Youth Service America is pleased to launch the first annual Gladys Marinelli Coccia Awards to recognize two young female social entrepreneurs, ages 14 to 17, whose initiatives serve the common good. The awards are created in memory of Gladys Coccia, who began her entrepreneurial career when she was a young girl in West Virginia and later became a very successful businesswoman in Washington, DC. Nominations from across the country are welcome; special consideration will be given to nominees from West Virginia and metropolitan Washington, DC. Self-nominations are accepted. To access the eligibility quiz and the nomination form, visit www.ysa.org/awards or email coccia {at} ysa(.)org.
About Mrs. Coccia
The award program is created in honor of Mrs. Gladys Marinelli Coccia – a business woman and entrepreneur since she was 15 years old until she passed away in 2007, at the age of 93. The grandmother of YSA Board Member Brian Murrow, Gladys grew up in southern West Virginia and moved to the Washington DC area in 1961 where she was well-known in the Italian American business community as the owner and operator of Marinelli’s Delicatessen, which she established in 1962 and managed for the subsequent 30 years.
Eligibility
Social entrepreneurs apply business practices to achieve positive social change and measure their success through their social impact. They find innovative and sustainable ways to address pressing issues. Ambitious and persistent, they grapple with important causes and offer new alternatives that enhance the community. Social entrepreneurs change the system, spread solutions, and persuade others to change their actions. With a sound application of business principles, social entrepreneurs have a sustainable impact on their community: their influence contributes to a healthy, productive, meaningful life for others, both present and future.
Girls who meet the following criteria are eligible for the award:
- Between the ages of 14 and 17 on December 31, 2009.
- Located in the United States. Special consideration will be given to nominees located in West Virginia and Metro Washington DC.
- Have her own social enterprise.
- Be supported by contributions of at least $1000 (cash and/or in-kind).
- Have a business plan, including an itemized budget.
