2026 Vicki Hoffman Award
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This year, Influence the Choice had the honor of recognizing Barb de Michele as the recipient of the 2026 Vicki Hoffman Award.
Named in honor of Vicki Hoffman - a founding leader of ITC, passionate community organizer, artist, and advocate for youth - this award is presented annually to an individual who demonstrates outstanding dedication to supporting young people and strengthening the Issaquah community through service, leadership, and compassion. Barb has been involved with Influence the Choice since it's inception, and her dedication to building a healthy community and advocating for youth has made a lasting impact on our organization and the broader community. We are so grateful for her continued leadership, generosity, and commitment to empowering young people. |
Marnie Maraldo (ITC Executive Director Emeritus), Trish Bloor (ITC Treasurer), and Barb de Michele (ITC Board Member and Recipient of 2026 Vicki Hoffman Award)
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2026 ITC Youth Leadership Awards
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Influence the Choice had the honor of recognizing two outstanding youth leaders at the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce’s 46th Annual Community Awards!
Each year, ITC’s Youth Leadership Awards recognize students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to prevention and community health through our programs and youth advisory council, TECH (Teens Encouraging Community Health). The 2026 Youth Leadership Award recipients are Mudra Machewad, sophomore at Skyline High School, and Fiona Ton, sophomore at Liberty High School. Mudra was recognized for her years of leadership in prevention and advocacy efforts through ITC and TECH, including Youth Advocacy Day, youth advisory work, and her selection to CADCA's National Youth Council. She was also honored for founding the LakeSafe Initiative, a youth-led effort focused on drowning prevention and open-water safety. Fiona was recognized for the leadership, passion, and initiative she has brought to ITC this year, including serving as president of Liberty High School’s TECH chapter, leading Take Down Tobacco Day efforts, and mentoring younger students through our Power of Me, Power of We conference. Congratulations, Mudra and Fiona! We are so proud of the impact you continue to make in our community! 
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