The Jefferson Awards are a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public service in America. The Jefferson Awards are presented on two levels: national and local. They began in 1972 to create a Nobel Prize for public service. Today, their primary purpose is to serve as a “Call to Action for Volunteers” in local communities.
The mission of the Jefferson Awards is to encourage and honor individuals for their achievements and contributions through public and community service. Through our Media Partners we seek to inspire volunteering in local communities. Through our Champions, we seek to energize volunteering in the workplace. Through our Youth Service Initiative, we seek to double volunteering in high schools.
About Nicole:
She grew up in Oakland, and after college, joined the National Association of Black Accountants to meet people. The experience led her to volunteer with The Accounting Career Awareness Program, or ACAP in the Bay Area.
For the last 13 years, ACAP has helped introduce local high school students to the world of accounting, but more importantly, expose them to the professional world.

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2012/03/07/jefferson-award-winner-leads-east-bay-students-career-path/