The Empathy Award: Honoring Hearts that Make a Difference

Emily Kilkenny stands with Rajni, wife of the late Virendra Kumar Tarneja and sons Sumit and Deepesh.

Empathy is the quiet force that connects us—one caring action at a time. The Empathy Award was created to honor individuals who lead with compassion, build meaningful connections, and embody a spirit of service in their communities. It is more than a recognition of kindness—it’s a celebration of those who show up for others, especially in moments when it matters most.

Each year, the award spotlights someone who goes above and beyond to listen, uplift, and advocate for others—especially those in vulnerable or underserved communities. Through mentorship, creative outreach, and a deep commitment to human connection, recipients of the Empathy Award remind us that change often begins with one simple but profound act: caring.

This year, we are honored to present the 2025 Empathy Award to Emily Kilkenny, an educator, advocate, and tireless champion for inclusive communities. Emily’s work with youth and individuals with developmental disabilities has touched countless lives. Her ability to truly see others, empower their voices, and foster a sense of belonging has left a lasting impact.

“I am honored to be the recipient of the award this year,” says Kilkenny. “Empathy is something I strive to embody daily because it connects us. It's what allows us to see ourselves in others, despite our differences. To be recognized for it is completely humbling.”

Emily’s philosophy is deeply rooted in creativity, relationship-building, and the transformative power of the arts. “I love using the arts as a vehicle for expression and communication,” she shares. “Watching students discover this for themselves brings me immense joy. I also take tremendous pride working here because above all else we value kindness, put relationships first, and believe in a growth mindset.”

She’s known for showing up with encouragement and a steady presence, especially during challenging moments. “Some of my favorite moments with students have been helping them realize that ‘they can do hard things.’ Certain lessons can be messy, uncomfortable, and challenging,” Emily reflects. “Sometimes just having someone beside you to say ‘Me too. I get it. Let's tackle this together’ is the most empowering thing you can do.”

Emily Kilkenny’s dedication, sincerity, and quiet leadership embody the very heart of the Empathy Award. As we celebrate her this year, we not only recognize her accomplishments—we honor the light she brings to every person she meets.

Congratulations, Emily, and thank you for reminding us what empathy in action truly looks like!

To read more about the Empathy Award, read this post.