By: Craig Mills, ’81C
The James E. MacLennan Everyday Hero Award recognizes those who have served their communities with countless small, selfless acts of kindness and time commitment, those who’ve, founded, been involved in, or led community service projects, and/or responded to domestic or foreign emergencies.
Doris Acevedo – ’91B
In the heart of Oaxaca—a city known for its vibrant culture, deep traditions, and stark economic inequality—there is a place where compassion is practiced with remarkable consistency. Every morning, six days a week, 80 to 100 people line up for a warm meal, a kind word, and a moment of dignity. This place is Comedor Lili, and at its center is Doris Acevedo.
Doris, Cast B ’91, carries forward the legacy of her mother, Lilia Porras Mazari, who founded the comedor more than a decade ago. After Lilia’s passing in 2021, Doris stepped into full leadership—while raising her daughter, working full‑time, and remaining deeply engaged in her community. Her commitment is unwavering. As one volunteer wrote, “Doris is the heart of Comedor Lili.”
Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s poorest states, and the need is immense. Many who come to the comedor are homeless, elderly, or living with addiction. Increasingly, the line includes migrant families from Central and South America seeking safety and stability. For many, this is their only meal of the day.
Yet Comedor Lili is far more than a soup kitchen. It is a community built on dignity, respect, and shared humanity. Volunteers—affectionately known as the Angelitas—are the lifeblood of the operation. More than 200 of them rotate through 31 teams, each responsible for the same day every month. The system runs with extraordinary precision: meals prepared, stations set, roles assigned, communication flowing seamlessly. Guests help clean dishes and assist with setup, taking pride in contributing to the space that sustains them.
What makes Comedor Lili exceptional is the atmosphere Doris has cultivated. Volunteers describe it as a place filled with warmth, laughter, and genuine connection. One wrote, “These women don’t ‘do’ love; they ARE love.” Another shared that the Angelitas not only care for guests but also for each other—offering support, friendship, and community in a world that can often feel isolating.
The generosity extends beyond the daily meal. When a child needs school supplies, when a new mother at the local hospital needs baby clothes, when a family faces sudden hardship, the Angelitas respond within minutes—not out of obligation, but out of shared humanity.
Doris leads with humility, refusing personal recognition and always crediting her volunteers. Yet her impact is unmistakable. She has expanded the comedor’s capacity, moved it to a larger space to accommodate growing need, and ensured that refugees and migrants are welcomed with dignity. Her leadership is quiet, steady, and deeply compassionate—the very essence of the Everyday Hero Award.
In a world where kindness can feel scarce, Doris Acevedo reminds us what is possible when one person chooses to serve with love, consistency, and courage.
The Up with People International Alumni Association proudly honors Doris as a 2026 James E. MacLennan Everyday Hero Award recipient.
Michele Dicso Sherrod – ’96E
Some people change the world through sweeping initiatives or public leadership. Others change it through the steady, consistent, everyday acts of kindness that strengthen a community from the inside out. Michele Dicso Sherrod, Cast E ’96, is the latter—a quiet force for good whose service touches children, families, students, and neighbors across her Virginia community.
Michele’s commitment to service began long before her nomination. For years, she has been a cornerstone of her local elementary school, serving three full terms as PTA President—an extraordinary commitment of time, energy, and leadership. In this role, she served as liaison between families and school leadership, organized events that brought the community together, and oversaw programs that enriched students’ educational experiences.
Under her leadership, the PTA created beloved traditions such as Pumpkin Palooza, where students carved pumpkins and families gathered for food and fun; the student‑run Car Wash, which taught teamwork while raising funds for classroom programs; and events like History Night, Bingo Night, and the Heart for Heart Breakfast. Michele also served as Vice President of Fundraising, Programs, and Volunteerism, helping to build a strong, engaged, and supportive school community.
Her dedication to children extends into the classroom. As a reading specialist, Michele works one‑on‑one with elementary students to strengthen their reading skills and build confidence. Her patient guidance has helped countless children grow academically and emotionally.
Beyond the school, Michele’s service continues. For six years, she has participated in the Great Cycle Challenge, riding hundreds of miles annually to raise money for children with cancer. Her efforts have raised more than $8,600 and covered nearly 2,000 miles—a testament to her determination and compassion.
Michele also volunteers with the Henrico Community Food Bank, helping distribute food to families facing hardship. She donates blood regularly, sings in her church choir each Sunday, and supports her local high school marching band by helping set up and break down equipment at performances and competitions.
One of Michele’s most heartfelt contributions is her involvement in “Hugs for College Kids,” a program that brings comfort and encouragement to first‑year students at the University of Virginia who are far from home. Michele and other volunteers provide homemade desserts, conversation, and emotional support to students who may be homesick, overwhelmed, or simply in need of a friendly face. Her warmth and empathy have made a lasting impact on students from across the country and around the world.
Michele’s life is a reflection of the values Up with People seeks to instill… compassion, service, community, and the belief that small acts of kindness can create meaningful change. She does not seek recognition. She simply shows up—again and again—for the people around her.
The Up with People International Alumni Association proudly honors Michele Dicso Sherrod as a 2026 James E. MacLennan Everyday Hero Award recipient.