Success Won’t Wait, Inc FEATURE with Grit & Goals Magazine
Vincenza Carrieri-Russo has been honored with numerous prestigious awards recognizing her unwavering commitment to literacy and community service. Her accolades include the State of Delaware Jefferson Award, the Daily Point of Light Award as the Nation’s Volunteer of the Day, and the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award, among many others.
In recognition of her extraordinary impact, the city of Newark proclaimed an official day in her honor—“Vincenza Carrieri-Russo Day.” She was also a recipient of the esteemed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Outstanding Community Service, widely regarded as the highest national honor for volunteerism. Today, she continues her legacy of service as a member of the Board of Directors for the Jefferson Awards Foundation.
Further highlighting her dedication to meaningful causes, Vincenza was named the 2012 Woman of the Year Candidate and Spokesperson for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
At just 18 years old, while still a high school senior, Vincenza co-founded the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait Inc.. Over the past decade, her work has helped collect and distribute more than 1 million books to underserved communities, schools, and nonprofit organizations—creating access to education and opportunity for thousands.
In addition to her philanthropic efforts, Vincenza is a sought-after guest speaker and Master of Ceremonies, lending her voice and leadership to a wide range of impactful events, including the Walk to End Lupus and Runway to Play at the Delaware Children’s Museum, among many others.
Top Women in Business 2015 by Delaware Today Magazine – 2015
Alexis I. DuPont High School Hall Of Fame – 2013
Woman of The Year Candidate, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – 2012
Calendar Cover Model – 2009 to 2010
Winner of 2008 Miss Delaware USA – 2007 to 2008
Delaware Today Magazine Top 40 Under 40, Cover Issue – 2008
State Miracle Maker Award from the Children’s Miracle Network – 2007
Outstanding Young Wilmingtonian Jaycees Nominee – 2006
National Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Service Benefiting a Local Community – 2006
Delaware’s Representative, National Jefferson Awards for Outstanding Community Service – 2006
Nikki Wolf Award, Volunteer of the Year, University of Delaware – 2006
Miss Delaware Pageant, Outstanding Community Service Award – 2004, 2006
Miss America Pageant, Outstanding Community Service Award – 2004, 2006
Daily Points of Light Award, Nation’s Volunteer of the Day – July 15, 2004
Tribute by Delaware’s Governor Ruth Ann Minner – 2008
“Vincenza Carrieri-Russo Day,” declared by Newark’s Mayor Vance Funk – July 15, 2004
Town and Gown Award for Community Service – University of Delaware – 2004, 2005, 2006
President’s Student Service Award, White House Initiative – 2003