City of Destiny Awards

The City of Destiny Awards recognizes the outstanding contributions of volunteers improving life in Tacoma.

The annual City of Destiny Awards recognizes recipients for many awards, including Adult and Youth Leadership, Lifetime Service, Youth and Group Service categories, Environmental Sustainability, Disability Advocates (Professional and Volunteer), Economic Development, and Equity and Empowerment. More than 320 individuals and groups have received recognition for their outstanding contributions to improving life in Tacoma since the awards’ inception in 1987.

The City’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC) oversees the nomination and awards process for the City of Destiny Awards. The City Council appointed CERC, comprised of local community leaders from a broad array of backgrounds and expertise, develop the nomination tools and selection criteria.

Contact

Ashley Young

(253) 573-2523

communityevents@tacoma.gov

2026 City of Destiny Award Recipients

2026 City of Destiny Award Recipients

Adult Leadership: Asaph Gaspi – Tacoma Connect
Youth Service: Chelsea McElroy – Vision253
Group Work: Eloise’s Cooking Pot
Environmental Sustainability: Zakiya Nicole – The Chayah Movement
Disability Advocate: Shatone Martin – Lifting Spirits with Helping Hands
Economic Development: Lydia Mendez – Little Miss Sweets NYC
Equity & Empowerment: Lydia Zepeda – Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
Lifetime Service: Ernie Ouellette – Daffodil Festival volunteer
Champion of Peace: Tom Heavey – Greater Tacoma Peace Prize
Inspire Tacoma: Leo Randolph – Golden Gloves Legend

Past Events

The City of Destiny Awards have been recognizing groups and individuals for their outstanding contributions to improving life in Tacoma since the awards’ inception in 1987.

View a list of Award Winners from 1989-2022

View photos from previous award ceremonies: