Post Author
Sydney Mason
Communications Intern
RALEIGH— At their annual Voices for Children reception, statewide nonprofit NC Child recognized four organizations, leaders, and advocates for their dedication to improving child health and well-being in North Carolina.
“These individuals have inspired action, advocated for change, championed policies, and have made a tremendous impact on the lives of our state’s children and families,” said NC Child Executive Director Erica Palmer Smith. “We’re grateful for all they do to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The Voices for Children reception attracted more than 200 attendees from the government, philanthropic, nonprofit, and private sector. The reception was held the evening before the State of the Child Summit, which is co-hosted by NC Child and the North Carolina Institute of Medicine (NCIOM).
The awardees included:
- Child disability advocate Chelsea Gray, who was named the 2026 Child Advocate of the Year.
- Durham-based nonprofit H.E.A.R.T.S., represented by founder Tameka Brown, who was named the 2026 Community Leader of the Year.
- Senator Jim Burgin, who was named the 2026 Legislative Leader of the Year.
- And Halifax County Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Cunningham, who was named the 2026 Voice for Children.
Child Advocate of the Year
Gray is a passionate advocate for children with special health care needs; her work stemming from her experiences with her 14-year-old daughter who has epilepsy. Gray’s work has translated into advocating for Medicaid, school funding and services for children with special health care needs and participating on NC Child’s Parent Advisory Council.
In her acceptance remarks, Gray explained that although she began her advocacy journey because of her family’s experiences, it continued because of the thousands of families like hers throughout North Carolina. “Now, all children in North Carolina with disabilities are my children when I advocate,” said Gray. 
At the 2026 State of the Child Summit, hosted by NC Child and NCIOM, Gray served as a panelist for a session dedicated to Medicaid access and improving care for children with special health care needs.
“Chelsea Gray is a bold and tireless advocate for North Carolina’s children and families, and she is so deserving of this award,” said NC Child Senior Manager of Parent and Family Engagement Aimee Allen.
Community Leader of the Year
Helping Each Adolescent Reach Their Spark, also known as H.E.A.R.T.S., and their founder Tameka Brown, have served young people in Durham for more than 13 years. The nonprofit provides teen and adolescent parents with resources and skills so they and their families can thrive.
“We want our young people to have the support and resources to continue their youth while having adult responsibilities,” said Brown. “H.E.A.R.T.S. provides the support for these young people to do just that.”
H.E.A.R.T.S. sees a 94% graduation rate amongst their participants and has supported more than 300 individuals throughout their tenure. But beyond their efforts to provide resources, what makes H.E.A.R.T.S. stand out is their commitment to connection.
“So often, teen and adolescent parents can get left behind by their communities and face social isolation. But H.E.A.R.T.S. holds special events to celebrate the young people they serve so that, in the words of Ms. Tameka, these young people with adult responsibilities can feel the love from their community.” said NC Child Director of Early Childhood Policy and Research Dr. Leanna Martin.
Legislative Leader of the Year
The Legislative Leader of the Year award was presented to Senator Jim Burgin, a State Senator in NC’s General Assembly serving North Carolina’s 12th District, for his work in the legislature supporting policies that champion child health and well-being.
“He is a true champion for our state’s children and is a consistent voice reminding other leaders and stakeholders about the duty we have to make North Carolina the best place to be a child and to raise a child,” said NC Child Board of Directors Vice Chair Peg O’Connell. 
“In his role, Sen. Burgin has worked to expand health insurance for working parents and ensured that children are able to access Medicaid services. He has also remained committed throughout his tenure to expanding early childhood learning opportunities through advancing policy and dialogue that supports the development of North Carolina’s youngest residents.”
In his remarks, Sen. Burgin emphasized the importance of advocates knowing their legislators, and repeated the old adage, “if your presence doesn’t make an impact, your absence won’t make a difference,” and encouraged advocates to continue to speak up for the issues that matter most to them.
Voice for Children Award
NC Child Executive Director Erica Palmer Smith and TowneBank Triangle President Brian Reid presented the Voice for Children lifetime achievement award. “With a bold vision and clarity of purpose, Dr. Eric Cunningham has inspired countless advocates to act. To speak up and raise their voices and roll up their sleeves to build a better North Carolina for our children,” said Reid. 
Dr. Cunningham came to Halifax County in 2016, and in his role as superintendent, he has spearheaded projects and social programs such as the creation of Greenleaf Farm, an outdoor learning lab, and has boosted graduation rates to 87.5%, the highest in the district’s history. “All children matter, regardless of their zip code,” said Cunningham. “Everyone deserves a five-star life, but you have to strive for it.” Through the programs Dr. Cunningham started in Halifax County, he has shown his students, every day that the above is true. Dr. Cunninghams’ commitment to increasing opportunity for his district’s students is why “we [NC Child] are so grateful for all that he does, and inspires others to do, on behalf of our state’s children and families.” said Smith of Dr. Cunningham’s work.
About NC Child
NC Child is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advocates for public policies that improve the lives of all North Carolina children. As the state’s only multi-issue child advocacy organization, NC Child’s work addresses policies that affect the whole child, including health and well-being, early childhood education, and family economic security. NC Child is also a leading source of state-level research and data on the issues affecting children and families, and the organization serves as a trusted and reliable source for policymakers and other child advocates across the state. For more information, visit ncchild.org.