Kelsey Nicole Nelson is returning to the stage for the D.C. United Foundation’s Raise a Toast Awards, serving as emcee for the second consecutive year as the organization celebrates 11 community leaders making an impact across the DMV.

Nelson, host of Listen in With KNN on Fox Sports Radio 1340 AM/96.9 FM, will host the private recognition dinner Nov. 4 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The event is presented by Giant and will recognize the 2026 Raise a Toast Starting XI, 11 community leaders working to expand opportunities, health and economic mobility across D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

For Nelson, returning to Raise a Toast marks another opportunity to use her platform as a sports journalist and broadcaster to highlight people making an impact beyond the playing field.

“It’s a thrill to return to host this year’s award as being from the DMV area I am the product of multiple nonprofit organizations that poured into me ensuring I knew what was possible,” Nelson said. “So to be able to honor the leaders shaping the impactful nonprofit landscape today means a lot. It’s truly a full circle moment. Thank you to D.C. United for believing in me.”

Nelson previously served as emcee for the 2025 Raise a Toast Awards, where she helped celebrate 11 community leaders during a recognition dinner at the Events DC Club. The event highlighted leaders whose work reflected D.C. United’s focus on empowerment, opportunity and service.

Created by D.C. United and the D.C. United Foundation, Raise a Toast recognizes local leaders who demonstrate a commitment to service and justice throughout the DMV. Honorees are recognized at an intimate dinner and receive the opportunity to direct a $1,000 donation to a local nonprofit of their choice.

Now in its fifth year, Raise a Toast has recognized more than 45 community leaders and directed $49,000 to DMV nonprofits since 2022.

The 2026 class represents a range of fields and experiences, including education, health care, veterans’ advocacy, youth sports, economic development and entrepreneurship.

Among this year’s honorees is Ana Bonilla-Galdamez, a school social worker at Alexandria City High School who has spent nearly three decades supporting youth and families and created programs focused on academic success, leadership and family engagement. Anees Merzi, founder and executive director of 703 Warriors, is being recognized for using soccer and education to expand opportunities for underserved youth, including children from low-income and immigrant communities.

Dr. Aza Nedhari, president and CEO of Mamatoto Village, is being honored for her work in maternal health, reproductive justice and workforce development, while Colin Fraser, executive director of From Grass to Grace, supports justice-impacted individuals through entrepreneurship, mentorship and economic opportunity.

The class also includes Gaby Argoti-Fernandez, a financial professional and community leader who works in sustainable economic development and immigrant opportunity; John Lee, CEO of AKP Sports Foundation, who uses sports and service to strengthen communities and create opportunities for the next generation; and John Rose, a retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant and veteran advocate who works to expand employment opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities.

Other honorees include Kowshara Thomas, executive director of Joseph’s House, who provides leadership for an organization serving people experiencing homelessness and those living with HIV/AIDS or terminal cancer; Reme Moya, chief program officer at the Latin American Youth Center, who oversees programs serving more than 4,000 young people and young adults; Tyler Ellis, a D.C. United Twinning Project coach who uses soccer and life-skills training to support incarcerated adults; and Dr. Zakiya Edens, founding multimedia academy director at D.C. Public Schools, who has expanded career-connected opportunities for students through education, internships and industry partnerships.

“The D.C. United Foundation did a wonderful job selecting the everyday heroes who have boots on the ground in what I call heart work that is the service work that everyday drives and strengthens our communities,” Nelson said. “Love seeing unsung heroes get their flowers while they are here. This year’s class once again embodies the DMV excellence that makes this such a special place to live and grow. This year’s class showcases that we truly are our brother’s and sister’s keepers. “

The evening will shine a spotlight on the people making a difference across the DMV and the impact their work has on the communities they call home.