
The National Funeral Directors Association’s Inspiration Award will be conferred annually on an exceptional female or non-binary individual who has made noteworthy professional contributions to funeral service or a related field. The ideal nominee is an enterprising individual who consistently takes the initiative to elevate the funeral service profession. They serve as a mentor to colleagues. Their energy and independent spirit serve as an example to others. Their efforts result in significant accomplishments at the local, national and/or international level.
The 2023 NFDA Inspiration Award recipient is Ellen Wynn McBrayer from Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes and Crematory. NFDA extends a warm Congratulations to Ellen!

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2023 NFDA Inspiration Award Nominees:
- Sarah Brown-Derbah, Haley Funeral Directors, Southfield, Michigan
- Dr. Camelia Clarke, Paradise Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Milwaukee, Wisconisn
- Megan Comer, Alhiser-Comer Mortuary, Escondido, California
- Antonietta Cuoco, Cuoco Funeral & Cremation Services, Somerville, New Jersey
- Amie Crockett, Wallace Family Funeral Home, South Point, Ohio
- Traci Denver, Life Forest and Denver Undertaking Services LLC, Milford, New Hampshire
- Dr. Lucia Dickinson, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma
- Kaye Gaines, Gaines Funeral Home, Maple Heights, Ohio
- Abby P. Goodenow, CFSP, Ewing Funeral Home, Britt, Iowa
- Michelle Johnston, East Texas Mortuary Service, Tyler, Texas
- DJ Jons, Funeral Directors Life, Abilene, Texas
- Bethann Lainfiesta, Curnow Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Bellevue, Washington
- Katie Mackoway, Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home, Waynesville, Ohio
- Heather Maderia, Boakes Funeral Home, Mays Landing, New Jersey
- Nhi Pham Nguyen, U.S. Navy Mortuary Affairs, Guam
- Geraldine Oliverie, Oliverie Funeral Home, Manchester, New Jersey
- Brienna Smith, Return Home, Auburn, Washington
- Paula Staab-Polk, St. Finbar Catholic Community and Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Burbank, California
- Lanae Strovers, Hamilton’s Funeral Home, Des Moines, Iowa
- Monica Torres, NXT Generation Mortuary Support, Coolidge, Arizona
- Jessica Wakefield, CFSP, Keaton’s Mortuary and Chapel of the Chimes, San Rafael, California