OREANDA-NEWS. Boeing [NYSE: BA] will make five USD 50,000 grants to Chicago-area leaders as part of its annual Game Changer Awards, which recognize individuals who have created innovative programs and initiatives to benefit Chicago communities. The grants will fund each organization's ongoing work.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Boeing leaders presented the awards at a ceremony at the Garfield Park Conservatory.

"Giving back to our communities is important to our employees and a core value of Boeing, and we're proud to partner with these leaders in the amazing work they do to improve the environment, education, health and human services, arts and culture and civic engagement in Chicago," said Tony Parasida, senior vice president, Boeing Human Resources and Administration. "These recipients deserve recognition for rolling up their sleeves, taking initiative and solving problems in their neighborhoods and communities."

The 2013 Game Changer Award recipients are:

Deb Moskovits, The Field Museum – For leadership in environmental stewardship in leveraging environmental and cultural assets in Chicago and Peru through the Environment, Culture and Conservation (ECCo) program.
Paul Sznewajs, Ingenuity Inc. – For collaboration on the Chicago Public Schools Arts Education Plan to implement high-quality arts education programming across Chicago.
Susana Vasquez, Local Initiative Support Corporation – For leadership of the Building Stronger Neighborhoods program to help community-based organizations support development and quality-of-life programs in the city's under-resourced neighborhoods.
Maggie Blinn DiNovi, New Leaders – For collaborating with Chicago Public Schools to train and develop 200 principals and other administrative leaders since 2001.
Beth White, The Trust for Public Land – For leading the planning, design and development of the 606/Bloomingdale Trail, a multi-use recreational trail and park system.
"I congratulate the organizations honored today as Boeing Game Changers," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "They reflect the dedication and commitment to the well-being of the greater Chicago community that has for so long been the hallmark of our communities and neighborhoods. They are leaders of thought, innovation, service and action and with this award will continue to share and expand their services and initiatives for Chicago."
Chicago-based Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. With customers in 150 countries, Boeing works to drive positive change in communities around the world though its community engagement and employee volunteers' efforts.