NONPROFIT HONORS
The Vision In Action Nonprofit Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2025 Community Honors Star of Fame, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations whose leadership, service and resilience have made a lasting impact across Central Texas and beyond.
This year’s honorees represent a diverse tapestry of civic excellence, educational equity and community empowerment. Each award reflects Vision In Action’s mission to uplift voices of integrity, compassion and transformative action.
“These honorees embody the spirit of Vision In Action,” founder and Deputy Director Arthur Taylor said. “Their work reflects the values we hold dear — justice, compassion, and the courage to lead with purpose. We are proud to stand beside them in building a more equitable and empowered future.”
The awards will be presented at Vision In Action’s annual Community Legacy Celebration, which will be held on Sept. 27 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Splash CoWorking in downtown San Marcos, with civic leaders, youth advocates and community partners in attendance.
Listed below are the 2025 winners along with a description of why the nonprofit chose them to receive the award.
The winner of the Beacon of Hope Award is Diane Insley for her unwavering dedication to healing, advocacy and community support.
The winner of the Legacy of Equity, Education, and Empowerment Award is Shetay Ashford-Hanserd for her visionary work in inclusive education and leadership development.
The winner of the Guardian of Freedom & Community Leadership Award is Jude Prather, Officer for Hays County and is being celebrated for his steadfast commitment to veterans, civic integrity and public service. The winner of the Civic Legacy Award is Melissa Mathews Millecam who is being recognized for her enduring contributions to public communication, civic engagement and ethical leadership.
The winner of the Heritage to Honor Award is Judge Maggie Hernandez Moreno, who is honored for her generational legacy of justice, mentorship and community care.
The winner of the Wings of Resilience Leadership Honor is Robert Ellis, CEO of Pegasus Schools, for his transformative work in youth rehabilitation and empowerment.
The Gold Star Leadership Award honoree is Chuck Nash Auto Management for its nearly five decades of dedicated service, philanthropy and civic leadership in Central Texas. This recognition highlights the company’s longstanding commitment to community development.
The winner of the Legacy Circle Award is Diann McCabe, who is being celebrated for a lifetime of mentorship, creativity and academic excellence, the San Marcos Crossroads project.
The winners of the Certificate of Commendation are Mohammed and Salima Jaffer of Sunny’s Food Store, who are being acknowledged for their generous support and community stewardship.
The winner of the Distinguished Service Award is Pct. 1 Constable David Peterson, who is being recognized for his tireless to public service during more than thirty-five years as a dedicated Law Enforcement Officer and elected official.
The winner of the Shining Star Recognition is Jamie Lee Case, who is celebrated as an emerging leader in civic engagement and youth advocacy.
During the Vision In Action Foundation’s Star of Fame ceremony, two additional distinguished including the Heritage to Honor Award presented to Judge Maggie Hernandez Moreno and the Pillar of Justice Award presented to Judge JoAnne Prado.
These awards recognize the enduring legacy and unwavering commitment of two remarkable women whose service has uplifted communities, advanced justice and inspired generations.
Each year in June, the nominate two individuals they believe are deserving of such an award in their honor. The Board of Directors will select one of the two from each and present the honor in the previous honoree’s name. The selected individual will become a Vision In Action Star of Fame Award winner.
For more information visit the nonprofit’s website at vision-in-action. org.
