Delaware Difference Makers (DDM)

Delaware Difference Makers is a community of professionals who work in or alongside Delaware’s nonprofit sector and are committed to making a meaningful difference across Delaware and the Delaware Valley.

The program connects emerging and established leaders across nonprofits, businesses, government, philanthropy, and the broader community to build relationships, share ideas, and strengthen Delaware’s nonprofit ecosystem. Through these connections, Difference Makers create opportunities to collaborate, learn from one another, and connect people and resources to support a stronger community.

At its heart, Delaware Difference Makers is about the people who are driving positive change in Delaware. Members represent a diverse range of organizations, industries, and areas of expertise, but share a common commitment to community impact.

The Delaware Difference Makers community also serves as a resource hub for the nonprofit sector, connecting individuals to nonprofit-focused events, board and volunteer opportunities, and nonprofit job openings throughout the region.

Explore the Delaware Difference Makers community and discover ways to connect, get involved, and make a difference.

Casino Night

Support the Next Generation

Celebrate Delaware’s Difference Makers

Join Spur Impact on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 PM at the Delaware Children’s Museum for an unforgettable evening celebrating the 2026 Delaware Difference Makers Awardees, formerly known as the Impact Awards.

Our first-ever Delaware Difference Makers fundraiser will bring together approximately 100 of Delaware’s most influential professionals, nonprofit leaders, and community changemakers for a high-energy, cocktail-style Casino Night filled with connection, celebration, and fun.

A Night of Celebration, Connection & Giving

Guests can enjoy:

  • Blackjack, roulette, and craps-style gaming tables

  • Delicious hors d’oeuvres

  • Silent auction and exciting prizes

  • Networking with Delaware’s nonprofit, business, and community leaders

  • A special keynote and awards celebration honoring this year’s Difference Makers

Our goal is to raise more than $10,000 after expenses to support Spur Impact’s mission of connecting, engaging, and inspiring emerging leaders to spur community involvement across Delaware. For more information or to discuss a tailored sponsorship package, please contact donate@spurimpact.org.

Evening Highlights

  • 5:00–5:45 PM | Networking Reception with Award Winners

  • 5:45–6:15 PM | Keynote Presentation by Denée Crumrine, Director of Communications, Highmark Health, followed by the awards ceremony

  • 6:15 PM | Gaming tables open

  • End of evening | Prizes awarded

Purchase Your Tickets Here

Support the Celebration

The success of Casino Night directly powers Spur Impact’s mission to connect, engage, and inspire Delaware’s next generation of leaders through programs like Delaware Difference Makers, Delaware Gives, and the Spur Leadership Summit.

You can support this inaugural event through tiered Sponsorship Levels or by donating prizes, raffle items, and silent auction pieces. In return, your brand gains meaningful visibility among engaged Delaware professionals and community leaders. To join us as a sponsor or donate an item, contact donate@spurimpact.org by September 23, 2026.

Join us on October 2nd: play for a good cause and help invest in Delaware’s changemakers!

Meet the 2026 Delaware Difference Makers

We are honored to recognize ten individuals who are making a meaningful difference in communities across our state:

Shari Custin | Community Support Specialist, WSFS Bank
Alicia Dominguez Cortes | Director of Life Empowerment, Latin American Community Center
Meg Garey | Executive Director, A Better Chance for Our Children, Inc.
Mandi Mendoza | Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Esperanza Events & Consulting
Jalyn Powell | Chief Executive Officer, OUTLOUD DE Inc.
Laeia Riddock-Washington | Founder and Visionary, Naturally Beautiful
Dan Stabb | Director of Admissions & Professional Development, Zipcode Wilmington
Sarah Stowens | Chief of Staff, Office of the Lt. Governor, Delaware
Kady Taylor | Professional Services Specialist/School Designer, EL Education, Inc.
Asia Tillison | Chief Executive Officer, Ultimate Destiny, LLC

Networking meeting for nonprofits. This is the Delaware Difference Makers networking event.
Delaware Difference makers networking meeting
Nonprofit networking meeting Delaware Difference Makers.

Join the Delaware Difference Makers list serv, contact the group here.

Visit the DDM Website!