From Nominees to Notables: Celebrating Our Standout Citizens

Established in 2002, the Citizen of the Year and Community Awards celebrate residents who have dedicated their time, energy and resources to making Orange County one of the best places to live. More than 200 individuals have received these honors since the program's inception, reflecting the remarkable spirit of leadership and service that defines our community. The awards remain one of the signature highlights of the annual Orange County Community Conference.

Here are the 2025 Citizens of the Year and Community Awards recipients:

Ciudadana Distinguida del Año 2025 del Alcalde

Ricky Ly: Ricky Ly, co-founder of Asian Pacific American Coming Together (APACT), was honored as this year’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year.  APACT is a local organization dedicated to increasing Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) civic engagement. Ly’s leadership and advocacy were  recognized nationally when Congressman Darren Soto read his biography read into the U.S. Congressional Record in honor of AAPI Heritage Month.

For decades, Ly has served as a dedicated community advocate, inspiring others - especially youth - through his commitment to civic participation and education. Through his STEAM Initiative at Pine Hills Elementary, he connects partners to expand science and technology opportunities for students, helping shape their future paths.

His lasting impact has been widely recognized: Orlando Weekly named him one of the “10 People Making Orlando a Better Place.” Ly also volunteers with numerous organizations, including the Mayor’s MLK Initiative, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and WorldOrlando.

Ciudadanos Distinguidos del Año por Distrito

District 1 – Anne and Shaun Fulton: Anne and Shaun Fulton have spent years developing innovative, sustainable solutions to address homelessness in Orange County. Their Green House Project combines short-, medium- and long-term strategies to create a supportive “village” environment where individuals can access housing, nutrition, healthcare, substance abuse treatment and job training. Their vision offers a holistic approach to self-sufficiency and a second chance for many in need.

District 2 – Pam Welker: A tireless advocate for South Apopka, Pam Welker has dedicated decades to serving families in need and combating food insecurity. She has led numerous cleanup projects, created a community garden, and organized volunteers for placemaking and revitalization efforts — transforming public spaces and uplifting her community through dedication and passion.

District 3 – Dickie Owens: A lifelong resident of Taft, Dickie Owens has worked to create a safer, more connected community. He helped lead the effort to establish a much-needed community park, ensuring local children have a safe space to play close to home. Through his volunteerism and leadership, he continues to inspire others to take pride in their community.

District 4 – Bill DeMott: After losing his daughter in 2015, Bill DeMott turned personal tragedy into purpose by founding the Keri Anne DeMott Foundation, which promotes awareness of impaired driving, bullying and safe decision-making. His outreach has reached more than 100,000 students and secured grants to strengthen victim services across Orange County. His courage, compassion and integrity have made him a powerful advocate for prevention and change.

District 5 – Pamela Sible: Pamela Sible has been a steadfast champion for civic engagement, neighborhood advocacy and public service. Her work fosters stronger community connections, supports responsible growth and ensures residents’ voices are heard in local decision-making. Through collaboration, transparency and leadership, she has empowered countless citizens to participate in shaping a more resilient Orange County.

District 6 – Dr. Shanta Barton-Stubbs: For more than 21 years, Dr. Shantá Barton-Stubbs has led the New Image Youth Center (NIYC), serving at-risk youth and families through mentorship, academic support, mental health resources and enrichment programs. Under her leadership, NIYC has celebrated 65 high school graduates and 15 college graduates. Her creative resources – like “There is Good in My Hood,” “The Cool Tools Kit,” and the “WTF (What’s the Feeling)” Journal – help youth build emotional resilience and self-confidence. Dr. Stubbs’ dedication continues to transform lives and strengthen the fabric of our community.

Additional Award Winners

• Monica Harris Spires Excellence in Leadership – Kumarie Baboolall
• Excellence in Community Building Projects – Rio Pinar Woods HOA/Dee DeLoy
• Yard of the Year – Kevin and Kelly Frady, Greenview at Dover Community

To learn more about Orange County’s annual Community Conference, visit www.ocfl.net/CommunityConference.

Pictured left to right: Ricky Ly, Mayor’s 2025 Distinguished Citizen of the Year; Pam Welker, District 2 Citizen of the Year; Brandy Diggers, Manager of Orange County Neighborhood Services Division; Dr. Shanta Barton-Stubbs, District 6 Citizen of the Year; Commissioner Michael Scott, Orange County District 6; Anne Fulton, District 1 Citizen of the Year; Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero, Orange County District 4; Bill DeMott, District 4 Citizen of the Year; Commissioner Nicole Wilson, Orange County District 1; Shaun Fulton, District 1 Citizen of the Year; Dickie Owens, District 3 Citizen of the Year; Jason Reynolds, Deputy Director of Orange County Planning Environmental Development Services Department; Commissioner Mayra Uribe, Orange County District 3; Pamela Sible, District 5 Citizen of the Year; Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad, Orange County District 5