Congratulations to the 2025 Cura Award Winners!

Kinship Champion

Pat O’Brien, AFFCNY

Kinship Professional

 Danielle Kielar, Catholic Charities of Buffalo

Kinship Caregivers

Antoinette Sumter Cotman, Kings County

Della Smith, Kings County

Ebony Smith, Monroe County

Judith Irby, Bronx County

Kati Jones, Montgomery County

Mery Lopez, New York County

Michelle Sullivan, Jefferson County

Sandra Jenkins, Queens County

Sharon Gray, Ulster County

Vernetta Davis, Albany County

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The NYS Kinship Navigator and the NYS Kincare Coalition established The Cura Awards in 2015 to annually recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of those involved with kinship care.

A volunteer committee reviews nominations and selects honorees in the following categories:

Outstanding Professional – An individual working in the field of kinship care or related field or that has had a significant positive impact on kinship care in New York State as a result of their work.
Outstanding Organization – A nonprofit organization in New York State providing kinship care or that has had a significant positive impact on kinship care.
Outstanding Kinship Caregiver – Any kinship caregiver living in New York State that has demonstrated outstanding selflessness, leadership or has overcome tremendous barriers.
Kinship Champion:  A state or national official or organization leader who has vigorously worked to help kinship families.