"A small body of determined spirits, fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history." -Gandhi

The Be The Change Award, created in conjunction with our generous award sponsor, Canyon Ranch, has recognized a Massachusetts woman who personifies compassion for her community and commitment to improving the everyday lives of those around her. This year, we chose to honor a young woman, age 16 to 24, who rises above and beyond in the realm of community service. For her, age is not a deterrent when it comes to making a difference in the world. She boldly carries out her call to action and her devotion to the cause inspires others to do the same.

The Massachusetts Conference for Women is pleased to present the 2009 Be the Change Award to:

Brittany Bergquist
In April 2004, Brittany Bergquist saw a news report about a young soldier from Massachusetts who was struggling to pay his cell phone bill while serving our country in the Middle East. Though only 13 years old at the time, she felt the need to help. To raise funds, she organized car washes, bake sales, and yard sales. She soon found out that this one soldier was not the only one struggling to pay for phone calls home. More funds would be needed.
Brittany came up with the idea to recycle used cell phones for money - Cell Phones for Soldiers was born. She researched which recycling company would provide the best price and began collecting cell phones. With the money raised through recycling, she purchases prepaid calling cards to send to troops serving at military bases and recuperating in hospitals throughout the world.
By providing calling cards for our troops to call home, Brittany is helping boost their morale. Through the recycling of used cell phones and their accessories, her program is helping preserve the environment.
Brittany has raised over 6 million dollars and has sent 600,000 prepaid calling cards to our troops. That represents 360 million minutes of talk time and tons of toxic chemicals kept out of landfills. Now a freshman at Stonehill College in Easton, Mass., Brittany still devotes more than 50 hours per month to Cell Phones for Soldiers and travels throughout the country to promote her program.

Be The Change Finalists
The number of remarkable nominations was overwhelming. We applaud our finalists' commitment and thank them for their tireless efforts to help others.
• Sarah Benson, program manager, Bentley Service-Learning Center with The Edinburg Center
• Lydia Bradley, program manager, Strong Women, Strong Girls, and One Home Many Hopes volunteer
• Joanna Channell, program director, School on Wheels of Massachusetts
• Samantha Curtis, volunteer, Massachusetts Youth Leadership Foundation
• Katie Simon, founder, Minga Group

The winner of the Be the Change Award receives an all-inclusive, one-week stay for two at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Mass., or Tucson, Ariz.

Meet the 2008 winner, Dr. Jessie Gaeta