By Steven Krolak
(NEW ALBANY, Ind.)–Morgan Szabo ’14 has been awarded a 2019 Young Leaders Award from Louisville Business First and the Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL).
The award honors 20 rising stars in the early stages of their careers who demonstrate excellence in both their workplace and community.
Szabo, who majored in international studies with minors in sociology and Spanish at IU Southeast, is the programming associate at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Ky., while also pursuing a graduate degree in public administration at the University of Louisville.
In that role, she is tasked with upholding the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali through developing and implementing programming that encompasses gender equity, global citizenship and education.
Szabo oversees the UCrew social entrepreneurship youth program, the Center’s partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools in the area of diversity and inclusion, the 6 Core Principle Winners of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, as well as curricula and programming for all ages, among other tasks.
She has also represented the Center on cultural exchanges in Brazil and Kazakhstan sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
“I am extremely fortunate to have the creative freedom to produce and implement my vision, while having the opportunity to be involved in meaningful and impactful community programming,” Szabo said.
Rising Stars are individuals who bring innovative ideas to their organizations, can find solutions to complex problems and give their time generously to charities and other causes. They are selected on the basis of notable successes, strong leadership and the impact they’ve had on our community.
Szabo is a deserving recipient, given the consistency and breadth of her involvements. all driven by a commitment to social uplift.
“We’re honoring Morgan as one of our 2019 Young Leaders because her humanitarian work and dedication is an example of how Louisville—and the rest of the world—can work to create a better community,” said Brent Schanding, associate editor of Louisville Business First. “She’s definitely a rising star to keep an eye on.”
In addition to her extremely diverse full-time role at the Muhammad Ali Center, Szabo is active in nonprofit work around Louisville.
She works as a college readiness & college corps mentor for Adelante Hispanic Achievers, which provides college and career preparation for Spanish-speaking youth; she volunteers with Up for Women and Children, which provides shelter and resource options for homeless women and their families; she serves on the associate board of directors of the Nativity Academy at St. Boniface, a private middle school serving underprivileged urban youth; and she sits on the education and advocacy committee of the Coalition for the Homeless Louisville, which raises awareness of homelessness in the community.
“My biggest passion is empowering people to make an impact in our community, and educating them about ways to get involved,” Szabo said. “I am committed to the betterment of our under-served community, and I believe we can all play a part in creating a more equitable and just city.”