UNCF to Honor Volunteers and Partners at Mind Is Recognition Dinner in Indianapolis

The United Negro College Fund's annual event celebrates supporters of HBCUs and educational access.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The United Negro College Fund will host its Mind Is Recognition dinner on Saturday, February 14th, at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis. The event will honor volunteers and funding partners who support the organization's mission to expand educational access for students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The dinner replaces UNCF's traditional mask ball, and will specifically acknowledge individuals and partners who have supported the local chapter for over 20 years.

Why it matters

UNCF has spent 82 years addressing systemic barriers to higher education, focusing on providing opportunities for students attending HBCUs and other mission-driven institutions, many of whom are the first in their families to earn a college degree. The organization awards $62 million in scholarships nationally each year, and provides $326,000 in financial aid to students in Indianapolis alone.

The details

Tawanna Streater, vice president of the Midwest Division for UNCF, is bringing staff from various locations to manage the dinner, allowing local volunteers to attend as honored guests. Donielle Martin, CEO and founder of One Life @ A Time Inc., has served as gala chair for several years and has volunteered with UNCF for more than 14 years. The event celebrates the organization's commitment to supporting students and the passion of its volunteers.

  • The Mind Is Recognition dinner will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • The event replaces UNCF's traditional mask ball, typically held in the fall.

The players

United Negro College Fund (UNCF)

A non-profit organization that has spent 82 years addressing systemic barriers to higher education, focusing on providing opportunities for students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other mission-driven institutions.

Tawanna Streater

Vice president of the Midwest Division for UNCF, overseeing five markets and bringing staff from various locations to manage the dinner.

Donielle Martin

CEO and founder of One Life @ A Time Inc., who has served as gala chair for several years and has volunteered with UNCF for more than 14 years.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

UNCF's Mind Is Recognition dinner in Indianapolis highlights the organization's longstanding commitment to supporting students and the passion of its volunteers and funding partners in expanding educational access, particularly for those attending historically Black colleges and universities.