2026 Columbia Values Diversity Awards

Columbia Values Diversity Awards

2026 Nomination Form
Through the Columbia Values Diversity Awards program, the Columbia Values Diversity Celebration Planning Committee would like to once again recognize those in our community who have had significant impact in promoting appreciation for diversity and cultural understanding and whose work in our community exemplifies the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in fostering individual dignity, racial equality, understanding, peacemaking, and solving problems through non-violence.

For the 2026 Columbia Values Diversity Awards program, two awards will be presented:
· Individual/family award
· Organization/group award

These awards will be presented at the Columbia Values Diversity Celebration on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

In order to nominate an individual/family or organization/group, please complete and submit the nomination form below.

Current nominees (still under consideration):
- Individual/Family: Dawn Zeterberg, Elisa Glick, Kenneth Freeman, Sunitha Bosecker, Wiley Miller, Joanne Nelson
- Organization/Group: Flourish Initiative, Mizzou Young Democratic Socialists of America, Missouri Jobs with Justice, School of Service DBA Access Arts, Youth Empowerment Collective

The deadline for the 2026 award nominations is Friday, November 14, 2025 by 5:00 p.m.

Current and previous award winners represent a broad spectrum of our community working in unique ways to promote diversity and cultural understanding. Submitted nominations are considered for three years. Visit the Diversity Awards webpage to learn more about current nominees and past winners.

More information at: CoMoDiversityCelebration.com
NOMINEE'S INFORMATION

Contact information on who is being submitted.
Check One*

Individual/FamilyOrganization/Group
Nominee's Name*
Contact Person (if Organization/Group)
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Email Address*
example@example.com
NOMINATOR'S INFORMATION

Your contact information in case we need to get in touch with questions about the nomination.
Nominator's Name*
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Email Address*
example@example.com
Summary of Nominee's Contributions

Please respond to the each of the following two items regarding the contributions your nominee(s) has made in promoting the appreciation for diversity and cultural understanding in our community. Please use only the space provided. Please feel free to attach supplemental information as needed.
1. To the best of your knowledge, please provide a brief personal history of the nominee (individual/family or organization/group) and a summary of the nominee's contributions to our community in promoting diversity and cultural understanding in our community. *
2. To the best of your knowledge, provide a description of how the nominee's work exemplifies the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. *
Photo

(Optional) Please upload a headshot/photo of the individual nominated or photo from organization nominated and/or logo (.jpg preferred). Images will be used on BeHeard.CoMo.gov website, in promotional materials and during the Diversity Celebration program.
Photo Upload (up to 3 images can be uploaded)

Browse Files
JPG preferred Cancelof
Supplemental Information

(Optional) You may upload any supporting documents such as newspaper articles, photos, links to online videos, or other media to support the nominee's work in the community (.doc and .pdf files only)
Supplemental Information (upload up to 5 examples)

Browse Files
PDF preferred Cancelof
References

Please provide the names and emails of two references who can speak to the nominee's work in the community. Each reference will be emailed a short online form to complete about the nominee.
References*
CERTIFICATION: By checking this box, I am agreeing that this form and any accompanying attachments may be used for publication.

I agree
Submission Deadline

The Diversity Award nomination deadline is Friday, November 14, 2025 by 5 p.m.
Please contact the Office of Cultural Affairs by calling (573) 874-7512 or e-mail us at OCA@CoMo.gov for more information.
Should be Empty:

Columbia Values Diversity Awards

NOMINEE'S INFORMATION

NOMINATOR'S INFORMATION

Summary of Nominee's Contributions

Photo

Supplemental Information

References

Submission Deadline