The Community Service Award recognizes an employee who embraces the core value of strong community engagement and exemplifies the essence of good corporate partnership.

This award underscores the importance of working together to enhance access to education and employment opportunities and to develop a deeper understanding of employee potential in improving essential services and resources.

Dr. Shaneka Starr Lawson is a research plant physiologist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

She is a graduate of Morgan State University and her achievements and contributions epitomize the continuing relevance of the nation's historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Lawson pursued a double major in biology and chemistry and minored in English, Spanish, and Latin at Morgan State University.

This comprehensive academic background instilled in her a deep appreciation of how HBCUs empower and nurture Black students.

In her current role, Dr. Lawson's work focuses on studying the effects of antibiotic stressors on tree populations.

"Community service is work," Lawson emphasized in her acceptance speech. "It's initiated to benefit the community without expecting compensation. However, when urban residents and inner-city students who are leery of nature volunteer to plant trees and clean up parks, and when summer camp students become engaged as I describe how climate change affects the McDonald's dollar menu pricing, it's not about money anymore.

"When Vietnam veterans like my father tearfully thank me for my service, I feel rewarded," she continued. "Thank you for this award and for acknowledging that community service is not a chore, but an investment in our future. I accept this award on behalf of all my volunteers who stand beside me. We did this together," she added.

You can listen to the full speech (approx. 1:28 mark).