Volunteer honored for going above and beyond to help career education participants

We congratulate Taylor Dixon of TEKsystems, who has been honored with Avivo’s 2020 Karen Sakol Award! The award is given each year to a member of our Business Partner Council (BPC). The recipient embodies the giving spirit of Karen Sakol, a past influential and charter business partner council member.

*Taylor Dixon of TEKsystems, honored with Avivo’s Karen Sakol Award in 2020.*

“I’m honored to receive this award,” shares Taylor. “I love working with Avivo grads to see how we are able to help them in their careers. It’s been incredible working with students out of Avivo’s IT training program.”

“I love working with Avivo grads to see how we are able to help them in their careers. It’s been incredible working with students out of Avivo’s IT training program.”

Jim Verhoye, program director of the Avivo Institute of Career and Technical Education says, “Taylor embodies the values of Avivo and of the Karen Sakol Award. Karen was a person with a disability who was passionate about supporting others in their goals to become self-sufficient. It’s because of her passion and the impact of her efforts to support our organization that we created this award.”

This year Taylor was chosen to be recognized as someone who demonstrates that same passion and commitment to impacting the lives of those we serve. “She was our first business partner to conduct a virtual meeting with students after the COVID-19 pandemic began,” adds Verhoye. “She kept providing our students with important and necessary access to professionals through innovative ways, setting a great example for students.”

*2020 Karen Sakol Employer Commitment Award, given to Taylor Dixon of TEKsystems.*

With even more virtual and hybrid learning options needed as we head into 2021, having leaders like Taylor on Avivo’s Business Partner Council are important now and in the future.

Avivo’s Business Partner Council is an innovative network of employers and professionals committed to strengthening Minnesota’s workforce and communities. Interested in joining or learning more? Contact Jim Roth by phone at 612.447.9420 or email jim.roth@avivomn.org.