Tyler Grigsby is an educator, artist, photographer and community organizer from Washington, DC. Tyler has spent over a decade creating inclusive artistic spaces where young people can be themselves, know the power of their voices and work together to build a more just world. In addition to Tyler's youth-facing work, they have trained thousands of educators, health care providers, and community organizers on trauma informed facilitation, arts integration, conflict resolution and artistic expression.

Annika Hedlund is a sophomore majoring in political science and environmental science and a member of the University Honors Program. She is passionate about community engagement and supporting youth development. For the past year, Annika has worked with SMARTDC and is now excited to continue her commitment as a site leader at 826DC, where she will further her work empowering students.

Jimmy Winter In 2024, Jimmy left his hometown in Saint Paul, Minnesota to study at the George Washington University. He joined The Nashman Center’s SMART DC program the spring of 2025 and began his work with 826DC. Through 826DC’s after-school writing lab, Jimmy found joy in helping his students grow more confident in expressing themselves. Developing stronger relationships with the students helped him to promote a collaborative environment at 826DC. Now, he uses his experience to promote the program at GW.

Lauren Patrick is a senior majoring in English and political science on a pre-law track. She has a background in non-profit administration, volunteering, journalism, and creative writing. Previously, she has worked in areas including domestic violence prevention and survivor support, public education funding, disability support and advocacy, and food insecurity prevention and aid.

Ruju Shah Is a recent graduate of George Washington University with a degree in political science. At 826DC Ruju helped develop a volunteer training program and spent time working in middle schools teaching students about civic engagement. She is now a kindergarten aide.  She hopes to dedicate her future to helping improve the lives of students through meaningful work and community service. 

This award is given in recognition of 826DC’s continued partnership with the Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service's SMARTDC Program to create meaningful long-term and high-impact tutoring and mentoring opportunities for GW students through which they work with K-12 students in the District of Columbia. This partnership has catalyzed critical opportunities for tutors and students alike to experience the power and potential of creative writing to express, better understand, reflect upon, and embrace one’s personal and social identities. Tyler's work provides a third space for the growth, development, and self-advocacy of Washington, D.C.’s most vulnerable young people. The partnership’s sustainability and success are further demonstrated by the close working relationship that 826DC has established with Honey W. Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service staff to provide trainings for tutors that respond to community needs and ensure that tutors are prepared to engage responsibly with students and community members during their service. We are excited to watch the partners at GW continue to positively transform the lives of young people in DC and beyond.

A special acknowledgment to Annika Hedlund and Lauren Patrick who both served as SMARDDC Site Leader at 826DC, and Jimmy Winter and Ruju Shah who served as SMARDDC Tutor's at 826DC. Their service to the DC community continues to light the way for future student leaders.