NKBA Manhattan Chapter is proud to have the following distinguished persons judge the first annual Eco Awards. Two awards awards are to be chosen from the submissions received this year from chapter sponsors. The third “members choice award” was voted for directly by our membership. Awards will be announced at a later date.

 

GRACE JEFFERS

Grace Jeffers is a thought leader and an accomplished lecturer on the intelligent use of materials in today’s world. She is renowned for challenging designers to dig deeper in their understanding of materials, urging them to re-evaluate concepts such as “Natural” and “Artificial,” “Real” and Fake,” to holistically understand the true environmental impact of their choice of materials.

 

JON STEPANIAN

Jon Stepanian is the President and CEO of Community Solidarity, Inc., the largest vegetarian hunger relief program in the U.S. Sharing vegetarian groceries, hot vegan meals, and clothing with tens of thousands each month is only part of Jon's job description. 

It is estimated that in the U.S., roughly 40 percent of food gets wasted each year. By sharing groceries that would have otherwise ended up in landfills, Jon is not only fighting hunger but also contributing greatly in the fight against food waste.

 

MOLLY SWITZER

Molly Switzer is Owner and Principal Designer of Molly N Switzer Designs LLC, established in 2017. Molly has been involved heavily in the NKBA since 2005, serving in both student as well as professional officer positions for the Columbia River Chapter (serving Oregon & SW Washington). Currently in her second term of presidency for the NKBA, she is a 2014 NKBA 30 under 30 Alumni and serving with the National Chapter Leadership Committee. She was the recipient of the 2020 NKBA President of the Year as well as 2020's Officer of the Year.