On May 1, 2026, three outstanding young women in the Roanoke Valley received Church Women United’s Outstanding Young Church Woman Award. The award recognizes young women who have made “valuable, outstanding, and promising contributions in ecumenical work by living out Church Women United’s motto: Agreed to Differ, Resolved to Love, United to Serve.
They are: Tiphaney Helm, a leader whose work bridges professional excellence and deep community impact. Her greatest joy is serving as the founder and director of YUNGENS (Youth Unified Narrating God’s Encouragement, Name, and Salvation), a local youth community choir for middle and high school students. Through YUNGENS, she creates a safe, uplifting space for young people to express themselves creatively while sharing messages of hope and encouragement throughout the community
Chanelle Henderson, a licensed professional counselor who tries every day to truly listen with the heart of Jesus. Chanelle does this through her four children and husband of 16 years, and through her work in a nonprofit she co-founded in Roanoke, A Tree Planted Collective. She currently facilitates a listening circle for LGBTQ+ Christians and their families, serves families at the LIFT center or the Grove, and assists those seeking immigration relief in their community.
Erika Kelly, DO currently sees patients as a Primary Care Physician at Carilion Clinic in Daleville. She lives in Fincastle with her husband Tyler, three-year-old Elowyn, and one-year-old Tolson. Erika embodies a truly Christ-like spirit in her work. She approaches every patient with remarkable kindness and a level of compassion that sets a standard for care. When you meet her, you know she is true servant and the hands and feet of Jesus.
