About our Honorees

The Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation is being recognized for its partnership with Sunflower Bakery and its leadership in advancing inclusive service initiatives across Maryland.
Through its support of workforce development and service programs, the department helps expand opportunities for individuals with learning differences to gain valuable job skills, confidence, and pathways to meaningful employment while contributing to their communities.

Wegmans Food Markets is a regional supermarket chain with 114 stores along the East Coast. Founded in 1916 by brothers Walter and John Wegman, the company remains proudly family-owned.
Wegmans has been recognized as one of Fortune®’s “100 Best Companies to Work For®” for 28 consecutive years. Known for its commitment to creating a welcoming workplace and hiring people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, Wegmans values inclusion and opportunity for all.

The company is also dedicated to supporting the communities it serves and proudly partners with organizations like Sunflower Bakery to advance workforce development and community impact.

Shayna Heller is a dedicated community leader, artist, and volunteer who has spent more than four decades strengthening the Silver Spring community. As a community collaborator with Sunflower Bakery, Shayna helps bring the bakery’s products to the White Oak community while championing its mission of providing meaningful training and career opportunities for students with learning differences.

At Young Israel of White Oak, Shayna serves as a hostess, community liaison, and event organizer, helping create welcoming and inclusive experiences for congregants and guests. She is also a longtime volunteer with the Metropolitan Washington Ear, reading articles for blind and low-vision listeners, and currently serves as President of the National Capital Art Glass Guild, where she has expanded community outreach and launched programs bringing art experiences to patients and families at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center.

Through her creativity, leadership, and commitment to service, Shayna continues to make a meaningful impact across the communities she serves.

Dr. Erikk D. Bonner serves as Director of the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) at the Maryland State Department of Education and as Assistant State Superintendent for Rehabilitation Services. Since joining DORS in October 2024, Dr. Bonner has brought nearly two decades of experience working with people with disabilities and youth.

Dr. Bonner began his career as a teacher, special educator, and school administrator before advancing to leadership roles in Boston, Chicago, and Houston. Throughout his career, he has focused on improving educational outcomes, expanding transition programs, and creating pathways to post-secondary education and employment for students with disabilities.

He holds a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees, and a doctorate from the University of North Texas, as well as a Master of Management Studies from the Yale School of Management. Dr. Bonner is deeply committed to public education and vocational rehabilitation services and continues to champion equity, innovation, and opportunity for individuals with disabilities.