Eden Prairie honors residents and organizations with 2025 Human Rights and Diversity awards

The Eden Prairie City Council on May 20 recognized three recipients of the 2025 Human Rights and Diversity awards during the meeting's opening segment.

The awards, presented by members of the Human Rights and Diversity Commission, honored Mission Animal Hospital (organization), Rachel Casper (individual) and youth leader Naeem Umar for work the commission said advances the city's long-standing Eden Prairie manifesto on inclusion and nondiscrimination.

Greg Leeper, chair of the Human Rights and Diversity Commission, said the commission selects honorees each year to acknowledge efforts that "promote human rights and diversity and to create this sort of inclusive community spirit through their actions, through activities and programs." Dan Albert, a commission member, introduced Mission Animal Hospital and noted the organization's community-focused services.

"Mission Animal Hospital serves nearly 25,000 pet visits each year and helps over 6,500 families," Albert said, describing the hospital as operating on a reduced-fee model to make veterinary care more accessible. The presentation noted Mission Animal Hospital provides on-site mental-health referrals for clients and is expanding translation services through a program described in the meeting as "Compassion in Every Language." The commission described the hospital as a nonprofit full-service animal hospital that prioritizes low-income clients.

Savannah Reese, another commission member, presented the individual award to Rachel Casper, identified in the meeting as director of children and family ministries at Eden Prairie United Methodist Church. Reese said Casper led the church's autism ministry, including a dedicated sensory-friendly space and adapted worship resources such as headphones and sensory walls, and organized "a free weeklong adaptive camp" that draws families from around the state.

Shalanda Berry, presenting the youth award, recognized 15-year-old Naeem Umar for founding a nonprofit soccer program that removes financial barriers to participation. Berry said the program serves more than 30 children, covers costs for equipment and uniforms through donations and focuses on culturally inclusive coaching and family engagement.

Mayor Case and city staff members commended the awardees and thanked the Human Rights and Diversity Commission for its work. The presentations occurred during the ceremonial portion of the council meeting and did not require council votes.

The council adjourned the ceremonial portion of the meeting after the presentations and proceeded with the posted agenda.