A Night With The Stars 2025 Awardee Highlights
The Community Impact Network proudly hosted its Fourth Annual a Night with the Stars celebration in December 2025, bringing together community leaders, partners, and Network members to honor the extraordinary individuals who serve as the backbone of our work across the 24:1 footprint.
A Night with the Stars is the Network’s annual event dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of direct service providers—individuals who show up every day to build trust, foster relationships, and walk alongside residents with care, compassion and commitment. These awardees are often behind the scenes, yet their impact is deeply felt across our communities.
Below are highlights of several of our 2025 award recipients. Click each spotlight to learn more about their work, their passion and the difference they make every day.
Community Collaboration Awardee Highlight: Dr. Kynedra Ogunnaike
A constant presence in the lives of her students, Dr. Kynedra Ogunnaike goes above and beyond to ensure every young person she serves feels supported and prepared for what comes next. From tracking community service hours to supporting post-graduate plans, Dr. Ogunnaike keeps detailed records for every senior and is frequently seen walking the halls, checking in with students, and offering encouragement along the way. Her dedication reflects a deep commitment to student success—both inside and beyond the classroom. Read more about Dr. Kynedra Ogunnaike…
Compass Awardee Highlight: Jacob Painter
Jacob Painter, affectionately known as Coach J, serves as the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coach at CHADs Coalition for Mental Health, a nonprofit dedicated to the awareness and prevention of depression and suicide. Jacob is deeply committed to supporting youth mental and emotional well-being and has worked closely with students at Lucas Crossing Middle School and The Legacy Center during the 2024 and 2025 school years. His guidance and mentorship continue to help young people navigate challenges with confidence and care. Read more about Jacob Painter…
Equity Builder Awardee Highlight: Erica Roberts
Erica Roberts has served as a Parent Teacher Educator at the Parents As Teachers National Center (PAT) for the past ten years, providing education and support services to families with young children. Through her work, Erica engages entire families—meeting them where they are and ensuring they feel seen, supported, and heard. Her compassionate and consistent approach exemplifies what it means to advance equity through direct service. Read more about Erica Roberts…
Emerging Changemaker Awardee Highlight: The Blade Runners
At The Legacy Center St. Louis (TLC), a Network member, their after-school program serves as a hub where youth within the 24:1 community can explore their passions and unlock their potential. It is there where four young men – Tre’Air Jamison, Edgar Starr, Terrion Tanksley and Kalil Wooden came together to form The Blade Runners, a youth-led lawn care and landscaping business. Read more about The Blade Runners…
The Community Impact Network is honored to celebrate these remarkable individuals and the many others who were recognized during A Night with the Stars 2025. Their work embodies the heart of the Network and the power of connection-driven service.
To learn more about the Network’s Annual A Night with the Stars event, click here.
