened recruitment efforts across the organization while ensuring candidates feel welcomed and respected. Colleagues describe her as someone who consistently steps up without being asked, embraces new challenges, and helps others succeed. Whether managing complex recruitments or supporting hiring managers through difficult circumstances, Sheeba’s commitment to service and collaboration has made a meaningful impact throughout the organization.
Rising Star Award
Tina Moore
Client Advocate, St. Paul Opportunity Center
Tina has quickly emerged as a leader who combines action, compassion, and teamwork. Teammates shared that she is someone who is always willing to step in, solve problems, help coworkers, and support clients with kindness and professionalism. Her leadership presence, dedication to continuous improvement, and commitment to helping others succeed have earned widespread admiration. Tina’s growth, initiative, and unwavering dedication make her an outstanding example of what it means to be a Rising Star at Catholic Charities.
Client Services Award
Ashley Barnes
Client Advocate Coordinator, Higher Ground St Paul Shelter
Ashley consistently demonstrates what it means to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care. Whether helping clients navigate difficult circumstances, connecting them to resources, or guiding them through complex systems, she ensures people feel heard, respected, and supported. Beyond her shelter responsibilities, Ashley serves as both a Certified Eligibility Assessor and an MNsure Navigator, helping clients access healthcare coverage and critical benefits that promote long-term stability and well-being. Colleagues describe her as a dependable teammate, trusted mentor, and calming presence whose dedication strengthens both the lives of clients and the effectiveness of her team. Congratulations Ashley.
Client Services Award
Omar Maldonado
Mental Health Practitioner, Children’s Day Treatment Program
Omar exemplifies the very best of trauma-informed care. Working with students at Children’s Day Treatment, he creates safe, trusting environments where young people feel heard, valued, and empowered to grow. Through creativity, patience, and authentic relationship-building, Omar helps students find their voice and build confidence in their future. He is equally respected by colleagues for his spirit of collaboration, leadership, and generosity. His commitment to safety, trust, empowerment, and education has created a profound and lasting impact on the youth and families he serves.
Client Services Award
Ms. Sandra Wallace
Housing Support Representative, Higher Ground St Paul Residence
Ms. Sandra Wallace started with Catholic Charities 20 years ago on our St Joe’s campus, and after returning to Catholic Charities in 2022 is being recognized today for her unwavering dedication to both residents and coworkers. Colleagues consistently describe her as someone who goes above and beyond, stepping in whenever support is needed and always putting people first. Through her compassion, reliability, and willingness to serve, she helps create an environment where residents feel valued and supported. Ms. Sandra’s daily actions reflect our mission and values, and her commitment in the 18 years with Catholic Charities has made a lasting difference in the lives of those around her.
Client Services Award
Mai Xiong
Social Worker, Aging and Disabilities Services Ramsey County
Mai is known as a steady and calming presence whose dedication shines through even during the most challenging circumstances. While carrying one of the highest caseloads on her team, she consistently approaches every situation with professionalism, positivity, and compassion. Mai takes the time to understand each person’s unique needs, advocates fiercely for the services that will help them succeed, and never loses sight of the people behind the paperwork. Her colleagues admire her remarkable work ethic, resilience, and unwavering commitment to helping others achieve greater independence and stability. Let’s hear it for Mai.
Recognizing Years of Service
Congratulations to Catholic Charities employees who have reached the following service milestones:
25 Years
Diana Ebbers
Patricia Krause
Brett Zimowicz
20 Years
Jessie Crockett
Audrey Ryan
Dolores Weins
10 Years
Zacary Carter
Sandrel Givens
Ericka Minus
Consetta Newsome
Michael Rios-Keating
Marnie Schriefer
Daniel Slater
Andrea Walker
William Williams
Nicole Zierman
5 Years
Luis Andrade
Robert Brass
Marilou Bucciano
Susan Cipra
Autumn Cook
Raven Davis
Katherine Day
DelFredia Dix
Kristal Emory
LaRussell Hopson
Brittany Jackson
Kaila Johnson
Perris Johnson
Lizzie Jones
Nicholle Lesnar
Amanda Lube
Erin Manuel
Jenae Morgan
Taylor Olivo
Breanna Peterson
Molly Powell
Shalom Reed
Darren Ryan
Lakisha Sellers
Rachel Silver
Linda Skog
Shania Smith
Christa Troup
Grace Velazquez
Emily Wade
Lori-Anne Williams
Mai Xiong
