826DC is delighted to share our 2024 Story Soiree Honorees! These three people have had a particularly profound impact on young local writers.
We’ll honor each of them at our upcoming Story Soiree gala on September 24th, 6-8 PM at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre.
Thomas Ohno-Machado
Thomas Ohno-Machado is the 2024 recipient of the Heather Borra O’Donnell Award for outstanding volunteer service.
About Thomas:
Thomas Ohno-Machado is an adjunct lecturer in GW’s University Writing Program. Thomas holds a BA in Cognitive Science from the University of California, San Diego, a MS in Special Education from National University, and an MA in English from Georgetown University. Before teaching in higher education, Thomas was a special education teacher for high school students and young adults.
Thomas on 826DC:
“Thanks to the After-School Writing Lab, my Wednesday afternoons are full of joy, energy, and growth. Our young writers are so bright and creative, and they teach me something new every week.”
Jonas Strickland
Jonas Strickland is the 2024 recipient of the Magic-Maker Award for educators making major strides in writing education.
About Jonas:
Jonas Strickland is the Library Media Specialist at Phelps ACE High School, with whom 826DC has partnered through our Young Authors’ Book Project and our In-School Writing, Editing, and Publishing program. He builds literacy and leadership through sports literature and is the author of Devotion: 21 Days of Cultivating the Winning Habits of the Golden State Warriors. Jonas has a BA in Chemistry from Lincoln University, an M.Div in Religion from Howard University, and an MLIS in Library and Information Science from Kent State University.
Howard Yoon
Howard Yoon is the 2024 recipient of the Kurt Wimmer Award for board members, past or present, who have gone above and beyond for 826DC.
About Howard:
Howard Yoon recently joined WME’s literary department as a Partner and Literary Agent after the spring 2023 acquisition of Ross Yoon Agency, where he was an agent for more than 20 years. He works with nonfiction writers, gravitating towards reported narratives, memoir, history, science, sports, tech, business, and popular culture. Howard represents leading experts and thought leaders, but also has a soft spot for underdog stories and those who give voice to the underserved. He used to teach an award-winning narrative nonfiction writing class in Georgetown’s journalism program. Howard lives in DC with his wife and three kids.
Come celebrate with us!
Having people like Thomas, Jonas, and Howard in our corner is a beautiful thing. So is having such a passionate, curious, and generous community.
We hope you’ll join us at the Story Soiree (September 24th, 6-8 PM at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre) or donate to support this fundraising effort!