Maldaner’s Restaurant
Monday, November 27, 5:30pm
Good Neighbor Awards | 2023 Steering Committee Elections | Sponsors | Event Photos
Dinner
Thanks to Michael Higgins and Maldaner’s Restaurant for hosting us at this wonderful historic venue.
Maldaner’s Restaurant
222 South 6th Street
- 5:30 PM Social
- 6:00 PM Dinner
- 6:30 PM Program & Good Neighbor Awards
Good Neighbor Awards!
Every year since 2014, Springfield ICON has recognized individuals, organizations, businesses, and public servants who make an objective, measurable positive impact on the quality of life for Springfield residents through our Good Neighbor Awards.
ICON Members select one award winner in each of four categories:
Individual – Community Organization – Business – Public Service
Read more about our Good Neighbor Awards…
Good Neighbor Awards presenter: Nalo Mitchell, Executive Director, Springfield And Central Illinois African American History Museum
Nalo Mitchell is the first Executive Director of the Springfield And Central Illinois African-American History Museum, (AAHM) in Springfield, Illinois. She understands the importance of history and puts forth that effort each day at the museum.
Director Mitchell is the proud wife of Pastor Darrell Mitchell and the Mother of 3 beautiful children: Kaia, Nakia and Collin and a Yaya. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership and Change from Colorado Technical University.
She is a 3 time national and international best-selling anthology author. As a communicator, she has excelled in her career by making others feel inclusive and loved by providing photography coverage through a lens of equity. Nalo has a passion for helping others see the best in themselves.
Director Mitchell served as the Coordinator of School, Family and Community Relations for Springfield Public School District 186 for twelve years and worked in education for twenty years. Once the pandemic hit, she saw herself facing an early retirement; and found a new calling when a community member reached out to her and suggested that she apply for the Executive Director position at AAHM.
The Springfield community is very important to Mitchell as her lineage dates back to the 1800’s here in Springfield, Illinois. As a descendent of one of the Pioneer Families (featured at the museum), it brings her great joy to serve in the capacity of Executive Director of AAHM.
AAHM’s Mission Statement is, “To tell authentic stories about African American life in Springfield and Central Illinois through exhibitions, education, collections and programs to preserve, interpret and celebrate African American history and culture.” We share authentic stories each time someone walks through the Museum doors.” Telling the stories of Black History while educating our patrons and serving the community is what we do,” said Mitchell.
Under Director Mitchell’s leadership AAHM has:
- Experienced membership growth by 36%
- Seen the number of patrons increase compared to that of last year by 35%
- Increased daily donations by 48%.
2024 Steering Committee Elections
The election of ICON 2024 Steering Committee Members will be at the Annual Meeting on November 27. Elected Steering Committee members will assume their offices on January 1, 2024.
View current steering committee on our about page…
Become an ICON Sponsor!
Sponsorship opportunities are available year-round as an Annual Sponsor or for the ICON Annual Celebration, held in November of each year.
- Become an Annual Sponsor for $350
- Become a Good Neighbor sponsor for $150
Thanks to our sponsors:
- Harvard Park Neighborhood Association
- Donna L Mathias – Printing Services
- Laurie and David Farrell
- Jennifer Notariano, Ward 6 Alderwoman
- Jill Steiner
- Former Ward 7 Alderman Joe and Lynn McMenamin
- Urban Forestry Commission
Event Photos
