2025 Advocate Awards

🏆 Advocate(s) of the Year – Catherine & Madison Smith 

Advocacy is often deeply personal work, but Catherine and Madison Smith have made it a family affair. This mother-daughter team brings twice the energy, twice the compassion, and twice the dedication to the children they serve. 

They’ve navigated complex cases with grace, sharing the workload while offering children the unique comfort of having both a steady, maternal figure and a relatable, younger advocate in their corner. Their teamwork is seamless—when one can’t be there, the other steps in. The result is that the children they serve never feel alone. Catherine and Madison’s bond is a living example of CASA’s belief that relationships change outcomes. Together, they are proof that advocacy can be a family legacy. 

🏆 Rookie of the Year – Daniel Williams 

Starting something new takes bravery. Stepping into the role of a CASA advocate takes bravery and heart. Daniel Williams came into his first year with both, along with a willingness to learn and grow. 

While some new advocates take time to find their footing, Daniel jumped right in—building relationships, showing up for every court date and visit, and ensuring his assigned children felt heard and supported. His calm presence and thoughtful approach have already made an impact, proving that you don’t have to be a veteran to change a life. Daniel’s first year is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see the legacy he builds. 

🏆 Recruiter of the Year – Ruby Wilkins 

Ruby’s story is one of quiet strength meeting relentless dedication. For three years, she has been the steady, compassionate constant in a case involving children placed with their grandparents. Navigating the child welfare system can be daunting, but Ruby walked alongside the grandparents every step of the way—explaining processes, attending ARD meetings, and ensuring educational stability for the kids. But Ruby didn’t stop at serving her own case. She looked around and saw the bigger need—more advocates for more children—and she answered that call too. 

She went on live TV with KSAT 12 to talk about CASA’s mission. She filmed a recruitment video. She brought guests to our Information Sessions. She passed out flyers at her church. At events, she sometimes personally escorted curious attendees to our table to make sure they got the information they needed. 

Ruby doesn’t just advocate for the children on her case—she advocates for all children who still need someone. And she does it without seeking the spotlight. This award is our way of shining it on her, even if she’s too humble to ask for it herself. 

🏆 Judge Sakai Award – Elizabeth McElroy 

The Judge Sakai Award honors an advocate who goes above and beyond in championing the needs of children in foster care, much like Judge Peter Sakai has done in our community for decades. Elizabeth McElroy embodies that standard. 

Known for her meticulous casework and unwavering follow-through, Elizabeth has been the voice for children in complex situations, making sure no detail is overlooked. Her ability to balance compassion with firm advocacy has earned her respect in the courtroom and trust from the children she serves. She’s not afraid to ask hard questions or to push for what’s right, even when it’s inconvenient. In short—Elizabeth is the kind of advocate every child deserves. 

🏆 Advancing the Mission – Stephanie Shokrian 

When Stephanie Shokrian became a CASA in early 2023, she didn’t just sign up for a role—she stepped into a calling. 

One of her earliest cases involved newborn twins, Gideon and Yana. They couldn’t speak for themselves, but Stephanie listened anyway—through every doctor’s visit, every placement meeting, every court hearing. She fought to keep the siblings together, advocated for their medical and emotional needs, and worked hand in hand with caseworkers, attorneys, and the judge to protect their best interests. Her persistence paid off. Gideon and Yana remained together, and today they’re thriving in a loving, adoptive home. 

Stephanie’s advocacy doesn’t stop in the courtroom. She’s been a public voice for CASA—speaking at the Gallery of Hope, helping to commemorate 40 years of CASA’s impact in the community. As part of the event committee and a featured speaker, she played a pivotal role in raising awareness and encouraging giving that night, helping the event raise nearly three-quarters of a million dollars. She’s given TV interviews, appeared in CASA ads, and even received the Morgan’s Wonderland Heart of Gold award for her compassion and impact on children with special needs. And every time she’s recognized, she uses it as a chance to spotlight CASA. 

Stephanie is the kind of volunteer who says “yes” when help is needed, whether that means gathering auction items or standing on a stage in front of hundreds. She’s advancing the mission every single day.