Awards & Recognition

NVEEE, along with our Founder & Executive Director, Board of Directors, and student leaders, is proud to be recognized for our impactful work in mentoring, leadership development, mental health advocacy, and prevention education. These honors reflect the dedication of our entire community to creating safer, more equitable spaces for everyone—where empathy, inclusion, and meaningful change can thrive.

NVEEE RIBBON

One of our most significant achievements is being named a recipient of the NFL’s 2024 Inspire Change Changemaker Award, presented by the Miami Dolphins. This prestigious honor recognizes organizations making meaningful strides in social justice, education, economic advancement, and police-community relations. NVEEE was selected for our unwavering commitment to empowering youth and young leaders to address the root causes of bullying, champion mental health, and advocate for equity and social change in their communities.

The Inspire Change initiative, driven by the NFL’s commitment to creating a more just and inclusive society, amplifies organizations that develop lasting, community-based solutions. Being recognized as a Changemaker not only highlights NVEEE’s impact but also underscores the broader societal benefits of our work: when we uplift and equip individuals to create change, everyone—across schools, workplaces, and communities—benefits.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the NFL, the Miami Dolphins, and all of the organizations that have celebrated and supported our mission over the years. Your recognition inspires us to deepen our efforts and continue making a difference for generations to come.

Inspire Change Changemaker Award

2024
The Inspire Change Changemaker Award recognizes an individual in each NFL team market making a difference in their community with their social justice work. Each Changemaker received a $10,000 donation from the NFL Foundation, paid directly to a non-profit organization of their choice. Changemakers also receive special recognition at each team's Inspire Change game during Week 15 or 16. 2024 awardees also included two tickets to the Super Bowl.

NVEEE Day

2019
On the eve of NVEEE celebrating 10 years of mentoring, and bullying and suicide prevention education, Commissioner Eileen Higgins presented the organization with a Proclamation naming November 16, 2019 as NVEEE Day in Miami-Dade County.

Luminary Award

2019
SAVE’s annual Luminary Awards honors local young professionals for their contributions toward the LGBT community. On Sept 18, 2019, NVEEE’s founder, Jowharah Sanders, became a recipient of SAVE’s People’s Luminary Award.

Women In Excellence Award

2015
Women In Network (WIN) presented NVEEE’s Founder, Jowharah Sanders, with a Women In Excellence award on behalf of her community service and mentoring of young women in the community. (Ms. Sanders pictured with three of her mentees • Liz, Sara, and Jovanie)

Congressional Record • Congresswoman Lois Frankel

2014
For its community partnerships, including being awarded a Be a STAR grant from the WWE, Congresswoman Lois Frankel presented NVEEE with a Congressional Record.

Congressional Record • Congressman Michael Honda

2014
On behalf of the Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus, Congressman Michael Honda recognized NVEEE’s bullying prevention efforts throughout the United States, and presented NVEEE with a Congressional Record.

Community Leader of the Year

2014
Presented by the Aqua Foundation for Women, NVEEE’s Founder & Executive Director, Jowharah Sanders, is a recipient of the Community Leader of the Year Award during The Aqua Affair, a fundraising event where the community gathers to celebrate the work that Aqua does in giving back to women in the LGBTQ community.

Outstanding Leadership in the LGBTQ+ Community

2014
Presented by Safe Schools South Florida, NVEEE’s Executive Director, Jowharah Sanders, is recognized for her outstanding leadership in the LGBTQ community, specifically around raising awareness for the harmful effects of bullying and providing community-wide prevention education.

Ujima Leadership Award

2013
Presented by Black Gay Pride South Florida, Jowharah Sanders was presented with the Kwanzaa Ujima Leadership Award. Ujima is a commitment to active and informed togetherness on matters of common interest. It is also recognition and respect of the fact that without collective work and struggle, progress is impossible and liberation unthinkable.

Secret Millionaire Non-profit Awardee

2012
Philanthropist, Chairman, and CEO of Camping World, Host of MSNBC’s “The Profit” and “The Partner”, Marcus Lemonis, appeared on ABC’s Secret Millionaire and awarded NVEEE with $35,000, a vehicle, a new camper trailer from Camping World.

Community Leadership Award

2012
Philanthropist, Kimberly Shenker-Bacardi, presents NVEEE’s Founder, Jowharah Sanders, with a Community Leadership Award during an annual charity event.

Congressional Record • Congresswoman Frederica Wilson

2011
During the launch of NVEEE’s “Not On My Watch” Anti-Bullying Campaign launch in Washington D.C., Congresswoman Frederica Wilson presented NVEEE with its first Congressional Record for its work in Miami-Dade schools and communities.