1st Annual Scholarship Award
We are so happy to announce that the winner of The Tia Maria Foundation 1st Annual Scholarship Award is Kate Genebroso.
We were inspired by Kate's achievements, her ambitions, and a very authentic drive to help others and her community. She sports a perfect 4.0 GPA at Elizabeth High School where she also is a member of the Science National Honor Society.
She currently volunteers at Trinitas Regional Medical Center aiding nurses and staff members though their tasks.
Her story is an incredible one, showing that she embodies that very courage, strong family ties, and compassion that my grandmother showed throughout her entire life.
Teachers' Plan of NJ Educator of the Year Award
Our foundation is honored to have partnered with Plymouth Rock’s Teachers’ Plan of New Jersey to present the Educator of the Year Award. There is no better person to receive this inaugural award than Mrs. Kelly McCracken-Villanueva.
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This June of 2025, Kelly will be completing her 32nd year at Elizabeth Public Schools, teaching social studies and serving as the Teacher-In-Charge of the Division of Athletics. She is very involved outside of the classroom, coaching girls soccer, serving as the Model UN coordinator, being a Student Government Advisor, and so much more.
Kelly also currently serves as the President of The Rotary Club of Elizabeth, organizing countless amazing events throughout the Elizabeth community. She also dedicates her time to Helping Hands of St. Genevieve’s Parish, where she helps to organize and carry out events.
Above all, Mrs. McCracken-Villanueva has truly made an impact in the lives of so many people in her community.
1st Annual
Hall of Fame Award
For our 1st Annual Hall of Fame Award, we had to look no further than Board Member Katie Vetland Picado.
Katie has been an inspiration for us since she herself started an amazing organization, The Lee Vetland Memorial Fund, in honor of her beloved father.
Lee Vetland was known within his community for his commitment and generosity. This fund continues Lee’s legacy of generosity by offering support to the less fortunate through donations, scholarships, and other acts of kindness.
Katie lives her life in the example of Tia Maria, truly making an impact in so many communities.
1st Annual
Impact Award
For our Impact Award, we have the great privilege of honoring a woman whose dedication to journalism, philanthropy, and storytelling has truly made an impact.
Harris Faulkner is a trailblazer—a six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and one of the most respected voices in news today. As the anchor of The Faulkner Focus and co-host of Outnumbered on FOX News, she has brought us groundbreaking interviews, in-depth analysis, and fearless reporting on the most pressing issues of our time.
Beyond the newsroom, Harris has used her platform to advocate for military families, breast cancer research, and underserved communities. Her work with the Green Beret Foundation, the Navy SEAL Foundation, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation reflects her unwavering commitment to service.
Her leadership, integrity, and passion for truth exemplify the values of the Tia Maria Foundation, and we are honored to recognize her remarkable impact.