A Night of Light

2025 Awards of Excellence

celebrating courage that transforms communities

Courage is what lights the way forward – in war zones, in boardrooms, in our communities. This year, A Night of Light honors the extraordinary courage of ordinary people who keep showing up to make change happen.

Thursday, November 13, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

2025 a night of light Nominees

CNM is pleased to honor these organizations.

Strategic Leadership

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Commitment to Evaluation

Excellence in Professional Development

2025 Public service award winner

We’re proud to recognize Parkland Hospital with the
2025 A Night of Light Public Service Award for exemplar use of quantitative and qualitative analysis in the service of Texans. This award honors their creative and compassionate approach to improving lives through strong analysis and dedicated service to humanity.

About Our Guest Speaker: Hollie McKay

War reporter. Humanitarian. Storyteller of courage.

For more than a decade, Hollie McKay has lived and worked on the frontlines of some of the world’s most harrowing conflicts — from Afghanistan and Iraq to Syria and Ukraine — uncovering stories of ordinary people who discovered extraordinary courage in moments of chaos.


Her work reminds us that bravery isn’t reserved for soldiers or leaders. It’s found in mothers rebuilding shattered homes, children choosing hope over hate, and communities rising again from ashes.


Hollie’s message is both global and deeply personal: every act of courage, no matter how small, illuminates the path for others.

At A Night of Light 2025, Hollie will shared stories and lessons from those who’ve taught her what courage truly looks like — and what it means to lead with light in a dark world.

2025 Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors for standing alongside the courage leaders and organizations shaping a brighter future for North Texas.

If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact us at expert@thecnm.org.

A Night Of Light 2025 Photo Gallery

If you have any questions, please email expert@thecnm.org.