Disconnection in this hyperconnected world is the irony of the era. We plug in and then peel off into like-minded groups of people who think exactly the way we do. But not the 10 people on the following pages. Our 2020 Unity Award winners have found a path away from the us-and-them zeitgeist. When they see a need, they step forward to make a difference, and their efforts cross all race, class, religion, sexual orientation, ability or socioeconomic backgrounds. They teach at-risk children to read, embrace LGBTQ seniors, give a voice and face to people with Lou Gehrig’s disease and support returning veterans. Their belief in our shared humanity has had a huge impact on thousands of people and, just as significantly, has made this place we call home stronger, better and brighter.

In This Feature:

KT Curran’s Plays and Films Star Young Adults and Their Deeply Emotional Stories

“I like to do good work as much as I like to help young people."

01/30/2020 By Kay Kipling

Top CEO Turned Minister Brock Leach Uses Leadership to Help the Disadvantaged

“It was a revelation for me that I could make a difference for someone else."

01/30/2020 By Hannah Wallace

John Annis Is a Connector For Community Change

“There’s a bunch of people out there who want to do good things. All they need to do is be asked.”

01/30/2020 By Hannah Wallace

Gabriel Ortiz Changes Young Lives Through the Power of Theater

“My life is about stories, tracing one point to the next. That’s what I say to my kids: ‘How do we take over our narratives?’”

01/30/2020 By Hannah Wallace

Kevin Swan Raises Funds and Awareness to Benefit ALS Patients

Swan's A Life Story Foundation has raised $1.5 million for ALS research, awareness and education.

01/30/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Aly Busse Spreads the Gospel of Marine Science to Area Minority Students

“We need people who’ve come from different backgrounds and life experiences to help solve problems the oceans are facing. The more diverse voices, the better.”

01/30/2020 By Megan McDonald

Robert Rogers Started the Conversation With LGBTQ Elders About Loss and Legacy

“I’m a better person because of the generosity of all these people who’ve chosen to talk to me.”

01/30/2020 By Ilene Denton

Jacquelyn Paulk and David Rubin Help Kids SOAR

Jacquelyn Paulk's passion for students and parents is legendary. With the help of David Rubin, her SOAR Learning Center is thriving.

01/30/2020 By Susan Burns