Phyllis Richards Icon for Youth Awards

History of the Phyllis Richards Icon for Youth Awards

Dr. Phyllis Richards had over 70 years of dedicated service in child development and shaping service delivery to children. Her commitment to ensuring that all children have access to quality early childhood education and mental health services has created long-term impacts for thousands of children. She served as a faculty member for The University of Texas at Austin’s School of Human Ecology Division of Human Development and Family Sciences for forty years. Dr. Phyllis Richards was a visionary leader and researcher in the field of early childhood education and child development, and worked vigorously to help establish the Head Start program on a national level. In her five years of service on the Austin Child Guidance Center’s Board of Directors, she was influential in helping the Center become the first site in Central Texas to provide mental health services to children who were victims of sexual abuse. 

Dr. Phyllis Richards passed away on April 18, 2023. The awards ceremony holds a special significance as we pay tribute to her life's work, which has been the cornerstone of child development services today. Dr. Richards' selfless commitment to children will always be remembered and celebrated by all those whose lives she touched. 

Join us for the 2024 Phyllis Richards Icon for Youth Awards

The 13th Annual Phyllis Richards Icon for Youth award ceremony, featuring guest speaker Seanna Crosbie, will be at the Austin Board of Realtors Headquarters (4800 Spicewood Springs Road Austin, Texas 78759) on Friday October 25th, 2024 from 12:30-1:30 PM. Light bites and drinks will be provided. Tickets are free. RSVP today.

2024 Phyllis Richards Icon for Youth Finalists

Alison Alter, nominated by Brooke Freeland, has served on Austin’s City Council since 2017, prioritizing children and families throughout her tenure. She has been a strong advocate for the early education and care sector, most notably leading efforts to exempt eligible child care providers from local property taxes—making Austin the first jurisdiction in Texas to do so. Alison also spearheaded the Affordable Childcare Now November ballot initiative, which aims to establish a dedicated fund for early childhood education, after-school programs, and summer care. Her leadership has been pivotal in garnering support from her colleagues, positioning this initiative as a potential landmark for local support of young children and families. What could be the most monumental local support for young children and families, would not be where it is today without her initial support and advocacy. 

Adrienne Kennedy, nominated by Karen Ranus, is a well-known advocate for children’s mental health, with affiliations that include NAMI, the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, and the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. Driven by her personal experience with the devastating effects of mental illness, Adrienne has been a passionate leader in the field for decades. At NAMI Austin, she quickly became a member of the Board of Directors and a national-level trainer for critical programs such as Family-to-Family, Family Support Group, NAMI Basics, and Parents & Teachers as Allies. Her leadership helped establish partnerships with schools, treatment centers, and juvenile probation officers, making NAMI Austin one of the first affiliates in the country to launch key programs like Parents & Teachers as Allies and Ending the Silence. Adrienne's efforts to expand critical programming in the Austin area were nationally recognized in 2013, the same year NAMI Austin was honored as Affiliate of the Year.

Ricardo Zavala, nominated by Ebony, is Founder and President of Dove Springs Proud who has made a significant impact on over 7,500 people in the 78744 zip code. A first-generation college graduate, Ricardo grew up in Dove Springs and established Dove Springs Proud in 2013 to give back. With over 1,300 members, the group has awarded more than 100 college scholarships and manages several programs for local youth, including annual field trips to the Texas Capitol for over 500 children, an annual Trunk or Treat event, and summer pool parties. Dove Springs Proud also sponsors PTA fundraisers at all 19 schools in 78744, investing in local education. Ricardo’s contributions have earned him multiple honors, including the Del Valle ISD Community Champion Award, AISD Latino Academic Achievement Community Service Award, and the 2023 CAN Butler Community Leadership Award.

2023 Winners 

Professional Excellence: Nancy Pollard, Friends of the Children - Austin 

Nancy Pollard is the founder and CEO of Friends of the Children - Austin. Under Nancy's leadership, their mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty by pairing children experiencing the most significant challenges with a professional, salaried, full-time, bilingual mentor, called a Friend, from kindergarten through high school graduation for 12+ years. Thanks to Nancy's advocacy and determination, the organization has grown to serve 175 children, ranging in ages from four to 11 years old.

Corporate Partner of the Year: (un)Common Logic

(un)Common Logic helps companies grow through digital marketing services: paid media, search engine optimization, conversion rate optimization, and analytics. Avid supporters of ACGC’s mission, the team has displayed careful, meaningful thought in coming with digital marketing strategies to help increase visibility and accessibility to information about ACGC by helping us to improve our website content and search engine ranking. 

ACGC Partner of the Year: Paula Aaronson

"Paula Aaronson personifies the spirit of the Phyllis Richards Award! For decades, she has devoted her time, treasure, and talent to enhancing the lives and futures of children. A single mother of three, she learned first-hand the challenges of raising kids under demanding circumstances, including losing everything in a devastating house fire. Entering the engineering field at a time with low female membership, she developed the analytical skills she utilizes in her many roles serving her family and community. Last Winter, Paula returned to ACGC to serve on the Executive Director Search Committee, which resulted in hiring Andy Miller. Her perspective as a former Board Member and Board President was invaluable! Paula’s impact on ACGC and the children and families served these many years give testimony to her heart and the meaning of the Phyllis Richards Award." - Sarah Fontenot, ACGC Board President and member of the Executive Director search committee and Laura Rea, ACGC Board Member and Chair of the Executive Director search committee.

Do You Know Someone Who Exemplifies Excellence?

Nominations for the Phyllis Richards Icon for Youth Awards are currently closed.

Nomination Criteria 

Scope and Impact of Work  

• How has the work of the nominee improved the quality of life for children and teens?  
• How has the nominee exemplified leadership in these efforts?  
• How long has the nominee been working to help improve the quality of life for children and teens?  

Innovation  

• Has the nominee created or improved events, programs, systems, or processes to improve the quality of life for children and teens?  

Growth and Perseverance  

• How has the nominee overcome obstacles in reaching their accomplishments?   
• In what ways did the nominee display growth from facing difficult circumstances?  

Selection and Recognition Process  

• Finalists from each category will be selected from the nominees. ACGC will recognize all nominees and publicly announce the finalists prior to the event.  
• ACGC’s Board will choose the award winners and they will be revealed at our award ceremony.   
• During the event program, each finalist and award winner will be recognized for their dedication to improving future outcomes for children and teens.   

For additional questions, send an email to our Development Team.