Brooke Kovalcik
Community Foundation
For nearly four years, Brooke Kovalcik has been an essential part of her organization’s marketing team, supporting key initiatives that strengthen donor relationships and community connections. From crafting newsletters and thank you letters to organizing donor events and assisting with board gatherings, Brooke ensures that every detail is handled with care.
Brooke takes pride in being a reliable, supportive teammate. She believes success is never individual—it’s a collective effort, and she values contributing to a workplace where collaboration and teamwork are central to everything they do.
What drew Brooke to this organization is its strong leadership and the high standards it sets. She finds motivation in being part of a team where everyone understands the importance of their mission and works hard to serve the community well.
Outside the office, Brooke recently embraced life as an empty nester. She enjoys weekends away with her husband, quality time with their Golden Retriever, and rediscovering new places and experiences. Though she humbly insists the nomination isn’t necessary, Brooke’s love for her work and her heart for making a difference shine through in everything she does.
Brooke is deeply committed to helping others and delivering excellence every day. A true people person, she goes above and beyond, always willing to do whatever is required to get the job done.
– Kym Byrnes, VP Marketing and Communications
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Nikki Jessee
Heartly House
Nikki’s connection to Heartly House runs deep. She first joined the organization in 1999, and though life’s circumstances led her to transition from employee to client, Nikki returned in 2007, beginning a remarkable 17-year journey of service and advocacy. Over the years, she’s worn many hats, from Hotline Advocate to Shelter Program team member to Night Manager; and each role has strengthened her skills and deepened her commitment to the mission.
A survivor of sexual assault and domestic violence herself, Nikki views her work as a privilege: the opportunity to be a small part of someone else’s journey toward healing. Navigating the challenges of the pandemic stands out as one of her proudest professional accomplishments, a testament to her resilience and dedication.
Beyond her role at Heartly House, Nikki is also an elementary school counselor and a devoted mother of three sons and a bonus son. Determined to break the cycle of abuse for her family, Nikki made it her mission to teach her children about healthy relationships and empowerment. She calls this work “her heart’s work”, a calling that’s shaped both her personal life and professional path in profound, lasting ways.
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Amanda Lastinger
Frederick Children’s Chorus
Amanda’s journey with The Frederick Children’s Chorus began as a child, and it’s come full circle in the most meaningful way. What started as a place where she found her voice and met her best friend has grown into a lifelong connection with the organization. Over the years, Amanda has worn many hats: student, parent, volunteer, and now staff member, where she helps create programs and supports all aspects of running the 40-year-old nonprofit.
Amanda is especially excited about her current work reconnecting alumni for a special concert in honor of founder Judy DuBose, who will be retiring. For Amanda, the most rewarding part of her role is watching a child achieve something they didn’t believe was possible; whether it’s mastering a foreign language, tackling a complicated piece of music, or simply discovering their confidence.
“Music is fun. Singing is fun. Children are fun,” she says, and it’s that joyful spirit that guides everything she does.
Amanda exemplifies stability, trust, empathy and leadership all at once. She listens but speaks up when it is needed. There is no question whether a situation will be left without a volunteer. She helps wherever needed without having to be asked twice. It has been a joy working with her for the last 5+ years.
– Carrie Silver, Executive Director
Learn More About the Frederick Children’s Chorus