We’re so proud to announce this year’s Jim Parke Constructive Leadership Award winners! This award goes to three buildOn students who exemplify the principles of Empathy, Courage, Resilience, Passion for the Possible, and Solidarity—values championed by Jim Parke, an early buildOn board member and cornerstone of our movement. Read our new blog post to meet our winners!

Leadership in Action: buildOn’s 2024 Jim Parke Award Winners

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December 13, 2024
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We’re so proud to announce this year’s Jim Parke Constructive Leadership Award winners! This prestigious recognition honors buildOn students who exemplify the principles of Empathy, Courage, Resilience, Passion for the Possible, and Solidarity—values championed by Jim Parke, a board member and early champion of buildOn.

Jim Parke, the Godfather of buildOn, was an early believer in our movement.
Jim Parke, the Godfather of buildOn, was an early believer in our movement.

Parke, who served as CFO of GE Capital during buildOn’s founding year in 1991, played a pivotal role in launching the movement that would transform thousands of lives through service and education. His 27-year tenure on our board and unwavering support made him the Godfather of buildOn.

Meet this year’s inspiring winners:

Uzoamaka Ebin – Boston, MA (240 service hours)

Uzoamaka was the salutatorian of her class at CASH High School in Boston 
Uzoamaka was the salutatorian of her class at CASH High School in Boston 

A recent graduate of Community Academy of Science and Health, Uzoamaka exemplifies innovative leadership through service. She founded the buildOn Knitting Club, which creates warm weather items for local shelters in Dorchester. As club president, she served as both teacher and inspiration, often sharing her own knitting supplies with fellow students. Despite the pressures of senior year, Uzoamaka’s unwavering commitment to service made her the heart and soul of CASH’s buildOn program.

Uzoamaka helped found buildOn’s knitting club at CASH!
Uzoamaka helped found buildOn’s knitting club at CASH!

Rashad Pierce – The Bronx, NY (185 service hours)

Rashad, center, is a leader at LGJ.
Rashad, center, is a leader at LGJ.

A junior at Bronx School for Law, Government & Justice, Rashad’s dedication to serving his community transcends significant personal challenges. Despite living with a foster family and navigating strict schedules, he finds creative ways to serve—sometimes traveling 90 minutes each way just to participate  in a service project. As Rashad says, he “doesn’t do service for the hours, but for the people he serves and works alongside with.” His resilience and commitment inspire everyone around him.

Rashad doesn’t let anything get in the way of serving others.
Rashad doesn’t let anything get in the way of serving others.

Jayla Smith-Turner – Detroit, MI (332 service hours)

Last year, Jayla went on Trek to help build a school in Nicaragua.
Last year, Jayla went on Trek to help build a school in Nicaragua.

At Renaissance High School, Jayla has transformed from a reserved freshman into a powerful student leader. As buildOn’s elected president at her school, she coordinates meetings, plans programming, and has helped expand the program’s reach. Her leadership shined brightest when she organized weekly service opportunities during her Engagement Specialist’s maternity leave. Beyond buildOn, Jayla serves as Student Chair and contributes to multiple school organizations. In her words, “buildOn is a safe space for people to come together to help & strengthen communities.”

Once a shy freshman, Jayla, pictured second from left, has become a leader at Renaissance.
Once a shy freshman, Jayla, pictured second from left, has become a leader at Renaissance.
A Bright Future

These young leaders follow in Jim Parke’s footsteps, demonstrating that constructive leadership comes in many forms—from teaching others to knit clothes for the unhoused, to showing up despite personal obstacles, to stepping up when others need support. Their stories remind us that the next generation of leaders is already hard at work building a more equitable and compassionate world.

Through their combined 757 service hours and countless acts of leadership, Uzoamaka, Rashad, and Jayla embody the very best of buildOn’s mission. Their dedication to service and leadership continues to inspire their peers, mentors, and communities. Congratulations to all three of them!

Want to help build more leaders like Uzoamaka, Rashad, and Jayla? Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support buildOn today.