For Immediate Release
Monday, December 08, 2008
America’s Promise Alliance Chair Alma Powell Honored With AARP The Magazine’s 2009 Inspire Award
(WASHINGTON, DC)—America’s Promise Alliance (the Alliance) today announced that its chair and co-founder Alma J. Powell, has been named one of the 2009 Inspire Award Honorees by AARP The Magazine for her work to improve the lives of children and youth. This the fifth installment of the Inspire Awards, which are an annual honor bestowed to ten extraordinary individuals who inspire others to action through their work, innovative thinking, perseverance and passion.
The other 2009 honorees include: Glenn Close (Mental Health Advocate); Richard M. Cohen (Voice for the Chronically Ill); Martin Eakes (Lending to the Poor); Katherine Freund (Transportation Activist); Peter Gallagher (Alzheimer’s Advocate); David E. Hayes-Bautista, Ph.D. (Latino-Health Researcher); Quincy Jones (Global Poverty Fighter); Susan Love, M.D. (Cancer Crusader), and Rose Nakamura (Compassionate Caregiver).
“The Alliance would not be what we are today without the tireless work and vision of Alma Powell,” said Marguerite W. Kondracke, president and CEO of America’s Promise Alliance. “We are inspired by her example every day, and are overjoyed that the rest of the nation will have an opportunity to appreciate and learn from her contribution through this award. There is no doubt in my mind that history will show us that our country—and most importantly the lives of our children and youth—are better off because of her leadership on this issue.”
Mrs. Powell has been chair of the Alliance since 2004, however she has spent the last four decades advocating for the needs of young people and encouraging Americans at home and abroad to engage in volunteer service. She also chairs the advisory board for the Pew Center for Civic Change, and from 1989 to 2000 served as the chairman of the National Council of the Best Friends Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of young girls. She is the author of two children’s books, My Little Wagon and America’s Promise, which were published in 2003.
“All of our honorees exemplify how passion can support and spark change in creative, innovative ways,” said Nancy Graham, Vice President and Editor of AARP The Magazine. “Mrs. Powell’s work on behalf of children and youth is a true inspiration and reminds us of how different generations are working to support one another.”
Mrs. Powell and the other Inspire Award recipients will be formally recognized at a private reception in Washington, DC on December 8, 2008. AARP The Magazine’s 2009 Inspire honorees are featured in the January/February issue of the magazine and online at www.aarpmagazine.org.
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The America’s Promise Alliance
America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership alliance comprised of corporations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, policymakers, advocacy and faith groups committed to ensuring that children receive the fundamental resources – the Five Promises – they need to lead successful, healthy and productive lives and build a stronger society. Building on the legacy of our founder General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes the success of our children is grounded in experiencing the Five Promises – caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others—at home, in school and in the community. For more information about America's Promise Alliance visit www.americaspromise.org.