Jennifer Walsh and Kim Hanson Named 2024-25 Miller Founders’ Award Winners

(RALEIGH, NC – June 4, 2025) – Hazen’s Jennifer Walsh and Kim Hanson were recently named 2024-25 winners of the Water For People Kenneth J. Miller Founders’ Award.

Jennifer was nominated by her colleagues in recognition of her instrumental leadership of the Hazen Workplace Giving Committee for multiple years, including through the early and uncertain days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Guiding the team with creativity and determination, Jennifer increased visibility and participation in Hazen’s workplace giving program—helping it thrive in spite of these challenging external circumstances. The spirit of generosity, resilience, and sense of purpose that Jennifer helped instill in the Firm’s culture continues to resonate in current fundraising initiatives.  

“Water for People is an incredibly impactful organization! I am grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness at Hazen and highlight small yet meaningful ways in which every individual within the Firm can contribute to Water For People’s mission of delivering high-quality drinking water and sanitation services that are accessible to all members of the community,” said Jennifer.

Kim was nominated by her peers on the North Carolina Water For People (NCWFP) Committee as part of her involvement with NC One Water. Kim’s long-time commitment to promoting the NCWFP mission is apparent in both the pivotal on-the-ground roles she plays in supporting fundraising events as well as the educational insights she contributes to the group. As the current Chair of the NCWFP Committee, Kim is dedicated to positioning the team to make continued impacts in the long-term—all while passing along her passion for creating sustainable clean water solutions.

"What started as an interest in helping plan a 5K fundraiser quickly turned into a real passion for Water For People,” said Kim. “What really draws me to the organization is how they work closely with local governments—they don’t just show up, build a system, and leave. They focus on true partnerships, helping communities get access to clean water and sanitation and making sure they have what they need to keep things running long-term. I’m so proud of what our fundraising committee has accomplished to support this work, and I’m truly honored to receive this award in recognition of everything we’ve done together."  

Water For People is an international nonprofit working across Latin America, Asia, and Africa to bring safe water and sanitation to underserved populations. Established in 2001, the Kenneth J. Miller Founders’ Award honors outstanding champions for their service and leadership in the advancement of the Water For People mission. This year’s awards were presented on June 2, 2025, during a virtual award ceremony.