13 Years of Honoring Service, Leadership & Impact
For 13 years, Vitendo4Africa (V4A) has had the honor of celebrating extraordinary individuals and organizations who have stepped forward to make a difference in the lives of immigrant and refugee families across the St. Louis region.
Our annual awards are more than a celebration—they are a tribute to service, courage, leadership, compassion, and the power of community.
Every day, individuals and organizations across our region open doors, create opportunities, advocate for families, mentor young people, build businesses, strengthen communities, and help newcomers find a sense of belonging. Their work reminds us that when we invest in one another, we all rise together.
A V4A Award recipient represents the very best of community leadership. Honorees have demonstrated an exceptional and sustained commitment to serving, supporting, advocating for, and empowering immigrant and refugee families. Their contributions have helped create a stronger, healthier, more connected, and more welcoming St. Louis.
Our Keynote Speaker
Dr. Juliet Iwelunmor, PhD
Professor of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
Director, Light Institute for Global Health and Transformation
Dr. Iwelunmor’s work reflects the power of research, leadership, culture, and community to transform lives and advance health equity around the world.
2026 V4A Awards
This year, we proudly recognize individuals and organizations whose exceptional service and leadership continue to strengthen immigrant and refugee communities throughout the St. Louis region.
Community Advocate Award – Wakili Award
Celebrating a champion who uses their voice, influence, and leadership to advocate for immigrant and refugee families and advance a more just and welcoming community.
Youth Empowerment Award – Wezesha Award
Honoring an individual or organization that invests in the dreams, talents, education, leadership, and future of immigrant and refugee youth.
Immigrant Entrepreneur Award
Celebrating an immigrant entrepreneur whose vision, determination, innovation, and economic contributions are helping create opportunity and prosperity in our region.
Inclusion & Belonging Award
Recognizing a leader or organization committed to creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed, valued, respected, and that they truly belong.
Community Service Award
Honoring exceptional dedication to serving others and strengthening immigrant and refugee families through compassion, generosity, and meaningful action.
Emerging Leader Award
Celebrating a rising leader whose passion, vision, and commitment signal a promising future for our communities and our region.
Humanitarian Award – Shujaa Award
Shujaa means hero. This award honors an extraordinary individual or organization whose courage, compassion, sacrifice, and service have transformed lives and inspired others.
V4A Ambassador Award – Balozi Award
Balozi means ambassador. This award recognizes an individual who embodies the mission and values of Vitendo4Africa and serves as a powerful ambassador for immigrant inclusion, connection, and empowerment.
Mentor of the Year Award
Celebrating an exceptional mentor whose guidance, encouragement, wisdom, and investment in others have helped individuals discover their potential and achieve their dreams.
Community Impact Award
Recognizing an individual or organization whose sustained leadership and service have created meaningful and lasting impact for immigrant and refugee families and the broader St. Louis community.
Celebrating the Power of Community
Tonight, we celebrate more than accomplishments. We celebrate people who chose to care. People who chose to serve. People who chose to open doors for others.
Their stories remind us that meaningful change begins with one person, one act of kindness, one opportunity, and one community coming together.
As we honor this year’s recipients, we celebrate a shared belief that every immigrant and refugee family deserves the opportunity to belong, contribute, thrive, and build a better future.
Together, we welcome. Together, we connect. Together, we empower. Together, we build a stronger St. Louis.