Lara Weaver is a woman who demonstrates the values of strong, smart, and bold female leadership in our community. She serves as a Victim’s Assistant for the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office. She advocates on behalf of women and their children who have been the victims of domestic violence.

Her nominator said, “Her deep levels of patience, empathy, straight-forwardness and determination provide victims with untold support as they peel through the difficult layers of their experiences. Lara is a tireless advocate for girls, young women and all women in the community. She has also worked for Middle Way House and Templeton Elementary, and has always dedicated herself to educating girls and women in our community, and providing them with the resources necessary to become self-determined, healthy, safe and independent.

"She fiercely believes in the ability of all girls and women to succeed in life, and she has put herself both professionally and personally on the front lines to share this message throughout the community. She models healthy decisions and a connection to what is most important both for herself and for the world around her. She inspires everyone whom she meets through her calm demeanor, her open-mindedness, her extraordinary listening skills, and her ability to see to the heart of the matter in order to recognize humanity within everyone."

The 2009 Man of the Year was awarded to a man who is an extraordinary addition to our community. Father DuPree is Senior Pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church and has put himself at the center of social justice issues in the community. He has a belief in creating opportunity for ALL people to be strong, smart, and bold.

His nominator said of him, “He is a stalwart feminist, and believes in growing equality for all people who have experienced injustice or inequality, including women and girls. He truly believes in inclusive community. Father DuPree has spearheaded the effort to create a low-barrier homeless shelter for the winter months. In doing so, he is creating opportunities for families experiencing homelessness to remain intact. This is essential in the support of women and children who are in the depths of poverty.

"He has also created an art gallery in his church, and allows classroom space for upcoming projects. Every piece of work that he does, and in all of the ways that he models social justice and inclusivity, he truly is advocating for girls because he is working to create a more just, equitable, and inspiring community for the next generation of young people."

We at Girls Inc. are eternally grateful for Lara and Father DuPree for their ongoing support. These two recipients are in great company as below is a list of previous years’ recipients.