2021 was a banner year for the Yelp community. With more passionate locals sharing love for their favorite local businesses than ever before (even during these last few years), it’s the Yelp Elite Squad (YES!) that continues to shine when it comes to contributing the most enlightening reviews and photos on Yelp—discovering the best businesses in their city and beyond.
Every year, Community Managers and Community Ambassadors around North America honor the most prolific Elite Squad members at the Yelpies, an award show style event recognizing their contributions on Yelp. Nearly 500 awards were distributed amongst 43 Yelp communities this season. Here, we highlight a few standout recipients honored from around the U.S. Read on for some delightful insight from the Community Managers and Community Ambassadors that know them best.
Keeping Yelp Cool
Boon C. — Tampa Bay, FL.
“Boon has been making the Yelp Tampa Bay community proud for nearly a decade. In 2021, Boon was nominated in 7 out of 12 categories—including Reviewer of the Year, Life of the Party, and Dynamic Duo; for which he was nominated alongside his Yelp partner and wife, Grace H. Wherever his travels take him, Boon brings us along for the ride. With over 3,000 reviews written in his Yelp tenure, it is easy to see why he is a hero to so many.”
—Ginger L. Yelp Tampa Bay Community Manager
Photographer of the Year
Karla V. — El Paso, TX.
“Karla truly embodies what an Elite should be. Aside from being El Paso’s Photographer of the Year in 2021, Karla is a mom and stationed in the United States Army. Despite being busy with everyday life, she always makes time to take photos and write reviews on Yelp. She’s the life of the party and we always enjoy her company at Yelp events. We can’t imagine the El Paso community without her.”
—Lisa A. El Paso Yelp Community Ambassador
Photographer, Complimenter & Reviewer of the Year
Aimee N. — Wilmington, NC.
“Since Aimee became Elite in 2019, she has found herself in Yelp’s upper echelon by sharing thorough reviews, photos and unique perspectives. Aimee’s constant positivity captivates those around her. She’s regarded as a cornerstone for our Elite Squad in Wilmington—her tenacity appears to be unmatched most times and she literally never slows down! Recently, Aimee was named #23 on Yelp’s list of the 50 Most Prolific Elites of 2021. She is a treasure to have in our community and without her our Squad wouldn’t be the same!”
—Joshua M. Yelp Wilmington Community Ambassador
Reviewer & Photographer of the Year, Takeout Champ
Desiree F. — Linden, NJ.
“Desiree walked away with not one, but three Yelpies awards this year. She has only just entered her third year on the Squad, and we have a feeling she’ll be at the 1,000 review mark in no time. Desiree is such an important part of the Yelp North Jersey Elite Community, and we’re excited to check out all of her adventures this year!”
—Sara B. Yelp North Jersey Community Manager
Yelptime Achievement Award
Christopher B. — Denver, CO.
“As a longtime member of the Elite Squad, Christopher is the first to welcome newcomers, as well as a fan favorite amongst veterans for his quick wit and local recommendations. He has held the Elite Badge since 2007, making him one of Denver’s only Elites to hold the Badge for over 15 years! And just a few months ago, he surpassed the 2000 review plateau. He’s a role model for what the Yelp community has become and we’re lucky to have him in Denver!”
—Matt C. Yelp Denver Community Manager
Best All Around Elite
Ashley W. — Columbus, OH.
“Ashley just received her sixth Elite badge and over the years she’s continuously gone above and beyond the call of duty on Yelp. From winning a drag queen makeup contest during a virtual event to taking epic shots of her experiences around town, it was no surprise that she was voted Best All Around Elite in 2021. Ashley is a passionate artist, endless adventurer and supporter of local businesses. We are so lucky to have her!”
—Jayme H. Yelp Columbus Community Manager
Yelptime Achievement Award
Taylor L. — Charleston, SC.
“Taylor has been a crucial member of the Yelp Elite Squad here in Charleston for the past eight years. While she doesn’t write the most reviews on the Squad or take the most photos, she’s always a friendly face and offers newcomers a warm welcome at events. Speaking of events, she’s attended over 50 Yelp events over her tenure! We couldn’t imagine Yelp Charleston without everyone’s friend Taylor.”
—Scotty C. Yelp Charleston Community Manager
Reviewer of the Year (ATL)
Doug G. — Nashville, TN.
“In 2021, Doug surpassed 1,000 reviews! Since his first review in 2012, Doug has consistently given back to the communities in which he resides. Beginning all the way back with his first Elite badge in Orlando, Doug has attended more than 60 Yelp Elite events! He won the Reviewer of the Year title in Atlanta before relocating to Nashville in 2022.”
—Christina V. Yelp Atlanta Community Manager
Reviewer of the Year
Brittany L. — Winston-Salem, NC.
“Brittany has been one of the shining stars of the NC Triad community ever since she joined in 2015, and somehow 2021 might have been her best year yet! She penned over 100 reviews—including her 500th all time review—and humbly snagged the Reviewer of the Year award. Brittany has a radiant personality and that innate ability to enrich anyone in her aura. The Triad and our Elite Squad are a better place with her in it!”
—Erik S. Yelp NC Triad Community Manager
Yelptime Achievement Award
Matteo R. — Brooklyn, NY.
“If you’ve been a member of the Brooklyn Elite Squad for any amount of time, chances are you’ve come across Matteo. Whether you received a welcome message from him when you joined the Squad, engaged in a discussion with him on Yelp Talk, or met him at an event, you’re bound to remember his kind, affable presence. His thoughtfully penned reviews and sharp photos are why people have been drawn to his profile since he joined Yelp in 2009. Matteo is a legend!”
—Morlene C. Yelp Brooklyn Community Manager
Photographer of the Year
Nicole S. — Indianapolis, IN.
“Scroll through Nicole’s photo feed and be wowed by colorful photos of pozole, cereal shakes, unique parks, and so much more. With a grand total of 2662 photos posted last year, she’s the woman we go to for iconic images from every neighborhood around Indiana. Her adventures hook us in and her creativity, kindness, and spirit have led her to eight years of Elite-ness.”
—Niki B. Yelp Indianapolis Community Manager
Yelptime Achievement Award
Jimmy P. — Jacksonville, FL.
“Anyone that knows Jimmy knows his million dollar smile, his contagious positive energy, and always has his best friend, wife, and fellow Elite member, Lea P. by his side. Holding the Elite Badge since 2013, Jimmy is constantly exploring and uncovering new gems in Jacksonville, complimenting his fellow Yelpers, and cheering on his beloved Jaguars. We are lucky to have such a positive ray of light on our Squad!”
—Carla D. Yelp Jacksonville Community Manager
Best All Around Elite
Hannah S. — Monrovia, CA.
“Hannah is a true role model of spotlighting local businesses to the Yelp community. She lives by Yelp’s mission and highlights stellar businesses through her reviews and social media. Since becoming Elite in 2020, she has already written over 500 reviews and taken over 6,000 photos. We are incredibly lucky to have her on San Gabriel Valley’s Squad.”
—Thuy Dan T. Yelp San Gabriel Valley Community Manager
Yelptime Achievement Award
Nicki K. — Duluth, GA.
“In memory and appreciation, Nicki was awarded this year’s Yelptime Achievement Award. She passed away in August and held the Elite Badge for 10 years. Nicki was an avid hiker and BTS superfan. Her passion for the community and supporting local businesses was unparalleled. She lived in Georgia since she was four years old—an undeniably proud Peach native. Our hearts are with her family and close friends. You are deeply missed!”
—Gretel Y. Yelp Atlanta OTP Community Manager
Once again, a huge congratulations and virtual round of applause to all of the 2021 Yelpies nominees and award winners. Your enthusiasm for your communities, local businesses and one another is something that inspires us on a daily basis. We can’t wait to see what this new year has in store for you. See you at next season’s Yelpies!
