The United Way of Greater Mercer County Board of Directors invites you to our
6th Annual United in Impact Awards!
Join us on Thursday, April 30, 2026
The Boathouse at Mercer Lake
334 S Post Rd,
West Windsor Township, NJ 08550
5:00 PM-8:00 PM
The annual event celebrates community champions who demonstrate leadership, passion, and a commitment to a thriving and equitable community in their everyday life as well as share similar values with UWGMC.
Proceeds from the event will directly provide food, rental and utility assistance, health insurance access, tax preparation services, financial coaching, college planning and other resources to help individuals and families get ahead. There are over 66,000 families in Mercer County struggling to make ends meet.
$195 - Individual Ticket
$1,850 - Table of 10
Master of Ceremonies:
Edward W. Bullock

Edward W. Bullock is the 2024 United Way of Greater Mercer County Eugene Marsh Community Impact Award recipient and was recently appointment to the Board of Trustees of Thomas Edison State University.
Mr. Bullock is a visionary leader whose lifelong mission is to transform lives through literacy, education, and service. He is the President of the Trenton Literacy Movement, Inc., and supports efforts to ensure every child in Trenton reads at grade level by the third grade. Under their leadership, the organization’s reading intervention program now reaches all Trenton public elementary schools, opening doors of opportunity for thousands of children.
A passionate advocate for the power of reading, Mr. Bullock has personally read to more than 1,000 children, affirming Frederick Douglass’s timeless words: “Once you learn to read, you are forever free.” He is also the author of the children’s picture book Warren Goes to Grandpa’s, created in response to the lack of diverse representation in children’s literature. His voice has reached wider audiences through the Mercer County Library System’s Behind the Books podcast and WHYY TV’s You Oughta Know.
Mr. Bullock’s distinguished career spans higher education, healthcare, and corporate leadership. He served at Norfolk State University, The College of New Jersey, and Johnson & Johnson before joining L’Oréal USA, where he became the company’s first Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion, reporting directly to the President and CEO.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Bullock is deeply committed to community service. He is Past President and current board member of the Young Scholars Institute of Trenton, and a proud 50‑year member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Trenton Alumni Chapter. His dedication has been recognized with numerous honors and awards.
Mr. Bullock holds a B.A. from Norfolk State University, an M.Ed. from The College of New Jersey, and an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Norfolk State University. He resides in Hamilton, New Jersey with his wife Sharon, and treasures time with his sons Eric and Peter, their families, and his three beloved granddaughters.
2026 Awards:
Live United Corporate Award:
Recognizes the corporate and personal commitment to building a stronger, equitable, and thriving community.
The Eugene Marsh Community Impact Award:
Recognizes an individual or group who exemplifies Eugene Marsh’s commitment to mental health, veterans, diversity, and anti-racism and who give back to the community. The awardee also personifies Eugene Marsh’s three core values: Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.
Distinguished Young Leader Award:
Recognizes an emerging professional who demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to making a positive impact in their community and field. This award honors individuals who inspire others through their vision, integrity, and dedication to creating meaningful change.

Check out event photos from 2025!
Check out event photos from 2024
Check out event photos from 2022
For more information please contact
Sandra Toussaint at sandra.toussaint@uwgmc.org or 609-896-1912
VISIONARY SPONSOR
PARTNER SPONSORS


DEVOTEE SPONSORS

IN-KIND SPONSOR

Live United Corporate Award
Recognizes the corporate and/or personal commitment to building a stronger, equitable, and thriving community.
Stout's Transportation

For over six decades, Stout’s Transportation built more than a fleet—they’ve built relationships. As a family-owned company rooted in trust, pride, and reliability, Stout’s is committed to delivering safe, seamless, and personalized transportation experiences. Whether it’s a daily school route or a once-in-a-lifetime event, our team shows up with care, professionalism, and a deep dedication to the people we serve. Stout’s is proud to move people forward, with service that goes beyond the ride.
Eugene Marsh Community Impact Award
Recognizes an individual, group, or organization that exemplifies Eugene Marsh’s commitment to mental health, veterans, diversity, and anti-racism and who give back to the community. The awardee also personifies Eugene Marsh’s three core values: Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.
Lloyd Freeman,
Chief Experience Officer, Buchanan

As the Chief Experience Officer, Lloyd Freeman plays a pivotal role in enriching the firm's culture by cultivating an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued and engaged. He leads the firm's diversity & inclusion program, which focuses on advancing inclusion both internally, across the legal industry and in the communities where Buchanan operates. He is dedicated to ensuring exceptional client satisfaction by developing innovative strategies that promote positive client interactions and highlight the unique offerings available through the firm's full-service platform. Lloyd collaborates closely with Buchanan's recruiting team to refine recruitment strategies, ensuring that the firm's core values resonate with prospective candidates. He also nurtures relationships with firm alumni and forges connections within the legal community; all aimed at supporting the firm's overarching growth and seamless integration.
In his role, Lloyd is responsible for expanding the firm's diversity initiatives related to attorney hiring, retention, and advancement, while overseeing the Diversity & Inclusion Council. He promotes equitable policies, mentorship, and sponsorship as key retention strategies. Utilizing data and analytics, Lloyd identifies potential risk areas and emphasizes accountability to drive meaningful impact. Lloyd is known for his ability to develop creative, mutually beneficial programs for firm clients, community organizations and corporate partners through initiatives like the firm's supplier diversity and corporate share programs.
Lloyd has been a champion of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession throughout his career, including in his roles as a litigation partner and a Chief Diversity Officer at his previous firm. He is a sought-after speaker and is frequently called upon to discuss diversity-related topics and corresponding impacts on corporations and their employees. He frequently shares his expertise with media outlets, nonprofits, Fortune 500 companies, bar associations and others. Lloyd speaks and publishes articles on a wide range of topics, including implicit bias, microaggressions, psychological safety, operationalizing D&I, and inclusive leadership. Following the Supreme Court's ruling in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina, et al. and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College, Lloyd has spoken frequently on the practical and legal implications of conducting diversity programs within corporations.
Lloyd also shares his insights and perspectives on his podcast, Dimensions of Diversity, where he welcomes thought leaders from across the country to discuss how they are working to advance diversity and inclusion.
Distinguished Young Leader Award
Recognizes an emerging professional who demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to making a positive impact in their community and field. This award honors individuals who inspire others through their vision, integrity, and dedication to creating meaningful change.
Kathleen Lekko,
Associate, Employee and Community Engagement, NRG

As a passionate Community Relations & Employee Engagement Associate at NRG Energy, I’m dedicated to fostering strong relationships both within our organization and with the communities we serve. I believe that meaningful engagement—whether through employee initiatives, community outreach programs, or sustainable partnerships—creates lasting impact and drives positive change.
At NRG, I focus on aligning our corporate values with the needs of the communities we serve. From designing employee engagement programs that empower our workforce, to leading community events and partnerships that promote sustainability and education, my goal is to create a culture of mutual respect and collaboration that benefits both employees and the broader community.
With a background in communications, event management, and corporate social responsibility (CSR), I thrive on building authentic relationships and developing innovative strategies that inspire employee involvement, enhance workplace culture, and make a tangible difference in the communities we touch.
I’m particularly passionate about promoting diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion, sustainability, and employee well-being—principles I believe are fundamental to building a company culture that fosters innovation and long-term success. Whether it’s supporting our workforce through wellness initiatives or partnering with local nonprofits on energy-efficiency education, I’m always looking for new ways to create a meaningful impact.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Download Sponsorship Package HERE
To purchase Sponsorship, Table, Individual Tickets, or Digital Advertisement
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
- Brief remarks during the Impact Awards Gala
- Full screen digital ad
- Inclusion in UWGMC’s social media for the event (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn)
- Recognition at sponsor level on reception signage
- Recognition at sponsor level in UWGMC’s Annual Report
- Press release acknowledgment
- Invitations for three (3) to exclusive pre-event reception (Date TBA)
- Table for ten (10) at the Impact Awards Gala
- Opportunity to distribute collaterals/giveaways at one (1) UWGMC event
- Co-branding on program communications (e.g. flyers, website)
- Membership to United Way' Tocqueville Society (national benefits)
- Feature article in one (1) monthly e-newsletter
- Listing under Caring Corporations on UWGMC website
- Logo Placement on UWGMC website – one (1) year
- Full screen digital ad
- Inclusion in UWGMC’s social media for the event (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn)
- Recognition at sponsor level on reception signage
- Recognition at sponsor level in UWGMC’s Annual Report
- Press release acknowledgment
- Invitations for three (3) to exclusive pre-event reception (Date TBA)
- Table for ten (10) at the Impact Awards Gala
- Feature article in one (1) monthly e-newsletter
- Listing under Caring Corporations on UWGMC website
- Logo Placement on UWGMC website – one (1) year
- Full screen digital ad
- Inclusion in UWGMC’s social media for the event (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn)
- Recognition at sponsor level on reception signage
- Recognition at sponsor level in UWGMC’s Annual Report
- Press release acknowledgment
- Invitations for two (2) to exclusive pre-event reception (Date TBA)
- Table for ten (10) at the Impact Awards Gala
- Listing under Caring Corporations on UWGMC website
- Logo Placement on UWGMC website – one (1) year
- Full screen digital ad
- Inclusion in UWGMC’s social media for the event (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn)
- Recognition at sponsor level on reception signage
- Recognition at sponsor level in UWGMC’s Annual Report
- Invitations for two (2) to exclusive pre-event reception (Date TBA)
- Five (5) complimentary tickets to the Impact Awards Gala
- Listing under Caring Corporations on UWGMC website
- Full screen digital ad
- Two (2) complimentary tickets to the Impact Awards Gala
- Inclusion in UWGMC’s social media for the event (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn)
- Recognition at sponsor level on reception signage
- Recognition at sponsor level in UWGMC’s Annual Report
- Listing under Caring Corporations on UWGMC website
Ads will be displayed during the event and on the UWGMC website page.
The artwork will appear as submitted. To ensure the best quality, please provide a digital file following the below guidelines:
- Dimensions: 7.5" wide x 4.75" tall
- Files should be in full-color CMYK
- Do not include any printer marks, such as bleeds or trims, and turn all fonts into outlines
- Press quality (300dpi) .jpg, .png, or PDF file
PLEASE SUBMIT ARTWORK TO JOHN.SANTANA@UWGMC.ORG SUBJECT: ARTWORK
BY April 1, 2026.
Table of 10 - $1,850
Individual Ticket - $195
For more information please contact
Sandra Toussaint at sandra.toussaint@uwgmc.org or 609-896-1912
Live United Award
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, accepted by Wendy Morriarty, RN, MPH, Chief Medicaid Officer, 2025
- Patrick L. Ryan, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank NJ, 2024
- Bristol Myers Squibb, 2023
- Jeannine Cimino, 2022
- NJM Insurance Group- Michael Van Wagner, 2021
Eugene Marsh Community Impact Award
- Jeannine LaRue, Partner at Moxie Strategies, 2025
- Edward W. Bullock, President of the board of trustees of The Trenton Literacy Movement, Inc., 2024
- Craig Kramer, 2023
- Rider University & Gregory G. Dell'Omo, 2022
- Late Eugene Marsh, 2021
Distinguished Young Leader Award
- New Award Category
Community Quarterback Award
- Susan L. Swatski, Esq., Partner at Hill Wallack LLP, 2025
- Denise Mariani, Esq., Civil Trial Attorney at Stark & Stark, 2024
- Kemi Alli, M.D., 2023
- Hal English, 2022
- Frank Lucchesi, 2021
Advocate Award
- Hon. Tennille R. McCoy, Assemblywoman, New Jersey’s 14th Legislative District, 2025
- Ida Jackson Woods, AVP and Chief Diversity Officer for ETS, 2024
- Stanley N. Katz, 2023
- Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, 2022
- Diane Grillo, 2021

