COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Ent Credit Union, which is in the process of becoming Wings Credit Union as part of a merger, has celebrated three 2025 Ent Community Advocate Award winners, along with two additional Coloradans being recognized for exceptional contributions, at a special luncheon at the credit union’s headquarters.
Out of more than 200 nominations, three deserving individuals were selected as the 2025 Community Advocate Award winners, continuing the legacy of service this program was created to honor. Receiving a total of $50,000, the award winners are:
- Val Macri-Lind (Fort Collins): Co-founder and Clinical Director of ChildSafe Colorado, Macri-Lind has spent nearly four decades providing trauma-informed therapy to children, adults and families regardless of their ability to pay. Her work has impacted thousands across Northern Colorado, helping survivors heal and breaking cycles of trauma.
- Lauren Herman (Aurora): Founder of Levi’s Legacy, Herman turned personal loss into purpose after losing her son, Levi, to congenital heart disease. Through care packages, scholarships, and family support programs, her organization has raised more than $500,000 to support heart families and research at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
- Ty’Anna Jones-Boyd (Colorado Springs): A breast cancer survivor and ovarian cancer previvor, Jones-Boyd founded Girl’s Breast Friend and helped establish Beyond October to support women navigating life after cancer. Her work in Southeast Colorado Springs focuses on culturally grounded healing, removing barriers to care and supporting women, especially women of color, through survivorship and long-term wellness.
Ent’s Community Advocate Award was created to honor Coloradans who step forward to strengthen, protect, and uplift others. The award launched in 2022 in the wake of the Club Q tragedy and was first awarded to the two community members whose heroic actions saved lives. Since its inception, 13 Coloradans have been recognized.
Also Recognized
In addition to this year’s award winners, two more Coloradans were recognized for their contributions and acts of courage. They were:
- Anirudh Rao (Highlands Ranch): An innovator and educator, Rao, age 13, has reached more than 6,000 learners through interactive programs connecting science, culture and climate awareness. He has also developed solutions focused on disaster response, road safety, and sustainability while promoting kindness through global youth initiatives. In recognition of his inspirational work and to support his innovative spirit, a savings account was opened for Rao with $1,000 from the credit union.
- Amanda Sanchez (Colorado Springs): Sanchez, an Ent employee, was recognized through Ent’s employee recognition program, for extraordinary courage after risking her life to save her neighbor from a burning home. Her selfless actions on Oct. 30 saved his life and reflect remarkable bravery in a moment of crisis. She received $10,000.
