Press
Extraordinary Leaders of Service to be Honored at 7th Annual Celebration of The George H.W. Bush Points of Lights Awards
Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteering, proudly announces two additional honorees for The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards, to be held on October 6, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C. These awards honor individuals who demonstrate the transformative power of service and drive significant and sustained impact through their everyday actions.
This year, distinguished honorees include Dynasty Taylor, an advocate, social entrepreneur and nonprofit founder from South Los Angeles, and Gregg Petersmeyer, a lifelong champion of civic engagement and chairman of America’s Promise Alliance.
Dynasty Taylor, founder and chief executive officer of Dynasty’s United Youth Association, will be recognized with The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award, joining previously announced honoree Marvin R. Ellison, chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Ellison’s dedication to corporate social responsibility has led Lowe’s unwavering support of safe and affordable housing, skilled trades education, disaster response and community improvement programs.
From her earliest days as a graduate student at USC, Taylor has been a fierce advocate for educational equity. A social worker and proud native of South Los Angeles, Taylor founded Dynasty’s United Youth Association (DUYA) to advance educational equity and empower underserved youth to rise from poverty to prosperity. Her leadership extends beyond DUYA, serving as a Public Social Services commissioner in Los Angeles County, where she advocates policies that uplift and protect marginalized communities, unlocking the potential of the next generation.
Gregg Petersmeyer has spent a lifetime illuminating the path of service for others quietly, powerfully, and with unwavering conviction. A transformative leader and visionary civic architect, his integrity and belief in the good of others have shaped the modern service movement in America.
With more than 35 years of experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Petersmeyer has dedicated his career to advancing civic purpose and volunteerism as foundational to a healthy democracy. As a trusted advisor to President George H. W. Bush, he brought to life one of the most enduring hallmarks of that presidency: the idea that “Any definition of a successful life must include serving others.”
As the founding Director of the White House Office of National Service, Petersmeyer launched the Daily Point of Light Award as the first-ever daily presidential honor recognizing individual volunteers making extraordinary contributions to their communities across America. He was instrumental in the creation of the Points of Light Foundation, and he played a leading role in shaping and passing the National and Community Service Act of 1990, legislation that laid the groundwork for what would become AmeriCorps.
His dedication to empowering others through service extended far beyond his time in government. As a founder of America’s Promise Alliance, established by General Colin Powell following the Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future, Petersmeyer championed comprehensive efforts to improve the lives of children and youth. His decades of board leadership, including long-standing service with Points of Light and City Year, reflect his steadfast commitment to building a more just and connected world.
Petersmeyer’s impact has never been about recognition. It has always been about belief: belief in people, belief in purpose, and belief in service as the most powerful force for change. Through quiet resolve and strategic brilliance, he has shaped national policy, elevated civic institutions, and inspired generations of changemakers to lead with humility, courage, and heart.
As Points of Light celebrates its 35th anniversary, we are proud to honor Gregg Petersmeyer with The George H. W. Bush Lifetime of Service Award. A long-overdue recognition of a man whose vision helped ignite a global movement, and whose light continues to guide it forward.
Additional honorees exemplifying service and leadership will be announced soon.
For more information about attending or sponsoring this year’s event, and to support Points of Light’s mission to inspire millions to serve, please reach out to Katherine O’Hare at [email protected].
About Points of Light
Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org.