2021 New Hope Award

The recipients of the award this year are two outstanding women: Hadija Uwizeye and MaryAn Maalin. They received their awards via Zoom on Thursday, December 2 at 5PM.

Watch the ceremony:

About Hadija Uwizeye

Hadija is a true leader within the Congolese community, as well as in the greater Winooski community. Among her many accomplishments, Hadija co-Founded Winooski Mutual Aid (WMA) in June 2020. Since its founding, WMA has grown into a fully volunteer-run nonprofit and continues to support Winooski families, primarily New Americans. In addition, Hadija works at the Janet S. Munt Family Room, conducting home visits and working with mothers and infants by day, and co-teaching computer literacy classes to other New Americans by night. Hadija did this type of work for over 15 years while residing in a refugee camp in Tanzania before immigrating to Vermont in 2016. She is also a Community Ambassador at CVOEO, providing interpretation for one-on-one financial coaching appointments.

About MaryAn Maalin

MaryAn is an accomplished individual whose life is guided by her faith and her commitment to family and community. She arrived in Burlington from Somalia in 2006 with her husband and young son. Knowing little English at the time, she immediately enrolled in ESL classes, eventually earning her high school diploma and Associates degree while also working part time and supporting her family. She recently joined the Building Strong Families program as a UVM Medical Center-trained Family Strengthening Worker. Additionally, she is a Family Strengthening Worker at the Janet S. Munt Family Room and an interpreter for AALV. As a valued voice at King Street Center, MaryAn has participated in several parent focus groups and acted as an interpreter to help King Street families navigate their questions and challenges. She is also an active member of her faith community, teaching at her mosque and helping with classes each Sunday.