DC SCORES Executive Director Amy Nakamoto honored as Meyer Foundation Exponent Award winner

DC SCORES Executive Director Amy Nakamoto is being honored and highlighted as one of the Washington, DC, area’s most influential executive directors.

Nakamoto is one of three recipients of the Meyer Foundation’s Exponent Awards, created in 2006 to “recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of some of the DC region’s most talented, visionary, and effective nonprofit executives — and to provide funds to sustain and further develop their leadership and their organizations.”

Not only will the award bring tremendous recognition to Nakamoto and the work being done by DC SCORES, but it comes with a two-year grant of $100,000 to support leadership development and capacity building.

In short, this huge accomplishment for Nakamoto — who has served as Executive Director since 2006 and has grown DC SCORES in size, quality of programming and reputation in the communities served — will have a long-lasting impact on the organization and be invaluable as we strive to expand and provide the combination of arts, athletics and academics for every deserving student in the District.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from the Meyer Foundation,” Nakamoto said. “While the award goes to the Executive Director, I credit an incredible staff team here at DC SCORES who have dedicated just as much time, effort and passion toward our mission as I have. I also am fortunate to have extremely supportive and engaged board members.”

Nakamoto received the Exponent Award along with Manny Hidalgo of the Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) and Lecester Johnson of the Academy of Hope.

“Despite the challenging economy, each of these leaders has exhibited creativity and perseverance in expanding the reach and impact of their organization’s work,” Meyer Foundation President and CEO Julie Rogers said in the official news release.

“We are honored to recognize three visionary and talented leaders who are working to address some of our region’s most urgent and compelling needs.”

The Meyer Foundation has been one of DC SCORES’ longest and most consistent supporters, providing funding for programming since 1997.

"I credit the Meyer Foundation for continually promoting the nonprofit sector and its leaders,” Nakamoto said. “They truly understand the social and economic impact nonprofits have on the community and they choose to invest in the longevity of successful organizations.

“I am grateful for their incredible support of DC SCORES over the years.”

Nakamoto has been the recipient of a handful of exclusive honors the past few years for her leadership of DC SCORES and in the nonprofit community. For a list of her most recent awards visit the DC SCORES website.

For more information about the Meyer Foundation's commitment to serving nonprofits, visit http://www.meyerfdn.org/