In 2024, the Missouri State ID Access Coalition introduced the first annual ID Access Trailblazer Award — a small but meaningful way to recognize and honor the efforts of an individual or organization whose exceptional contributions advance our mission of ensuring all Missourians can access accurate state-issued photo identification to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

In 2025, the Trailblazer Award was named in honor of Jolene Patterson — a dear friend, fearless ID access advocate, and cornerstone of our coalition — who passed away in 2025.

Below is the application to submit your nomination. You may submit multiple submissions. The recipient of the Jolene Patterson ID Access Trailblazer Award will be announced and recognized at our Annual ID Access Summit, held this year in St. Louis (October 15–16). 

About Jolene
Jolene Patterson was the Founder & Executive Director of the Vital ID Program of East Central Missouri. After a 30-year career as a project manager for large technology companies in California, she returned home to Missouri in 2017. The Vital ID Program emerged from community need, which Jolene witnessed firsthand through her work with the Homeless Task Force in Franklin County. Today, the program serves fourteen counties surrounding the greater St. Louis area.

Outside of her advocacy, Jolene enjoyed restoring and playing historical string instruments, performing with a spirited group called Gather at the Table at nursing homes, churches, and farmers’ markets across East Central Missouri. She lived on a historic 1903 farm in Gerald, Missouri, which she lovingly restored while being closely supervised by her flock of chickens and a friendly rotation of neighbors.