Hawkins honored as top chamber volunteer
Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 7 hours, 5 minutes AGO
Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce executive director Joan Urbaniak poses with Stephanie Hawkins after recognizing her as the chamber's top volunteer for December.
Photo courtesy GREATER SANDPOINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce officials have recognized Stephanie Hawkins as its December Volunteer of the Month, honoring her outstanding commitment to service, leadership and community impact throughout Bonner County.
Over the past five years, Hawkins has demonstrated exceptional dedication to strengthening the local community through volunteer leadership, advocacy and nonprofit service. From October 2020 through January 2025, she volunteered with North Idaho CASA in Bonner County, supporting children and families involved in the court system and helping ensure that vulnerable youth had a consistent, informed voice during critical moments in their lives.
Hawkins is also an active member of Cedar Hills Church, where she has served as a vocalist during worship services since March 2021, contributing her time and talents to support community connection and spiritual engagement.
In addition to her service roles, Hawkins serves as a board member and vice chair for two local organizations: Forrest Bird Charter School and the Kinderhaven Foundation. In these leadership positions, she helps guide organizational strategy, governance and mission-driven initiatives focused on education, family support and long-term community wellbeing.
Beyond governance and advocacy, Hawkins is also deeply involved in hands-on fundraising efforts. She volunteers with Beta Sigma Phi Alpha, helping make and sell elephant ears at the local fair, with proceeds directly benefiting college scholarships for local high school students.
Hawkins also contributes to the cultural life of the community as a vocalist with the local Sandpoint band Picked Up Pieces, performing at community events and local venues and helping foster connection through music.
Professionally, Hawkins brings her nonprofit expertise to her role as grant compliance coordinator and grant writer at Bonner Homeless Transitions, where she supports housing stability initiatives through grant management, compliance and funding development — further extending her impact on the community she serves.
“Volunteerism is about service, accountability and showing up for others,” said Hawkins. “I’m honored to be recognized by the chamber and grateful to work alongside so many dedicated people who care deeply about our community.”