2024 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award
Congratulations to the 2024 Honorees
We thank everyone who nominated someone for this prestigious award that recognizes changemakers who are creating positive impact in their New Jersey communities. Watch the video presentation featuring the 12 inspiring Honorees who were celebrated at our 28th anniversary award ceremony at Ramapo College.
Our 2024 Making a Difference Honorees
12 inspiring Honorees were celebrated at our 28th anniversary award ceremony at Ramapo College.
Maud Dahme
Lifetime Service Award
Making a Difference
Past Honorees
Partnership with Multiplying Good Expands Our Honoree’s Impact and Their Benefits
The Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award has partnered with Multiplying Good, a program that recognizes outstanding community leaders. In the past, many of our Making a Difference honorees have also received Multiplying Good’s Jefferson Award, the highest and most prestigious honor recognizing extraordinary public service in the United States.
This partnership enables our honorees to connect with Multiplying Good’s national network of leaders and access training and educational opportunities to help them elevate their impact throughout New Jersey.
![Russell Berrie](https://russberriemakingadifferenceaward.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Russell-Berrie-Headshot-803x1024.jpg)
From the Blog
![](https://russberriemakingadifferenceaward.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MADA-blog-SedaSchreiber-1024x680.webp)
Spotlight on Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber: Activist and LGBTQ+ Pioneer
Robt Martin Seda-Schreiber, founder and chief activist of the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, commits his life’s work to addressing social justice for the LGBTQIA community, encompassing the intersectionality of marginalized individuals and families within the queer community.
![Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Honorees Are Advancing Women of All Ages](https://russberriemakingadifferenceaward.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Russ-Berrie-Making-a-Difference-Award-Honorees-Are-Advancing-Women-of-All-Ages-1024x601.jpg)
Russ Berrie Honorees Are Advancing Women of All Ages
Highlighting 6 Russ Berrie Honorees advancing women of all ages in NJ for Women’s History Month: Ann Wagner, Bridget Cutler, Emma & Quinn Joy, A’Dorian Murray-Thomas, and Tawanda Jones.
![Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award Making a Difference Honoree Profile Sandra Ramos Fighting to End Domestic Violence](https://russberriemakingadifferenceaward.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Russ-Berrie-Making-a-Difference-Award-Making-a-Difference-Honoree-Profile-Sandra-Ramos-Fighting-to-End-Domestic-Violence-1024x601.jpg)
Making a Difference Honoree Profile: Sandra Ramos, Fighting to End Domestic Violence
Meet Sandra Ramos, a fearless activist fighting to end domestic violence. She founded the first shelter for battered women in North America and has saved lives and created brighter futures for thousands.