Young receives DEI Leadership Award
October 9, 2024
Metering Technician A.J. Young selected as a recipient of UVA's John T. Casteen, III Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Leadership Award

A.J. Young, a metering technician at FM, was named a recipient of the 2024 John T. Casteen III Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Leadership Award in March.
The award recognizes one student, one staff and one faculty member from among the UVA community who demonstrate exemplary leadership in the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion at UVA or within the local community. Young was selected for his leadership on Grounds as well as for his work in the Waynesboro community.
“I can think of no better individual who exemplifies the leadership, dedication and compassion it takes to not only have ideas,” said Associate Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer Don Sundgren. “But also to have the ability, energy, and willingness to put those ideas into action.”
Young has been an employee at Facilities Management for over 16 years, where he began working at the Heat Plant before moving to the Metering group. He is currently the longest-tenured metering technician within his team.

He has served on the UVA Black Faculty and Staff Employee Resource Group (BFS), as a member of the FM Diversity Committee, as a staff representative to the FM Employee Council and as a representative to the UVA Staff Senate for seven years. He eventually served as the Vice President of BFS and as a representative to the UVA Chairs Summit.
As the Vice President for BFS from 2020—2022, during a time when most in-person work was halted, Young served as a voice for FM employees who were required to maintain normal operations because of the nature of their work.
Beyond serving as an invaluable resource for the University, Young strives to serve and aid his community in Waynesboro as well. Recognizing that not all local resources extend beyond Charlottesville City, Young has collaborated with the community to meet the needs of the community through the establishment of new programs and organizations in the Waynesboro area.
“He has shown the value of the advancement of inclusion and diversity in all aspects of Waynesboro society,” said Lana Williams, mayor of Waynesboro, in her letter of support for Young. Young served on the board of the Cultural Commission for the city of Waynesboro for four years, in addition to other initiatives he started in the city. His most recent initiative, “The LIFEworks Project," strives to support those in need no matter who they are, with an emphasis on equity and diversity.
LIFEworks was formed when Young and his wife, Adrienne, began feeding people in their community during the COVID-19 pandemic, realizing that their needs were greater than the health risks at the time. LIFEworks, a non-profit based in Waynesboro, provides micro-grants, winter wear, mobile food pantries, and more to support those in need in the surrounding areas.
“Everybody needs support,” said Young, in his speech at the award ceremony. “Leave your judgment outside because it does not belong here. We're going to help everyone.” Young emphasized throughout his speech his dedication to equity and inclusion—to being there to support a community that needs to be supported—which is clear through his work on Grounds and in the wider community.
While accepting his award, Young mentioned purchasing orthopedic shoes for a diabetic individual struggling with insurance and donating food to a woman who was able to purchase new tires with the money saved on groceries. He's even went door-to-door with extra food, feeding those whose fridges might be completely empty. No matter who they are or where they come from, LIFEworks and Young are ready to help.
Young and the other recipients of the award were honored in a ceremony on March 18 where they were gifted plaques to recognize their dedication.
Afia Paracha
Communications assistant student worker
UVA Facilities Management
hcx2td@virginia.edu