Rising in Community Excellence Awards
The 17th Annual RICE Awards...
Celebrating Those Who Make a Difference
In celebration of the individuals who work tirelessly to improve the lives of others, Carter Unlimited LLC and the RICE Awards proudly shine a spotlight on extraordinary citizens and organizations whose service, sacrifice, and leadership are making a lasting impact throughout Greater Atlanta and beyond.
The Rising in Community Excellence (RICE) Award recognizes individuals who understand the needs of their communities and choose to take action. Rather than simply recognizing a need, these leaders step forward—creating organizations, developing programs, providing resources, opening doors, and finding innovative ways to make life better for others.
RICE Award nominees represent some of our community’s most innovative, compassionate, and service-driven visionaries. They understand that leadership comes with a responsibility to give back and use their influence, talents, professions, and platforms to create positive change.
Nominees are selected through a thoughtful process involving industry professionals, community leaders, and everyday citizens who recognize the extraordinary work taking place throughout our communities.
Each RICE Awards category celebrates leaders who have used their positions and resources to develop or implement programs, initiatives, and organizations that strengthen communities and transform lives.
These are the individuals who often work without recognition or applause. Through the RICE Awards, we make sure their work is seen, their stories are told, and their impact is celebrated.
The Rising in Community Excellence (RICE) Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and commitment are creating meaningful change in communities throughout Georgia and beyond.
RICE Award honorees and nominees are innovators, humanitarians, entrepreneurs, educators, advocates, professionals, and community visionaries who understand that true leadership is measured not only by personal achievement, but by the lives impacted along the way.
From establishing nonprofit organizations and community initiatives to developing programs that provide resources, opportunities, education, mentorship, advocacy, and hope, these extraordinary individuals have stepped forward to address real community needs and make a lasting difference.
Nominees are identified through community nominations and evaluated by a diverse panel of industry professionals, community leaders, and citizens. Each award category recognizes individuals or organizations that have used their influence, profession, platform, or resources to strengthen communities and improve the lives of others.
Presented by Carter Unlimited LLC, the mission of the RICE Awards and its Foundation remains simple yet powerful:
“We honor the unsung heroes of the community.”
For more than a decade, the RICE Awards has provided a platform where community excellence is seen, celebrated, and remembered. We believe those who dedicate their time, talents, resources, and voices to helping others deserve their moment of recognition.
2027 RICE Awards Categories
The following categories recognize excellence and community impact across a diverse range of industries, professions, and areas of service:
- ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
- BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
- NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR
- CIVIL SERVANT OF THE YEAR
- ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
- EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
- E-NEWS / PUBLICATION OTY
- HEALTH PROFESSIONAL OTY
- THE FOUNDERS VANGUARD AWARD
- YOUTH ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
- THE COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
- ESQUIRE OF THE YEAR
NEW HONOREE AWARDS COMING IN 2027:
- 2026 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES: Warrick Dunn (Warrick Dunn Charites) and Keisha Lance Bottoms (Former Mayor of Atlanta)
- 2026 HUMANITARIAN HONOREES; Shalita Thrasher, Lucretia Doyle and S. La’Kerri Jackson
- 2026 TORCH AWARDS: Dr. John Williams, Tai Roberson, Melaine Williams, Daniel Nagel, Esq., Dr. Stacii Jae Johnson, Verna Cleveland, Javoyne Hicks, Esq., Carol Bowman, and Dr. Jerome Rowland.
- THE MONICA KAUFMAN AWARD
The 17th Annual RICE Awards
The ATLANTA CITY HALL ATRIUM
Saturday, September 25, 2027 4PM
55 TRINTY AVE SW
ATLANTA GA 30303
VOtE September 2027
subscribe to get something extra
In celebration of those individuals who work tirelessly to improve lives throughout greater Atlanta, Carter Unlimited LLC is excited to shine a spotlight on these outstanding citizens and their organizations and bring awareness to their tremendous sacrifices and contributions.
popular links
event detail
- September 25, 2027 4PM
- The Atlanta City Hall
-
55 Trinty Ave SW
Atlanta GA 30303