2021 Honoree - Riley Miller, Short Hills, NJ

In the summer of 2018, Riley Miller learned about World of Change with 300+ other girls while attending Camp Mataponi in Naples, Maine. In her words, she “loved World of Change at camp and wanted others to experience the same love for it that she did.”

After returning home to New Jersey, and just a few months into her freshman year at Millburn High School, Riley recruited two of her fellow high school Travel Club board members – Eliana W. and Michelle O. – who would join her in leading a schoolwide World of Change effort, and later at their synagogue. and other locations throughout their community. The Travel Club proved to be a great starting point since their goal is to help those across the world who are in need and to educate others about cultural differences.

In their first schoolwide effort, in April 2019, Riley and team collected $500 in change, split between Habitat for Humanity, Central Asia Institute, and American Cancer Society.

Her sophomore year, Riley and crew brought WOC to their synagogue, Temple B’nai Jeshurun, where the kids attending Hebrew school collected $1,000 for the Boys & Girls Club.

Plans for another schoolwide collection in the spring of 2020 were sidelined by the pandemic and closing of schools.

Determined to keep the momentum going, and knowing that the pandemic was resulting in increased food insecurity, Riley and team shifted gears and took to their driveways, promoting and hosting “driveway coin drives” that raised $1,400 for MEND Hunger Relief Network.

The driveway change collection proved to be such a great idea, and so simple, others decided to follow suit. In virtual meetings with other youth ambassadors from across the country, Riley and her peers shared news of their success with the driveway collection, and soon after, other WOC change makers were hosting driveway change collections in their communities (in other states), collecting thousands of dollars in change which was converted to meals and other critical supports for children and families in need.

Riley would conduct another coin drive later in the summer which hauled in another $626.13 in change for MEND Hunger Relief.

Still wanting to do more that summer, Riley – a director of Talenthood (a community-based instructor platform connecting families with children to High School students who have talent and excel in different areas) - With each lesson, a portion of the money is sent to charity. Through her Talenthood work, Riley was able to generate another $550 for World of Change to convert to impact through American Cancer Society.

As a rising senior, Riley has already discussed plans with juniors and sophomores to carry on World of Change and keep it going strong in her community after she graduates Millburn High School.

Additionally, Riley is a student ambassador for Students Conquering Cancer, where she helps promote and advocate for the American Cancer Society. She is a member of the Student Steering Committee at her high school, working to promote mental health and well-being, and also President of the Tutor-Ed Club, offering free tutoring by high school students. Riley has also volunteered at Camp Sunshine, a national retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, and volunteers with Friendship Circle - LifeTown, serving individuals with special abilities and their families.

Every worthy cause requires dedication, persistence, and enthusiasm. The award selection committee recognized all three in Riley’s efforts over the past years, plus charisma and initiative. Riley clearly embodies all of these characteristics, and is most worthy of Change Maker status

According to nominator (and fellow Talenthood Director) Harley D. “Riley is deserving of this award because she is always finding ways to give back to her community and help others.” “[She] is a clear leader who inspires others to give back to their communities as well.” We agree, and we congratulate Riley and thank her for inspiring us too!

As recipient of this award, and thanks to our generous friends at Hands On Tzedakah (HOT), Riley designated her $2,500 award grant to Camp Sunshine - a nonprofit retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.