Barbara Jordan Leadership Award

Barbara Jordan, the co-founder of People For the American Way, was a true visionary and public servant. Serving as the first African American woman in the Texas State Legislature, and the first African American US Representative from the Deep South, she championed voting rights and the causes of the poor, the disadvantaged, and people of color.

The award honors Congresswoman Jordan’s legacy and dedication to public service and our country by recognizing one outstanding young elected official—chosen by their peers—who is following in her footsteps by advancing the cause of justice.

Each year, The Barbara Jordan Leadership Award is awarded to an elected official who has demonstrated a commitment to the values and mission of the YEO Network and has a distinguished record of service to their community and the progressive movement at large.

As the Young Elected Officials Network gathers to commemorate its 20th Anniversary, we are proud to once again recognize the transformative impact of young elected leaders on their communities, our country, and our democracy.

WATCH:
Rep. Sarah McBride Accepts 2025 Jordan Award

Selected through a national vote of her YEO colleagues, Sarah McBride sends an inspiring message to Convening attendees from Capitol Hill.

The 2025 Jordan Award Nominees

Our 2025 nominees represent their neighbors in virtually every level of elected leadership, from school board to the United States Congress. Like the award's namesake, these Young Elected Officials Network members embody the bold, people-focused, progressive leadership our nation needs now more than ever.

Selected through a process led by People For staff, board members, and YEO alumni, the 2025 Barbara Jordan Award nominees are collectively recognized for their dedication to the mission of the YEO Network, their exemplary record of public service, and their fearless commitment to freedom, justice, and democracy. The 2025 award winner, ultimately selected by members of the YEO Network, offers additional recognition by their peers around the country for their work in spurring the pipeline for progressive leaders and policies rooted in our shared values.

Jasmine Bowles

School Board Member | Clayton County, GA

Board Member Jasmine Bowles, a champion for children, began her career as a teacher and administrator. As a non-profit leader, she fights every day for women of color & care workers across Georgia through advocacy, lobbying and legislation.

David Crowley

County Executive | Milwaukee, WI

County Executive David Crowley, the youngest and first Black executive in the history of Milwaukee County, is leading a bold vision rooted in racial equity, economic opportunity, and communities of care tackling the root causes of addiction and violent crime.

Malcolm Kenyatta

State Representative | Philadelphia, PA

Representative Malcolm Kenyatta is a third-generation North Philadelphia native, a champion for workers rights, and a barrier-breaker, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ person of color and one of the youngest people elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2018.

Sarah McBride

U.S. Representative | Delaware

Representative Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender person elected to a state senate in 2020 and to Congress in 2024, is a reliable fighter for Delaware's working families and for equal protection under the law for all Americans.

Nancy Metayer-Bowen

Vice Mayor | Coral Springs, FL

Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen, the first Black and Haitian American female Commissioner of Coral Springs, is a bold advocate for climate resiliency efforts, environmental justice, and an economy built for our country's future.

Ashley Vanorny

City Councilmember | Cedar Rapids, IA

Councilmember Ashley Vanorny became the second youngest Councilmember to serve Iowa's second largest city, Cedar Rapids in 2017. As a YEO Network 2020 "35 Under 35" honoree, she's been a champion for children, working families, and women's rights.