Updates

All 32 clubs have announced their 2025 Inspire Change Changemakers, recognizing individuals who have distinguished themselves through their commitment to social justice in their communities.

View the full list of Changemakers and learn about their work.

Now entering its fourth year, the award honors community leaders nominated by clubs for driving meaningful impact across the four pillars of Inspire Change: education, economic advancement, police-community relations and criminal justice reform. Each honoree will be recognized during Weeks 15 and 16 and will receive a $10,000 donation from the NFL Foundation directed to a nonprofit organization of their choosing.

Learn more about the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative and its impact on communities across the nation.

"These 32 Changemakers represent the very best of what Inspire Change stands for –   leaders who are transforming their communities through dedicated action,” said Anna Isaacson, Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. "They're proof that real transformation begins at the community level, led by people who show up, stay committed and do the work. The NFL and our clubs are proud to honor these individuals who inspire us all by showing us what meaningful progress looks like."

Inspire Change Weeks will showcase the NFL's ongoing commitment to breaking down barriers to opportunity, spotlighting impactful stories from individuals and organizations nationwide. Since 2017, the NFL family has contributed more than $460 million to empower more than 700 local non-profits, 2,300 player and Legend matching grants, and more than 50 national grant partners in support of Inspire Change's mission of creating positive change.

This year's Changemakers include:

• Dawn Wallace – Arizona Cardinals for her work advancing civic engagement and youth leadership development with the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation.
• Chad Houser – nominated by the Atlanta Falcons for his work creating pathways for economic advancement and criminal justice reform with Café Momentum.
• Joni Holifield – nominated by the Baltimore Ravens for her work elevating youth potential through mentorship and economic empowerment with HeartSmiles.
• Mark Laurrie – nominated by the Buffalo Bills for his work championing educational equity and student well-being with the Niagara Falls City School District.
• Michael DeVaul – nominated by the Carolina Panthers for his efforts in promoting community building, diversity and inclusion through the YMCA.
• Matt DeMateo – nominated by the Chicago Bears for his work driving community safety through restorative justice and violence prevention with New Life Centers and New Life Community Church.
• Rickell Howard Smith – nominated by the Cincinnati Bengals for her work advancing social justice and championing women's rights with the YWCA Greater Cincinnati.
• Henry Pettiegrew – nominated by the Cleveland Browns for his work spearheading significant academic gains and championing initiatives that address systemic barriers to opportunity in East Cleveland City Schools.
• Lisa Rose – nominated by the Dallas Cowboys for her work empowering women and children to break cycles of abuse and poverty with The Gatehouse at Grapevine.
• Dr. Malcinia "Nina" Toombs Conley – nominated by the Denver Broncos for her work advancing educational equity and next-generation leadership serving Colorado's youth.
• Angela Reyes – nominated by the Detroit Lions for her work driving community development with the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC). A
• Tony Pichler – nominated by the Green Bay Packers for his work providing essential services and support to those experiencing homelessness with Whatsoever You Do Inc.
• Jenifer Jarriel – nominated by the Houston Texans for her work strengthening family well-being and reforming the child welfare system with DePelchin Children's Center.
• Chanel Parker – nominated by the Indianapolis Colts for her work improving the quality of life for at-risk detained youth with the Marion Superior Court Youth Services Center.
• Ronnie King – nominated by the Jacksonville Jaguars for his work transforming grassroots education through technology and innovation with the MyVillage Project.
• Jeff Shafer – nominated by the Kansas City Chiefs for his work driving educational equity and community empowerment with City Year Kansas City.
• Robert Strawder – nominated by the Las Vegas Raiders for his work bridging divides through mentorship and police-community relations with the Donna Street Community Center Inc. and Hip-Hop Entrepreneurship Program Academy.
• Steve Delgado and Shirley Torres – nominated by the Los Angeles Chargers for their work advancing social justice and transformation with Homeboy Industries.
• Aurianna Tuttle – nominated by the Los Angeles Rams for her work providing community resource stability for youth with ROC Era.
• Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh – nominated by the Miami Dolphins for her work championing economic empowerment and dismantling systemic barriers with the Urban League of Broward County.
• Ebbony and Raymond Jackson – nominated by the Minnesota Vikings for their work offering educational scholarships and community outreach with The Khyree Jackson Foundation.
• Shaheer Mustafa – nominated by the New England Patriots for his work transforming the child welfare system and promoting positive outcomes for families with HopeWell, Inc. As President and CEO, Mustafa oversees services that create positive, measurable
• Mary Ambrose – nominated by the New Orleans Saints for her work driving equitable representation through community advocacy and strategic funding with United Way of Southeast Louisiana.
• Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr – nominated by the New York Giants for her work building an inclusive future for families impacted by autism with Nassan's Place.
• Meghan Leonard – nominated by the New York Jets for her work fostering inclusion and building a unified community through sports with Special Olympics New Jersey and Bloomfield High School.
• Emmanuel Clark – nominated by the Philadelphia Eagles for his work driving grassroots impact and youth development with the What I Wish I Knew Foundation.
• Tim Smith – nominated by the Pittsburgh Steelers for his work strengthening the community through academic programs and a holistic approach with Center of Life.
• Kristopher Scott – nominated by the San Francisco 49ers for his work dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline for Bay Area youth with Fresh Lifelines for Youth.
• Linda Thompson-Black – nominated by the Seattle Seahawks for her work advancing educational equity and access to higher education with the United Negro College Fund Pacific Northwest Area.
• Jamal Jefferson – nominated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for his work providing a safe, uplifting environment for the next generation of youth leaders with the Jackson Heights NFL YET Center.
• Melvin Cole – nominated by the Tennessee Titans for his work providing second chances and purpose for at-risk young males with P.U.R.E. Academy.
• Reverend Gary Hill – nominated by the Washington Commanders for his work providing holistic community support and critical services to vulnerable youth with Exodus Treatment Center Inc.