OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) has unveiled the finalists for the 2026 Anne Roberts People’s Choice Awards for Child Advocacy, with public voting now underway ahead of the organisation’s annual Heroes Ball celebration.
Held each summer, the Heroes Ball recognises Oklahoma’s “Champions for Children” and highlights the contributions of organisations and individuals dedicated to improving the lives of young people across the state.
Among the honours presented during the event are the Anne Roberts People’s Choice Awards for Child Advocacy, named after Anne Roberts, OICA’s longest-serving chief executive. The awards are designed to recognise exceptional service to Oklahoma children through a nomination and public voting process involving residents across the state.
According to OICA, nominations were first opened to the public before the organisation’s board of directors narrowed the entries to a final shortlist for online voting.
The finalists in the Organisation category are Bethesda, Inc., Hearts for Hearing, New World Comics Superhero School, Oklahoma Court Appointed Special Advocates, Oklahoma Parents for Student Achievement, Parent Promise and Urban Bridge.
Meanwhile, finalists in the Individual category include Lou Carmichael of Variety Care, Michele DeBerry, Ed.D. of the Oklahoma Autism Network, Meghan Hollingsworth of Pioneer Library System, Trisha Koelsch of Calm Waters, Maci Shoemaker of Cordell Memorial Hospital and Julie Sisler of Bethesda, Inc.
Voting is currently open online, with winners scheduled to be announced during this year’s Heroes Ball at the historic Oklahoma City Farmer Public Market.
“This award is fully in the hands of those interested in child advocacy in the state of Oklahoma,” said Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO. “The list of previous winners reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of Oklahoma Child Advocates.”
The awards programme has grown steadily in prominence over recent years, recognising nonprofit organisations, healthcare providers, educators and community leaders working in support of children and families throughout Oklahoma.
Previous winners of the Anne Roberts People’s Choice Organisational Award include Whiz Kids Oklahoma in 2017, followed by Peppers Ranch in 2018 and Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care in 2019.
Diabetes Solutions of Oklahoma secured the recognition in 2020, while SoonerStart received the honour in 2021. Fostering Connections won in 2022 before Sara’s Project claimed the award in 2023.
The Anna’s House Foundation was recognised in 2024, with M&R Doyle Holdings, Inc. becoming the latest recipient in 2025.
In the Individual Award category, Brenda Lene’ received the inaugural honour in 2017, followed by Cody Inman in 2018 and Judy Payne in 2019.
Ryan Abernathy won the award in 2020, while Melissa Ahlgrim secured recognition in 2021. Amber Cuyler was named the recipient in 2022 before Alethea Satterwhite received the honour in 2023.
Mary Beth Talley won the award in 2024, with Sarah Soell recognised as the 2025 recipient.
The annual Heroes Ball serves not only as an awards ceremony but also as a major event supporting OICA’s wider advocacy efforts. The organisation works alongside policymakers, nonprofit groups and community leaders on initiatives related to child welfare, healthcare access, education and family services across Oklahoma.
OICA said ticket demand for the upcoming Heroes Ball remains strong as preparations continue for the annual gathering.
The Anne Roberts People’s Choice Awards continue to provide Oklahoma residents with a direct role in recognising the organisations and individuals shaping child advocacy efforts throughout the state.
