Rising Star Mid-Career Impact Award

The Rising Star Mid-Career Impact Award recognizes mid-career professionals who are serving ANCOR’s mission through their service and dedication to making change at the organizational and/or federal level.

The ANCOR Foundation is the charitable counterpart of ANCOR—the nation’s leading community of disability service providers. The Foundation’s mission is to build the commitment and ability of providers and communities to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. 

At the ANCOR Foundation, we believe in both the investment of future leaders as well as the development and continued support of leaders who are using their influence to work on behalf of our membership. 

We also believe that bold leadership should consistently be recognized regardless of an individual’s tenure. It is essential to make a public statement that conveys that we see you, hear you, and value your time and contributions. That is why the ANCOR Foundation created the Rising Star Mid-Career Impact Award.   

Winners of the Rising Star Mid-Career Impact Award represent the present and future of ANCOR. The Foundation gives this award in recognition of mid-career professionals who, despite the inherent challenges within our field, dare to make the inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in society their professional mission. We further define a mid-career professional as an individual who has earned experience and expertise, and still has significant time to gain more experience, advance their qualifications, and pursue leadership roles.

Nominate a Mid-Career Professional

Summary

Established in 2024, the Rising Star Mid-Career Impact Award recognizes mid-career professionals who are serving ANCOR’s mission through their service and dedication to making change at the organizational and/or federal level.  

Winner Benefits

If selected for the Award, winners will enjoy the benefits of wide visibility, including: 

  • A beautiful award commemorating your successes.  
  • A profile in ANCOR’s member publication, Connections. 
  • A segment on ANCOR’s Podcast, Links 
  • Recognition on the ANCOR Foundation’s website. 
  • Inclusion in a press release announcing the ANCOR Foundation Award honorees. 
  • Recognition in the ANCOR Connect program. 

Nominator Benefits

If selected for the Award, nominators will enjoy the benefits of wide visibility, including: 

  • Recognition on the ANCOR Foundation’s website. 
  • Inclusion in a press release announcing the ANCOR Foundation Award honorees. 
  • Recognition in the ANCOR Connect program. 

Nominations usually open in the winter and award winners are recognized at ANCOR’s conference each spring. 

Nomination Requirements

To be considered for the ANCOR Rising Star Mid-Career Impact Award, a nominee must:   

  • Be an ANCOR Member. 
  • Have at least 5 years of management experience in the I/DD space. 
  • Be considered a subject matter expert on a topic or content in the I/DD space. 
  • Be a B-Level or D-Level manager who is responsible for supervising people, services, program and/or a department. [See below* for management level definition.] 
  • Have at least one year of service to ANCOR. Activities include, but are not limited to:
    • ANCOR Board of Directors 
    • ANCOR Board of Representatives 
    • ANCOR Foundation Committees 
    • ANCOR Global Council 
    • Direct Service Professional of the Year Reviewer 
    • Finance Committee
    • Leadership Academy Mentor 
    • Leadership Academy Subject Matter Expert 
    • Leadership Development Committee 
    • Government Relations Committee 
    • Grassroots Committee 
    • Professional Development Committee

Nominees should be thought of as positive-impact makers who are: 

  • Barrier-breakers and/or obstacle-removers who take initiative. 
  • Community influencers. 
  • Lifelong learners who take ownership of their professional development. 
  • Person-centered leaders. 
  • Team-players. 

Nominations can be completed by: 

  • The nominee 
  • B-Level or D-Level peer 
  • V-Level or C-Level leader in their organization 
  • ANCOR Committee or Work Group Chair 
  • ANCOR Foundation Board of Trustee Member
  • ANCOR Board of Directors Member
  • ANCOR State Association Executive Forum Member

Submit a Nomination

*The ANCOR Foundation recognizes four levels of management:

  • B-Level: Play a massive part in ensuring all daily tasks run smoothly.
  • D-Level: Heavily involved in larger organizational goals; however, they also have a hand in day-to-day operations. They typically develop strategies to meet larger goals and empower team members to do their best work.
  • V-Level: Play a big part in overseeing internal operations. They often report to a C-Level individual and come to the table when it is time to make critical decisions.
  • C-Level: Sit at the top level of management. As senior leaders, they are the ones with final decision-making power and are responsible for big-picture decisions.

Note: If you are uncertain about your management level, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.