Press

Zeal Credit Union shines a spotlight on hardworking Americans celebrating acts of inspiration in the community

LIVONIA, MI (July 1, 2024) — Zeal Credit Union is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Hardworking Americans campaign. In April of this year, the campaign was launched, and called for nominations from the public for community members who go above and beyond in their communities, and who embody the actions and attributes of a hard worker. Today, Zeal announces that six honorees have been selected!

Each winner has been awarded a $500 prize plus $500 to been donated on their behalf to their favorite local 501(c)(3) charitable organization; Those who nominated the HWA honorees also received a $200 prize.

The honorees FULL stories are featured on Zeal’s YouTube channel, and at ZealCU.org/hardwork.

Zeal’s 2024 Hardworking American HONOREES

Kenyetta Campbell | Get Things Done

In 2008, Kenyetta founded Cody Rouge Community Action Alliance, an organization that is committed to providing access to resources for health, safety, and abundant living for residents on the far side of Detroit and focusing on youth engagement, neighborhood stabilization, and community engagement. For 16 years, she has been focused on service and her organization has grown from a one-person staff to the support of approximately 20 community leaders.

Jennifer Bate | Do the Right Thing

Jennifer Bate is a Registered Nurse (RN) and Stroke Program Coordinator at Sinai Grace. During the pandemic, she worked in one of the nation’s third busiest ERs for COVID patients. Jennifer has faced personal hardships, including the loss of her mother to COVID. Despite the loss she’s experienced, she has remained a beacon of altruism and committed to the community, striving to educate people about strokes and recognizing the signs of stroke.

“I love being with people and making a difference in their life,” says Jennifer Bate, 2024 Zeal Hardworking American honoree.

Rhonda Joiner | Change the World

A special education teacher, Rhonda has been dedicated to the field of education for 26 years. During the pandemic when schools were closed, she used her own money to purchase lessons and had them delivered to her students at home. Rhonda makes sure her students have what they need, whether it’s warm winter gear for cold weather or food to eat. She is especially dedicated to her students with autism, and she often speaks publicly to community groups about embracing autism.

“Love, understanding, a smile, a hug – whatever it takes. Autism acceptance matters,” says Rhonda Joiner, 2024 Zeal Credit Union Hardworking American (HWA) honoree.

Roslyn Simmons | Reach for the Stars

Roslyn Simmons helps the children of Detroit reach for the stars. She is a married mom of two who is committed to her family and to her community. As the owner and leader of Stars Elite Training Center in Detroit, Roslyn has been bringing the art of dance to inner city children for 18 years who, given the expense, might not have otherwise gotten to participate in dance. Through her work, Roslyn teaches the lifelong skill of teamwork and views dance as a mechanism to offer mentoring.

Stacy Karafotis | Lend a Hand

Stacy is an entrepreneur who owns Lucky Dog Daycare and Boarding. When local animal shelters are full, people go to Stacy to care for animals that are stray or injured. And local Police Departments bring stray animals to her so she can check them for chips at no cost to the city. She also runs several events per year, including a clothing and food drive (people and pet food) and an annual Kids Read to Dogs event during March is Reading Month.

“Every business should be helping the community,” says Stacy Karafotis, 2024 Zeal Credit Union HWA honoree.

Tracie Rasberry | Dust Yourself Off

Tracie is a Veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years. During her service, she impacted the lives of many of her sister Marines. Tracie’s peers selected her as the recipient of the Molly Marine Award, an honor which exemplifies the Marine Purpose and Ideal of Excellence. Because of her desire to help elderly and disabled people, she took a leap of faith and started Tracie’s Loving Touch Senior Services, LLC in 2017. Through her services, she strives to help seniors stay in their homes and maintain independence.

Full Stories, Images: Watch on Zeal’s YouTube channel. at Zealcu.org/hardwork

About Zeal Credit Union

Zeal Credit Union is a mission-driven, Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and a full-service, not-for-profit financial organization serving approximately 67,000 members at 12 full-service branch locations in the Metro Detroit area with $828 million in assets. Zeal member deposits are insured to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a US government agency. For more information, visit www.ZealCU.org.