Honoring Utah's Future Leaders: The 2025 Young Humanitarian Award

Easton Bowring
May 30
3 min read

In every corner of Utah, young people are stepping up- not for recognition, but because they see needs in their communities and feel called to act. The Youthlinc Utah Young Humanitarian Award sponsored by the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation (YHA) just honored a few of these changemakers with $32,000 in college scholarships. These students lead through service and embody the values of compassion, inclusivity, and meaningful action.

This year, Youthlinc received a post-pandemic record-breaking 103 applications for the YHA—a 22.6% increase from 2024. In a world that can often feel divided, these numbers offer a powerful reminder: young people are committed to building stronger, more compassionate communities.

Each year, the YHA recognizes outstanding Utah students who demonstrate a deep commitment to service and humanitarian values. This award honors service not just as an extracurricular activity, but as a core part of a student's identity—celebrating young leaders who inspire others and embody Utah’s tradition of community-focused leadership.

These are not just students who volunteer—they lead with humility, listen closely to community needs, and uplift others through consistent, hands-on service. Rather than seeking the spotlight, the 2025 YHA finalists prioritize collaboration—partnering with local organizations, supporting established initiatives, and strengthening efforts already making a difference across Utah. Their impact is rooted in teamwork, empathy, and a shared commitment to building stronger communities.

Meet This Year’s Top Winners

High School Winner: Zoe Dubiner

Zoe Dubiner, a passionate student from Salt Lake City, founded The Breakfast Club—a student-led service group focused on supporting unhoused youth. Under her leadership, the club raised over $1,000 for the VOA Youth Resource Center and mobilized dozens of students in hands-on service.

Zoe also serves as a peer educator with Planned Parenthood’s Teen Council, teaching youth about healthy relationships and reproductive health. Her drive stems from personal experience and a deep understanding of the challenges many students face. As one judge noted, “She took the initiative to teach sex education at such a young age, showing maturity and courage.”

Zoe sums up her journey beautifully:

“Now, I understand we build community through action, shared experiences, and a willingness to uplift others.”

College Winner: Ta’Mariah Jenkins

A recent college graduate from Utah State University, Ta’Mariah Jenkins is a powerhouse of purpose and service. With a major in Political Science and a suite of minors and certificates in leadership, nonprofit work, and global affairs, she channels her academic knowledge into real-world change.

Ta’Mariah has led community-focused initiatives, including a program that repurposed abandoned dorm items to support local refugee families. Her work is rooted in empathy and understanding:

“Everyone lives within different circumstances and there is no room for judgment, but there is room to help others through service.”

Ta’Mariah will begin graduate studies this fall at the University of Utah in International Affairs and Global Enterprise. Her long-term goal is to become a public diplomacy officer, bridging global communities through empathy, equity, and engagement.

Meet all 10 of our 2025 finalists here

A Diverse and Growing Movement

This year’s applicant pool reflects Utah’s expanding diversity. Students applied from over 40 high schools and 8 colleges, with increased representation from multiracial and underrepresented communities. Of the 103 applicants, 79% identified as female, 20% as male or non-binary, and applicants represented a broad range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

One thing is clear: the desire to serve crosses all boundaries. Humanity, compassion, and leadership know no demographic limits.