Introducing the 2026 Goodwill Award Winners

Paths of Resilience, Renewal and Paying It Forward

ROCKVILLE, MD (July 22, 2026) — Goodwill Industries International (GII) recently announced its 2026 Goodwill award winners, recognizing three individuals who overcame significant barriers to employment with support from local Goodwill organizations across the U.S.

The honorees were recognized during the annual Goodwill Delegate Assembly in Philadelphia, PA, culminating at the Shining Stars Banquet on July 21, 2026. This year’s award recipients exemplify how job training, career services and employment support from Goodwill help individuals build sustainable careers and give back to their communities. The winners are:

• Jacqueline Porter, 2026 Kenneth Shaw Graduate of the Year
• Katherine Yale, 2026 Goodwill Achiever of the Year
• Tanna Garcia, 2026 Carol and Tommy Moore Veteran of the Year

Jacqueline Porter Named 2026 Kenneth Shaw Graduate of the Year

Jacqueline “Jackie” Porter’s journey highlights her ability to overcome barriers with support from the re-entry and career training programs at Goodwill. After facing substance use challenges and incarceration at a young age, Porter made a pivotal decision to rebuild her life.

Through the Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina (Winston-Salem) pre-release reentry program, she gained job readiness training, career support and renewed confidence — allowing her to successfully transition back into the workforce.

Today, Porter is a Certified Peer Support Specialist and Community Health Worker at Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness. There, she helps others navigate recovery and reentry, demonstrating how employment services and support programs can empower individuals to turn lived experience into meaningful careers.

Katherine Yale Named 2026 Achiever of the Year

Katherine “Kat” Yale’s journey demonstrates how people can rebuild their lives with Goodwill employment programs and recovery support services. After experiencing addiction, incarceration and trauma, Yale turned to Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan (Kalamazoo) in search of stability and opportunity.

Starting in an entry-level textile sorting role, Yale gained valuable workplace skills, confidence and support. Even through early setbacks in her recovery, the consistent reassurance from the Goodwill team helped her stay on track and continue progressing in her career.

Today, Yale is a certified recovery coach with Latitude Recovery Services, helping women access resources, develop job readiness skills and prepare for employment. Her story reflects how a holistic approach — combining job training, supportive services and career pathways — helps individuals achieve long-term success and give back to others.

Tanna Garcia Named 2026 Veteran of the Year

Tanna Garcia’s journey highlights the importance of veteran services and housing support programs like those provided through Goodwill. After serving in the U.S. Army, she faced significant challenges transitioning to civilian life, including PTSD, personal loss and, ultimately, homelessness while raising her family.

Her circumstances changed when she connected with the Goodwill Industries of New Mexico (Albuquerque) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. She received housing assistance, case management and navigation support, providing her family with the stability needed to rebuild their lives.

Today, Garcia serves as a case manager with the same program, helping veterans and their families access housing and achieve independence. Her journey underscores how support for veterans who want to overcome barriers to employment and achieve stability creates pathways to service and leadership.

Leadership Perspective

“At Goodwill, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Steve Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Jackie, Kat and Tanna each faced different challenges, but their paths share common threads: resilience, determination and the transformative power of support and opportunity. Their journeys show how employment can not only change individual lives but also strengthen families and communities while inspiring a way forward for others.”

About the Goodwill Awards

Graduate of the Year Award: Recognizes an individual who completed a Goodwill career services program and achieved competitive employment after overcoming significant barriers.

Achiever of the Year Award: Honors an individual who has made significant progress toward employment while continuing to benefit from Goodwill programs or support services.

Veteran of the Year Award: Recognizes a military veteran and Goodwill employee who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in overcoming employment challenges.

About Goodwill Industries International

Goodwill works to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, building bridges to opportunity and helping people in need reach their potential through learning and the Power of Work®.

For nearly 125 years, Goodwill organizations across North America have helped people find jobs, support their families and feel the satisfaction that comes from working. There are 150 local Goodwill organizations that assist people through a variety of employment placement services, job training programs and other community-based services. In 2025, the organization helped nearly 1.9 million people build skills, access resources and advance their careers.

Goodwill sells donated items in more than 3,400 retail and outlet stores in the U.S. and Canada, as well as through online marketplaces. The revenue creates training programs and job placements to help people find work or advance their careers.

Goodwill plays a critical role in powering the circular economy and is one of the biggest promoters of reuse in North America. In 2025, Goodwill helped keep 4.6 billion pounds of goods in circulation, extending the life of textiles and other donated goods.

For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you,

visit goodwill.org.

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