AmeriCorps Colorado Youth for a Change Director Mary Zanotti Receives National Honor from America’s Service Commissions

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WASHINGTON, DC ~ Washington, D.C. - In a reception hosted by America's Service Commissions (ASC) on September 4th, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera announced that Mary Zanotti, the Executive Director of Colorado Youth for a Change, has been awarded the 2024 Outstanding Service Program Staff Member Award. This prestigious award is given each year to recognize the achievements of state and territorial service commission staff, commissioners, service programs, and champions of national service throughout the United States and its territories.

Zanotti's dedication and innovation in service have been recognized as exemplary by Lt. Governor Primavera. She stated, "Mary Zanotti's leadership at Colorado Youth for a Change is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of so many. Her commitment to service and dedication to bettering Colorado communities embodies our vision of a Colorado for All." The Lt. Governor also congratulated Zanotti on this well-deserved national recognition.

The Outstanding Service Program Staff Member Award is given to an individual who has consistently shown leadership and dedication in achieving goals through service. At Colorado Youth for a Change, Zanotti oversees four AmeriCorps programs that provide support to students from preschool through high school in areas such as reading, math, and mental health. She has been an active partner with Serve Colorado, which manages AmeriCorps programs across the state.

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One of Zanotti's staff members praised her for her support in finding creative ways to help members grow and pursue specific career paths. They shared that multiple members have completed internship requirements through their service time in the Corps for a Change program while also earning bachelor's or master's degrees in social work. Additionally, Zanotti has created pathways for members to be hired into full-time staff positions with over ten current staff members having previously served in AmeriCorps programs under her leadership. Her efforts have fostered a culture where staff, members, and students feel valued and included in decision-making processes.

This is not the first time that the Serve Colorado team has been recognized for their innovative approach to service and volunteerism. In fact, this marks the fourth consecutive year that they have received a national award. In 2023, Serve Colorado won the ASC Innovation Award in the category of Innovation in Partnerships. The following year, Executive Director John Kelly received the 2022 ASC Innovation and Leadership Award for Outstanding Commission Executive Director. And in 2021, Serve Colorado's COVID Containment Response Corps was honored with ASC's Outstanding Service Program Award.

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Kaira Esgate, CEO of America's Service Commissions, expressed her gratitude for the awardees' leadership and dedication to advancing AmeriCorps and national service at all levels. She stated, "Each of these awardees has answered the call to serve in an innovative way that is transforming the national service landscape. They have promoted diversity and equity in AmeriCorps, launched creative new projects and initiatives that expand AmeriCorps services, and introduced groundbreaking federal and state service legislation." Esgate encouraged others to learn more about these exceptional individuals and their contributions to service.

In conclusion, Mary Zanotti's outstanding leadership at Colorado Youth for a Change has been recognized on a national level with the 2024 Outstanding Service Program Staff Member Award. Her dedication to service has not only impacted her organization but also serves as an inspiration for others to make a difference in their communities.

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