This month, PECO celebrates 31 years of honoring employees who go above and beyond to uplift our communities through the Employee Volunteer Awards program.
What began in 1995 as the Cherry E. Cooper Achievement Awards, named after a beloved PECO employee and passionate community volunteer — has grown into a company-wide tradition that now spans all Exelon operating companies.
Today, the program is known as the Exelon Foundation Employee Volunteer Awards, recognizing employees who have contributed at least 35 hours of service in the previous year. Each honoree receives a $5,000 grant directed to the nonprofit they serve, extending the reach of their impact.
As we celebrate 31 years of the program, we shine a spotlight on three extraordinary PECO employees whose dedication continues to light the way:
Michele Wells Bates – Philadelphia Youth Network, Inc
Delaware resident Michele Wells-Bates has been volunteering with the Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) for nearly five years, helping to create opportunities for young people across our region. Volunteering allows Michele to be the change she wants to see in her community. Throughout her life and career, she has witnessed how access, support, and resources can transform someone’s trajectory. For Michele, volunteering is more than offering her time, it is an opportunity to help youth and adults build confidence, strengthen character, and recognize possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves. Seeing individuals progress from doubting their potential to securing employment, supporting their families, and becoming thriving members of their communities reinforces why showing up matters and continues to fuel Michele’s passion for giving back.
Supporting young people through programs such as the PECO High School Summer Internship and serving on the PYN Board has given Michele a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. These experiences have strengthened Michele as a leader, listener, advocate, and strategic thinker while keeping her connected to her “why”—knowing that her efforts contribute to stronger families, neighborhoods, and communities throughout Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) equips young people to build lifelong skills, pursue meaningful careers, and embrace change with confidence, so they can thrive in the workforce, experience economic mobility, and strengthen their communities. Over the course of its 25-year history, PYN has served more than 250,000 youth across the city of Philadelphia. The programs have helped young people gain valuable work experience, develop essential job skills, and build the confidence they need to succeed.
Daniel Deaver – Williamson College of the Trades
For more than a decade, Delaware County resident Daniel has dedicated his time to supporting Williamson College of the Trades. Daniel’s passion for volunteering is deeply rooted in his core values of diligence, excellence, and service. From an early age, his father involved him in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, instilling the importance of helping others and lending a hand whenever possible. Those early experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to service that continued through volunteering with the Bethel Township Fire Department, his church, mission trips, and other service opportunities. For Daniel, giving back is ultimately about living his values and doing what is right for others whenever humanly possible. One of the most rewarding aspects of Daniel’s work with Williamson is his involvement in developing the Alumni Mentor Program, which allows him to share knowledge and lessons from his real-world experiences with students. Through mentoring, Daniel can advocate for PECO and Exelon, introduce students to new ways of thinking, and, most importantly, continue cultivating the spirit of giving back in the next generation.
Williamson College of the Trades prepares deserving young men to be respected leaders and productive members of society. Through scholarships that fully meet each student’s financial need, Williamson uniquely develops the entire student, socially, and professionally, emphasizing moral, trade, academic, and leadership education.
Sierra Richardson – MontCo Senior Adult Activities Center
Montgomery County resident Sierra Richardson has been a dedicated volunteer with MontCo Senior Adult Activities Center since June 2025. Sierra is deeply passionate about volunteering because she believes service is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen a community. Her own experiences have taught her resilience and the importance of empathy, while helping others provides her with a strong sense of purpose and joy. Through her service in Montgomery County, Sierra has enjoyed connecting with neighbors and supporting local programs. For her, giving back is about building relationships and recognizing that everyone can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. a finds her work with MontCo SAAC especially rewarding because it allows her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others throughout Montgomery County. Through meal programs, wellness initiatives, health screenings, recreational activities, and community events, she helps create opportunities for seniors to remain healthy, active, connected, and engaged. Whether seeing someone gain confidence in their mobility, helping address food insecurity, or simply witnessing neighbors connect and enjoy one another’s company, Sierra values the sense of community these experiences create.
MontCo SAAC is a community focal point where adults and their families find support, guidance, educational and social programs to help navigate life transitions and continue to be active. The organization emphasizes the importance of creativity, healthy living, and an engaged lifestyle. To achieve this mission, they have three Meals on Wheels programs, two unique senior centers, and an inter-generational art center.
