Who’s Making a Difference? Meet the 2025 Strobel Finalists

Annie Wortham’s volunteer service at the Sexual Assault Center (SAC) is a powerful example of compassion and dedication. Since 2018, Annie has served in SAC’s Medical Accompaniment Program (MAP), providing trauma-informed support to survivors in their most vulnerable moments. As a survivor herself, Annie is driven by a personal mission to ensure others receive the care and advocacy she didn’t have in the past.

Her work as a MAP volunteer requires specialized training and an incredible emotional commitment. She provides comfort and support during forensic exams, advocates for survivors’ rights, and ensures they understand the process and their options. Her empathy and calm presence are vital in helping survivors through this challenging time.

Annie’s commitment goes beyond her shifts—she volunteered over 216 hours last year, played a key role in fundraising events, and shared her story to raise over $500,000 for SAC. One memorable example of her impact occurred when she extended her shift to comfort a survivor, helping her navigate the difficult decision to undergo a forensic exam after an assault. Annie’s support not only helped this survivor take an important step toward healing but also ensured her dignity was upheld throughout the process.

Annie’s advocacy, reliability, and dedication make her a standout volunteer who embodies SAC’s mission to support and empower survivors every step of the way.

For nearly a decade, Allison has been a passionate advocate for children and families in Nashville. A native of Hendersonville and a recent Vanderbilt graduate, she has dedicated countless hours to service through Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, Shade Tree Clinic, and Crisis Text Line.

Since 2016, Allison has led an annual benefit sale as a Red Wagon Project Ambassador, raising funds to donate over 5,500 essential items to the Children’s Hospital. She has also assembled and delivered 10,500+ craft kits, bringing comfort and joy to young patients. Her hands-on service extends to weekly volunteer work in playrooms, waiting rooms, and at patients’ bedsides.

Beyond the hospital, Allison serves as a Spanish medical interpreter at Shade Tree Clinic, ensuring uninsured patients receive quality care without language barriers. She also provides compassionate crisis support through Crisis Text Line, assisting over 384 individuals struggling with mental health challenges.

Allison’s unwavering dedication to service—whether bringing joy to hospitalized children, connecting underserved communities to healthcare, or offering crisis support—makes her an extraordinary force for good in Nashville.

Ashley Wilson is a mother, entrepreneur, and dedicated advocate who uses her influence to uplift children and families in need. In 2024, she made a profound impact through hands-on service, fundraising, and mobilizing her community to take action.

Ashley played a key role in Holiday Heroes, ensuring over 2,800 children in foster care received holiday gifts. She personally fulfilled dozens of wish lists, recruited hundreds of additional donors, and raised funds for holiday activities for teens in group homes. Beyond the holidays, she led a 250+ backpack drive for students in need, championed funding for essential programs, and organized coat and diaper drives for families facing hardship.

Ashley’s passion goes beyond volunteering—she inspires others to give, act, and create meaningful change. Her leadership and tireless commitment to service make her an undeniable force for good in Nashville.

Since 2015, Cheri Ferrari has been a pillar of The Nashville Food Project’s (TNFP) volunteer community. With nearly a decade of dedication, she embodies TNFP’s values of hospitality, generosity, and service. Her leadership in the Volunteer Lead Program has strengthened its capacity, expanding the initiative from zero to eight leads in just a year—enhancing both efficiency and volunteer retention. 

Beyond her time in the kitchen—where she contributed an astounding 383 hours in 2024—Cheri’s personal touch makes her invaluable. From remembering every volunteer’s favorite pie to leading fundraisers like her pie workshop, which secured $1,100, she fosters connection and inspires others. Whether rescuing thousands of pounds of food from the Nashville MEAT Conference or building camaraderie during meal prep, Cheri’s impact is immeasurable. 

Her unwavering commitment to each human being and service-driven leadership make her a deserving finalist for the Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award. 

Since 2019, EveryOneHuman (EOH) has been a driving force of compassion at Room In The Inn, embodying the spirit of service through their deep commitment to supporting Nashville’s unhoused neighbors. What began as a simple act of serving coffee has grown into an impactful movement—EOH now provides and serves three restaurant-sponsored meals each month, offering warm, culturally diverse food that nourishes both body and soul. 

In 2024 alone, EOH volunteers served nearly 7,200 meals with dignity, treating guests to restaurant-style service that fosters connection and respect. When a long-time food partner stepped away, EOH immediately expanded their efforts, ensuring no one went without a meal. Their commitment goes beyond food—through service, advocacy, and heartfelt generosity, they have built bridges between communities, mirroring the legacy of Charles Strobel. 

For their unwavering dedication and profound impact, EveryOneHuman exemplifies the spirit of the Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award. 

Nicholas Joy’s service at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a testament to grace in the face of crisis. As an Emergency Department (ED) Ambassador, he has dedicated over 275 hours to ensuring patients and families receive dignity, comfort, and care during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. From offering warm blankets to providing a reassuring presence, Nicholas understands that small gestures carry profound impact. 

Beyond his direct service, Nicholas has transformed the ED volunteer program. His leadership in training new volunteers has set a standard of excellence, shaping a culture of empathy and respect that will endure for years to come. His ability to guide peers—especially during high-stress events like the aftermath of a mass shooting—demonstrates wisdom and composure far beyond his years. 

Nicholas embodies the spirit of Charles Strobel, who believed in seeing the best in everyone. His service is not only a gift to those he helps today but a legacy that will Nicholas’ dedication and legacy make him a deserving finalist for the award. 

For Jimmy Hunt, volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about stepping up when it matters most. Over the past four years, Jimmy has dedicated 1,000+ hours to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, playing a pivotal role in initiatives like the Backpack Program, Market, and assembling food boxes for partner agencies and disaster relief. His consistency and humility have made him a cherished member of the team, affectionately known as one of “The Regs,” who have helped produce over 2.6 million meals.

However, it was during the 2024 hurricane relief efforts for Florida that Jimmy truly showed his remarkable dedication. He worked tirelessly to assemble disaster relief boxes, contributing to the dispatch of over 60 truckloads and 1.3 million meals. Not only did Jimmy stay committed to his usual Nashville shifts, but he also volunteered 2-3 extra shifts per week at the Smyrna location, stepping up to support the urgent need for disaster relief.

Jimmy’s leadership during this critical time was extraordinary. Though quiet and humble by nature, he took on the responsibility of training new volunteers, ensuring that the disaster relief process ran smoothly and more efficiently. His willingness to go above and beyond in an unfamiliar environment speaks to his character—selfless, dedicated, and always ready to make a difference.

Jimmy’s contributions during the hurricane relief efforts highlight his exceptional service and the profound impact he has on those in need. His unwavering commitment makes him a perfect finalist of the Disaster Response Volunteer Award.

Lisa Meister’s journey with the American Red Cross began just days after the devastating Nashville Tornado of 2020. With unwavering commitment, she jumped into disaster relief, providing direct client service in shelters and emergency response vehicles. Her dedication didn’t stop there. Lisa took online training to become a fiscal reviewer, ensuring that the recovery efforts were supported by donations from across the nation.

Her role evolved, and today, Lisa serves as an Information and Planning Supervisor, managing client assistance card inventories, coordinating call centers, and supporting 1,840 volunteers. Beyond operational tasks, she plays a crucial role in re-engaging volunteers, offering guidance and encouragement, ensuring Nashville’s disaster response workforce is ready when needed.

Lisa’s behind-the-scenes contributions are essential to large-scale disaster recovery. She’s been deployed to 29 disaster responses, including the Tennessee Tornado Relief and Hurricane Helene, donating over 10,000 hours to the Red Cross mission. Through it all, Lisa remains a compassionate leader, mentoring new volunteers and helping them navigate their own Red Cross journeys.

A quiet force in disaster response, Lisa Meister embodies the true spirit of service, always ready to lend a helping hand—whether on the front lines or behind the scenes—making her a perfect recipient of the Disaster Response Volunteer Award.

Since joining Hands On as a volunteer in 2021, Toria Middleton has demonstrated unwavering commitment to disaster recovery. As a Disaster Volunteer Leader (DVL) since 2022, she has participated in numerous disaster responses, including the 2023 Madison tornadoes and multiple events with the Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) in 2024.

The effects remain years in the wake of a disaster, long after the news cycles change. She helped accelerate recovery for survivors by moving household items and leading debris removal projects. During the Davidson County LTRG resource event, Toria stepped up to manage the LTRG table, distributing first aid kits and explaining services, all with enthusiasm and grace.

Toria’s impact on disaster survivors is far-reaching. With 33 volunteer opportunities, including 15 disaster-related projects, Toria’s leadership and dedication are essential in supporting long-term recovery efforts. Her selflessness and flexibility make her an outstanding candidate for the Disaster Response Volunteer Award.

Lisa’s unwavering dedication to pro bono legal service has made her a cornerstone of Legal Aid’s free legal advice clinics across Davidson County. As a semi-retired public interest lawyer, she could have chosen to slow down—but instead, she leans in, providing critical legal guidance to those who need it most. In 2024 alone, she has volunteered at nearly half of all available clinics, offering more than 40 hours of pro bono counsel to low-income individuals facing complex legal challenges. 

What sets Lisa apart is not just her legal expertise but her patience and commitment to those she serves. When a client returned to multiple clinics over several months, overwhelmed by the legal system, Lisa met him with kindness and persistence—never turning him away, never losing patience. She became his steady advocate, ensuring he fully understood his rights and options. 

Beyond her work with clients, Lisa’s impact extends to the next generation of pro bono attorneys. She mentors law students and young lawyers, generously sharing her knowledge and setting a high standard for service. Her adaptability, dependability, and deep sense of justice make her an inspiration to all who work alongside her. 

For her tireless commitment to equal access to justice, Lisa is a truly deserving recipient of the Older Adult Volunteer Award. Her service isn’t just about legal advice—it’s about dignity, respect, and lasting impact. 

For over a decade, Jim has been a constant source of joy, companionship, and unwavering kindness to the senior residents of Morning Pointe. With more than 12,000 volunteer hours to his name, he faithfully visits six days a week, spending four hours each day enriching the lives of those around him. Whether it’s through one-on-one visits, playing word games, serving drinks at dinner, or celebrating each resident’s birthday, Jim ensures that everyone feels valued and included.

Jim isn’t just a volunteer—he’s family. He becomes “Santa Jim” during the holidays, personally selecting gifts for all 53 residents and delivering them with warmth and cheer. Even during the COVID lockdown, Jim found a way to serve, making calls to check on residents’ needs and delivering essential items. His thoughtfulness extends beyond Morning Pointe—on Sundays, he visits former residents in long-term care, making sure they are not forgotten. 

Affectionately known as “St. Jim,” his presence lights up every room he enters. His selflessness, compassion, and dedication to ensuring seniors feel loved and connected make him an extraordinary volunteer. Jim’s impact is immeasurable, and he is truly deserving of the Older Adult Volunteer Award. 

Since 2021, Nancy Barr has been a steadfast volunteer with the Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE), playing a vital role in helping refugees and immigrants learn English and build new lives in the United States. As a dedicated instructor in NICE’s adult education program, Nancy leads High Intermediate English classes, blending grammar, reading, writing, and cultural discussions to empower her students. Her classes, held three days a week, bring together learners from across the globe—Kurdistan, Honduras, Peru, Uruguay, Yemen, South Korea, and Afghanistan—creating a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone feels they belong. 

Nancy’s dedication goes beyond teaching—she fosters confidence and connection. Her students describe her as more than a teacher—she is a mentor, an ally, and a source of unwavering support.  

With over 385 volunteer hours logged, Nancy’s impact is undeniable. She has helped nearly 100 students gain the language skills they need to secure jobs, pursue education, and navigate their new home.

Nancy Barr’s unwavering commitment, compassion, and belief in the potential of every student make her an exceptional candidate for the Older Adult Volunteer Award. She doesn’t just teach English—she empowers futures. 

Barbara is a dedicated Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) who works tirelessly to advocate for children in state care, helping them achieve permanency and stability. She meets with the children she serves monthly, attends all court proceedings, and ensures they have access to necessary services, including healthcare, mental health support, and educational services. Barbara also serves as a mentor and trusted adult in these children’s lives, providing emotional support and stability.

With over 35 years of experience in teaching, non-profit leadership, and child advocacy, Barbara is a true asset to CASA. Bilingual in Spanish, she is also able to support immigrant youth and serve as a translator when needed. Barbara’s dedication extends beyond her direct cases—she mentors new advocates, supports staff, and serves on the Foster Care Review Board. 

Her work with one child over the past five years is a testament to her unwavering commitment. When this child faced a difficult placement disruption, Barbara was the consistent presence in his life, bridging critical information between medical providers, the team, and his foster family. Her knowledge of the system and her dedication to improving child welfare processes have made Barbara an irreplaceable part of the team. 

Barbara’s compassionate and selfless service ensures that the children she advocates for have the best possible chance of permanency and success. She is a true champion for children in need. 

Marcie Smeck Bryant has been an unwavering force in the fight for food justice and community connection. Since the early days of The Nashville Food Project (TNFP), she has volunteered her time every Tuesday to help provide healthy meals for those in need, ensuring that community meals at Trinity Community Commons (TCC) are a time where neighbors—both housed and unhoused—can gather, eat, and support one another.

Marcie has played a pivotal role in the growth of community meals in Nashville, including co-founding a new dinner at Belmont United Methodist Church. Through her work, she has cultivated an environment of mutual aid and community support. She is also an active member of FeedBack Nashville, a collaborative initiative aimed at transforming the city’s food system to be more equitable and accessible.

Her leadership in the Strategy Committee of TNFP helped develop the organization’s first Strategic Communications Plan, expanding its reach and impact. Marcie is committed to ensuring that food systems work for everyone, especially marginalized communities, and that individuals are empowered to help one another.

Marcie’s unwavering commitment to both immediate relief and long-term systems change makes her a true advocate for social justice, and a deserving candidate for the Social Justice Impact Award.

Suzanne Saavedra has been a steadfast volunteer at St. Luke’s Community House, adapting to every phase of the Food Pantry, from its early days to the current Client Choice model. When the pantry began serving more Spanish-speaking clients, Suzanne took the initiative to learn Spanish, ensuring that she could communicate effectively and make clients feel at ease.

Her dedication and consistency make her an invaluable asset. Suzanne’s work in the Food Pantry helps the process run smoothly, allowing other volunteers to be trained and making the clients feel comfortable and respected. She knows many of the clients by name, speaks their language, and ensures that every visit is a positive experience.

Suzanne’s commitment to social justice and her willingness to go above and beyond—like learning Spanish to help those in need—demonstrates her exceptional heart for service. Her efforts at St. Luke’s have made a lasting impact on both the clients and the community, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Daniel Liu, a pre-med student at Vanderbilt University, is a remarkable volunteer with Alive, a hospice care organization. Daniel’s dedication to providing end-of-life care began after witnessing the importance of hospice when a friend’s father needed it. Since joining Alive in October 2023, Daniel has spent over 114 hours directly visiting patients in their homes, offering not just companionship but meaningful connections. Whether in residential homes, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities, Daniel engages patients in their hobbies, such as conversing about history or painting a portrait, creating an environment of dignity and comfort during their final months. 

A standout aspect of Daniel’s service is his initiative in securing a grant from the Nichols Humanitarian Fund at Vanderbilt University to provide rideshare vouchers for fellow student volunteers. This funding enables Vanderbilt students to visit patients in their homes, a critical service for Alive’s patients across Davidson County and beyond. Since June 2024, Daniel’s effort has resulted in 75 vouchers facilitating 188 hours of volunteer service and 373 miles covered, making a significant impact on both the volunteers and the patients they visit. 

Daniel’s unique perspective on volunteering shines through in his words: “Your responsibilities as a volunteer are to be in touch with your own emotions and lived experiences in hopes that a conversation can occur.” His commitment not only enhances the experiences of fellow volunteers but also helps provide compassionate care to those in need. Alive is fortunate to have Daniel’s empathy, resourcefulness, and unwavering dedication as part of their volunteer program. 

At just 11 years old, Ily Harper Davis has dedicated over 225 hours in 2024 to volunteering across multiple organizations. She spent over 135 hours as a Junior Docent at the Belle Meade Historic Site, 90 hours helping at the Nashville Figure Skating Club, and raised over $5,000 for the Scott CARES Foundation. She also collected over 175 pounds of pet food for Critter Cavalry Rescue. 

Ily’s impact is extraordinary for her age. The funds she raised for Scott CARES support cancer research, and her pet food donations will feed a rescued dog for a year. At the Nashville Figure Skating Club, she helped 50 young skaters build confidence and skills, while at Belle Meade, she brought history to life for visitors. 

Ily’s journey began at age 3, after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Despite speech and memory challenges, she turned her struggles into a platform for inspiration. Through Inspiring with Love, she has become a public speaker and role model, showing other kids that obstacles can be overcome with determination and service to others. 

Joshua has been a steadfast volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee since 2019, contributing an impressive 274 hours at the Nashville warehouse. From sorting rescued grocery items to packing food boxes for partner agencies and disaster relief, Joshua’s hands-on involvement has directly impacted the fight against hunger in our community. His dedication continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. 

At just 20 years old, Joshua’s commitment to Second Harvest is exceptional. Beginning in high school, his passion for food insecurity and his drive to help others has only grown stronger. As a college student, he has maintained his dedication to the cause, exemplifying the qualities of a proactive, committed youth volunteer. Joshua has already contributed to the creation of over 100,000 meals, with his fundraising efforts. As the President of Swipes for a Cause at Vanderbilt University, Joshua has led initiatives that have provided over 800,000 meals in just three years. In total, Joshua’s efforts have helped provide over 1 million meals to individuals facing hunger. 

Joshua is not only recognized for his contributions but also for his infectious positivity and can-do attitude. His advocacy for those less fortunate and his deep understanding of the impact food insecurity has on a child’s education continue to fuel his drive to serve others. Joshua’s dedication and heartfelt compassion inspire everyone he works with, making him an invaluable part of Second Harvest’s volunteer community.