StriveTogether’s Post

Named after one of the earliest and staunchest champions of our work, the Bill Henningsgaard Cradle to Career Champion Award honors a local advocate in the Cradle to Career Network who embodies passion, commitment and persistence in advancing opportunities for every child and family. ✨ During this year's Cradle to Career Network Convening in Atlanta, we proudly presented this award to Sondra Samuels, co-founder, president and CEO of the Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ). Sondra’s visionary leadership has united 35 partner organizations to support children and families from prenatal care to postsecondary success — all while centering family wealth, belonging and self-determination. Her impact extends beyond her community as a founding member of the Education Partnerships Coalition of Minnesota, which has secured $36 million in bipartisan state funding for cradle-to-career solutions. Sondra’s work proves what’s possible when we go forward together. 👏 Congratulations, Sondra! #ConveneC2C #CradleToCareer #SystemsChange