Kendal Troutman Recognized as Finalist for Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award for Impacting Youth in Ice Sports
Kendal Troutman, founder of 24 Degrees of Color, has been named a finalist for the Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award. This award, presented by Discover in the United States, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through hockey. Troutman, a native of South Central Los Angeles, established her program in 2021 to introduce underserved youth to ice sports and help their families navigate these activities. Her initiative was inspired by her own experiences of facing discrimination when trying to enroll her daughter in figure skating. Troutman's work aims to break down barriers in ice sports, making them more accessible and welcoming to diverse communities.