The Appleseed Foundation is thrilled to announce that Teresa Woody has been named the 2024 Appleseed Advocate of the Year!
The Appleseed Advocate of the Year award honors a member of the Appleseed Network who has shown exceptional commitment to social justice and unwavering dedication to community collaboration. This prestigious award highlights the incredible efforts of those who strive to make a positive impact on society, and this year, Appleseed is proud to recognize Teresa Woody for her outstanding contributions.
As the Litigation Director for Kansas Appleseed, Teresa leads the justice center’s bold impact litigation, tackling critical issues through class action lawsuits. Her work focuses on protecting the rights and wellbeing of children in the Kansas foster care system and advocating for young people in Wichita, many of whom are disproportionately youth of color, who have been unjustly placed on the city’s ‘gang list’ for everyday behaviors and appearances.
Teresa’s fearless advocacy has made a tangible difference in the community. Her nominator for the Advocate of the Year award wrote, “Teresa looks at issues that have impacted those with the least amount of power, and she gets their power back. She is passionate about seeking justice and won’t stop until there’s a resolution. Kansas is a better state because Teresa is in our corner.”
Reflecting on her work and the recognition, Teresa shared, “Working with Kansas Appleseed and the Appleseed Network is the apex of my career as a lawyer. To see these social justice warriors punch above their weight to strengthen and involve communities, protect the rights and wellbeing of children and adults, and seek representation and justice for all, and to be a small part of that effort, energizes me and gives me hope even on the toughest days.”
The Appleseed Advocate of the Year award will be presented to Teresa at the 2024 Appleseed Pillars of Justice Celebration in Washington, D.C., on September 12.
