2025 Annual Awards Dinner Honorees
Celebrating Courage, Commitment & Community Impact
Each year at our Annual Awards Dinner, Younity proudly recognizes extraordinary individuals and partners who embody our mission to protect, support, and empower those impacted by domestic and sexual violence. This year’s honorees have each shown exceptional leadership, generosity, and commitment to building safer, more just communities.
Angela Ferrell-Zabala
Recipient of the Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award
Executive Director, Moms Demand Action
Angela Ferrell-Zabala has spent her career building movements, uplifting marginalized voices, and driving transformative change. As the Executive Director of Moms Demand Action, she leads the largest grassroots gun violence prevention network in the country. Under her leadership, the movement continues to grow, mobilizing advocates and shaping policy to create safer communities for all.
Angela’s vision directly aligns with Younity’s mission—particularly in confronting the deadly intersection of domestic violence and gun violence. Research shows that when an abuser has access to a firearm, a victim is five times more likely to be killed. Angela’s work brings national attention to this urgent issue and pushes for policy solutions that save lives.
Her lifelong commitment to social justice includes senior leadership roles at Everytown for Gun Safety and Planned Parenthood, where she worked across movements to center communities too often left behind. She brings a bold and collaborative spirit to every space she enters, grounded in her belief that “grassroots advocacy has the power to change the world.”
“I am deeply honored to receive this year’s Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award,” Angela says. “This recognition isn’t just a personal honor — it’s a tribute to the collective work of so many who are fighting every day for a safer country. I’m accepting this on behalf of every survivor, student, advocate, and community leader who is fighting for a world where no one has to live in fear of gun violence. Thank you to Younity for this recognition of our movement, and for sharing our commitment to empower communities — not just to survive, but to thrive.”
We are proud to celebrate Angela’s leadership, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to building a future where no one has to live in fear—in their homes or in their communities.
Kieran John
Recipient of the Edwin W. Schmierer Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service
Kieran John exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that sustains and strengthens Younity’s mission. With support from his wife Shobita and their two sons, Rowan and Jaihan, Kieran has led the coordination and fundraising efforts for Communities of Light in Pennington—helping to raise thousands of dollars, rally local volunteers, and increase awareness of Younity’s work in the community. In 2024, Pennington celebrated yet another successful year, thanks to Kieran’s leadership and commitment.
In addition to his work as founder and CEO of Firstlight Pharmaceuticals, Kieran brings a deep sense of purpose to every community effort he takes on. As he shares, “Shobita and my sons are always right there with me. Making the world better for my family, my community, and others around the world is just as important as any scientific or business goal I pursue.”
Kieran’s integrity, warmth, and generosity reflect the very best of Younity’s values. His dedication is a shining example of how one person—supported by those closest to him—can light the way for others.
Princeton Area Community Foundation
Recipient of the Community Partner Award
The Princeton Area Community Foundation is a steadfast partner in Younity’s mission to create a safer, more empowered Mercer County. Through their visionary philanthropy and unwavering support, the Princeton Area Community Foundation helps sustain the essential services that provide a lifeline to victim-survivors and families in crisis. “We are thrilled to be honored by Younity, which has been providing critical supportive services and protecting families in our region for almost 50 years,” said Mathieu Nelessen, President & CEO of the Princeton Area Community Foundation. “In recent years, Younity has been a recipient of grants from our donor advised fund holders, as well as from our Community Impact Grants Fund, the Fund for Women and Girls, the NextGen Giving Circle, and the Bunbury Fund, including a Bunbury Fund transformational sunset grant, and we could not be more honored to receive this recognition.”
As a philanthropic leader in central New Jersey, the Princeton Area Community Foundation has played a vital role in strengthening Younity’s work. Their generous support has helped expand our programs, increase access to crisis services, and ensure that individuals and families receive the care and protection they need.
We are proud to recognize the Princeton Area Community Foundation as a true ally in the movement to end violence and build brighter futures for all.
