Meet our 2025 Honorees

July 29, 2025
Category: Citation Award Dinner
Tags: Citation Award Dinner, Community-Building, D-UP, Diversity, Equity, Greensboro, Guilford Green, High Point, Jakki Davis, NCCJ, Ron Johnson, Shift_ED, Triad Health Project,

 

NCCJ will honor change-makers Jakki Davis and Ronald P. Johnson during the 59th annual Citation Award Dinner on Thursday, November 6, co-chaired by Rev Dr. Frank Thomas and Mary Poytner Thomas and Aaron Strasser and Jen Strasser.

“Jakki and Ron represent dedicated community activism and engagement,” says NCCJ President and CEO Jennifer Ruppe. “They each provide a unique and meaningful model of social change.”

This year, NCCJ is focusing on belonging and continuing to advocate for equitable communities for all — not just some.

“We value what NCCJ brings to our community. We believe that a community is stronger and better when everyone has a seat at the table,” shares co-chairs Aaron and Jen Strasser. 

Both honorees have built longer and stronger tables through their activism, organizing, and philanthropy.

Rev. Dr. Frank Thomas and Mary Poytner Thomas say that “we believe in the freedom of all to make their own decisions and fully support NCCJ’s role in empowering people to use their voice…to speak up and speak out for themselves.”

Jakki and Ron’s work have empowered families, those living with HIV, and others across the Triad. 

ABOUT OUR HONOREES

Jakki Davis was nominated based on her 30 years of community activism, including founding D-UP in High Point that provides programs and services with emphasis on physical activity, nutrition, academics, life, and soft skills for youth and their families.  In 2024, the High Point Chamber of Commerce nominated Jakki as the Businesswoman of the Year. Also in 2024, the High Point Human Relations Committee honored her with the Humanitarian Award for the work for the work of D-UP and for her advocacy around local schools and causes such as food security. In addition, she was noted for her contributions for redevelopment efforts in the Washington Street neighborhood. Jakki serves on the board of the Greater High Point Food Alliance and Shift_ED. She is the President of the Washington Street Community Association.

 

Ronald P. Johson is lawyer known as “Ron” in the Triad. He is regarded in Guilford County and throughout the state for his diligent work ethic and generosity to many local and national civic groups and charities. He is particularly active in the areas of LGBTQIA+ rights, AIDS education, women’s issues, and hospice care for the terminally ill. Triad Health Project’s annual Ron Johnson Red Ribbon campaign in December commemorates World AIDS Day (December 1) and is in honor of Ron’s contributions to the organization. In 2025, Ron received an Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from Governor Stein. He currently practices at Carruthers & Roth, P.A. law firm in Greensboro.

Both nominees represent a strong commitment to activism and creating communities of belonging.

ABOUT THE CITATION AWARD DINNER

The Citation Award Dinner is the Triad’s largest annual event dedicated to diversity and inclusion. It is also NCCJ’s biggest community program and fundraiser.

The 2025 Citation Award Dinner will be held in-person and virtually on Thursday, November 6. The event will be held at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. Doors to the Guilford Ballroom will open at 5:30 p.m. for the reception, and with the dinner and program taking place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Reserve your tickets or become a sponsor here.