Northern Star Scouting honors community leaders at 2025 Awards gala

Leaders across business, public service, the arts, and youth development were honored Thursday evening Oct. 2 as Northern Star Scouting presented its 2025 Community Builder Award and Spurgeon Awards at the InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront. The gala brought together civic leaders, business executives, and nonprofit advocates to celebrate service, mentorship, and community impact. 

Proceeds from the event benefit Northern Star’s Exploring program, which gives young people ages 14–21 hands-on experiences in career fields from public safety to business and the arts.

The Community Builder Award, established in 1979, recognizes individuals whose leadership and vision have made a lasting mark on the Twin Cities community. Drinal Foster, senior vice president and workforce engagement leader at Wells Fargo, was this year’s recipient. Introduced by Eric Black, president and CEO of Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI), Foster was lauded for her professional achievements, mentorship, and commitment to equity and inclusion.

Foster, who grew up in Seattle, recalled how her early experiences in sports and student government shaped her path. “Character is more important than reputation,” she said, describing a career that spans from teller to senior executive at one of the world’s largest banks. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Foster has invested deeply in the community, mentoring students, serving on nonprofit boards, and creating initiatives like Black Girl Wonders, a platform to empower Black and brown youth. 

Reflecting on the award, she said, “Service is not an act. It’s a way of living… I believe we prioritize what matters most, and I am inspired to live that truth every day so the next generation inherits a world better than the one we found.”

The evening also honored five Spurgeon Award recipients, recognized for exemplary leadership in their careers and community service.

Chris Harrington, president and CEO of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, spoke about the power of the arts to unite communities. Quoting an African proverb, he said, “If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.” Harrington highlighted the Ordway’s education and outreach programs, which now serve more than 50,000 students, teachers and families annually.

Lt. Kate McKay of the Columbia Heights Fire Department was celebrated for her leadership in emergency management and mentorship of future first responders. With over 15 years of service, McKay has helped coordinate statewide training and exercises that bring together law enforcement, EMS, and firefighters. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and community, crediting the many volunteers who make such programs possible.

Marcus Pope, president of Youthprise, recalled his own youth as a Boy Scout and how Scouting values guided his career. Pope has expanded Youthprise’s leadership and learning programs, and during the Covid-19 shutdowns he successfully challenged the state’s denial of unemployment benefits for youth, securing $30 million in relief across Minnesota. “To see my name among leaders I’ve admired for so long is humbling,” he said.

Sara Swenson, vice president of public relations at Goff Public, was recognized for her decades of service to nonprofits and the community, including the Neighborhood House and the Minnesota Children’s Museum. She has also helped direct funding for local businesses impacted by the social unrest following George Floyd’s murder. Swenson reflected on her lifelong commitment to civic engagement: “Our community can only be as strong as the effort we put into it.”

Marisa Williams, CEO of Girl Scouts of River Valley, accepted her award via a prerecorded message. Williams highlighted her work to advance equity and expand opportunities for girls, emphasizing courage, leadership, and service. 

Quoting Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, she said, “The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers.” Williams accepted the award on behalf of the thousands of girls and volunteers whose efforts continue to shape the next generation.

Though each honoree’s journey was unique, the evening underscored a shared theme: Communities thrive when individuals dedicate their time, skills and influence to uplift others. Northern Star Scouting’s awards gala celebrated that ethos and reaffirmed the importance of mentorship, volunteerism, and cultivating future leaders.

For more information about Northern Star Scouting, visit www.northernstarscouting.org.

Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com.