Merchants' 2024 Shining Star Award Winners
February 18, 2025
Merchants Bonding Company is proud to announce the recipient of the 2024 Shining Star Award along with the runners-up. This award holds special significance at Merchants, as it honors associates making extraordinary contributions to their community through volunteer efforts.
Winner
This year, we proudly present the 2024 Shining Star Award to Aleah Vaske, Human Resources Generalist – People & Culture, in our West Des Moines, Iowa office.
Aleah’s dedication to community service is remarkable, as she actively contributes to three impactful organizations. She volunteers with the Iowa International Center, a key resource for refugees in Iowa that provides translation services in more than 100 languages. Aleah offers guidance on human resources matters to the Center’s small team, assisting them with their essential work. She also played a key role in organizing their annual gala, Passport to Prosperity, which honors the achievements of individuals who started their lives in Iowa as refugees.
Additionally, Aleah is an integral part of Cajun Fest, a Des Moines event that has raised and distributed over $100,000 to local charities in just three years. She has contributed to organizing, marketing, and staffing the event, and most recently served as the director of the VIP section.
Her contributions also extend to Disrupt HR, an event where HR professionals challenge and support each other in shaping the future of work. Aleah has participated multiple times, helped plan the event this year, and even served as a coach for participants.
Beyond these organizations, Aleah is an active member of Merchants’ Community Outreach Council (COC), bringing her passion for helping others into the workplace. She says, "I feel fortunate to have found a profession that connects to my broader mission of community engagement."
Runners-Up
Merchants also recognizes Brandon Phillips, Senior Commercial Underwriter, and Scott Olsen, Manager of Web Development, as the 2024 Shining Star runners-up.
Brandon is a dedicated mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, serving as a Big Brother to a 13-year-old in Austin, Texas. His passion for mentoring aligns with the organization’s mission to “be a defender of potential.” Brandon takes great pride in guiding young individuals, helping them discover and cultivate their strengths.
Scott Olsen has made a lasting impact through his work with Easterseals, a nonprofit that supports individuals with disabilities. As a founding member of the Madrid Bunch, he helps organize an annual bowling tournament that has become a staple in the community. The event is widely attended and typically raises between $15,000 and $20,000 in a single day.
To honor each individual, the Merchants Bonding Company Foundation has made a donation in their name to a charity of their choice. The Iowa International Center will receive $2,000 on behalf of Aleah, while Big Brothers Big Sisters and Easterseals will each receive $500 on behalf of Brandon and Scott, respectively.
Congratulations to our 2024 Shining Star Award winner and runners-up! Merchants deeply values and appreciates your hard work, dedication, and generous spirit.