As 2025 comes to a close, we celebrate the incredible impact of this year’s Leadership Award recipients. These leaders are creating lasting impact for the people of California. Learn more about our 2025 recipients: irvineawards.org

Thank you to Maria Loor for illustrating the impact of Nayamin Martinez's work with Central California Environmental Justice Network(CCEJN). Nayamin was awarded a 2025 Leadership Award for her efforts in fighting for justice and resiliency for communities most impacted by pollution and extreme heat.

In collaboration with Maria Loor, this piece honors Stacy Smith. Stacy was awarded a 2025 Leadership Award for championing representation in entertainment through actionable research and advocacy with @inclusionists.bsky.social Stacy’s work continues to advance economic opportunity in the industry.

“Healthier mothers means healthier communities” -Shantay Davies-Balch In collaboration with Maria Loor, this piece honors Shantay, a 2025 Award recipient, recognized for her leadership in improving maternal and infant health across the Central Valley with BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center.

"Libraries are not just about books, they are about people" -Skye Patrick Artist Maria Loor has captured Skye's work with LA County Library. Under Skye's guidance, the Library provides more than books and programs — it becomes a welcoming space that bridges gaps in education and opportunity.

“Our latinas are ready to take charge” – 2025 Award Recipient Helen Torres Artist Maria Loor captures the momentum of Helen Torres's work with Hispanas Organized for Political Equality @hopelatinas.bsky.social — an organization that has trained over 60,000 leaders since 1989. #IrvineAwards

“Continuing to teach our youth speaks to the resiliency of the Indigenous peoples” -Cutcha Risling Baldy and Kaitlin Reed In collaboration with @Maria Loor, this piece honors Cutcha and Kaitlin who are improving community well-being through Indigenous Knowledges and food sovereignty.

Our 2025 Art Projects are officially underway — Each of our Leadership Award recipients is collaborating with artists to bring their work to life through art: from immersive installations to photography, print, and light displays. Read more about the projects in the works: bit.ly/46bYiE6

Representation matters and 2025 #IrvineAwards recipient Stacy L. Smith is making sure Hollywood listens. As founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, she’s holding the entertainment industry accountable for who gets seen, heard, and hired. Learn more about Stacy's impact: hubs.ly/Q03wN0dX0

In California’s Central Valley, communities are coming together to protect what matters most—clean air, safe water, and healthy futures. #IrvineAwards recipient Nayamin Martinez and the Central California Environmental Justice Network are helping make that possible. Read more: hubs.ly/Q03wmf810

Food, land, language, and culture are deeply connected and essential for Indigenous wellness. Cutcha Risling Baldy and Kaitlin Reed are reclaiming those connections through Rou Dalagurr: Food Sovereignty Lab & Traditional Ecological Knowledges Institute. Learn more: lnkd.in/gr8KfmB6

In Fresno County, Shantay Davies-Balch of BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center is expanding access to doula care, helping bridge the gap between the growing number of births and the limited availability of doulas. Learn more about 2025 #IrvineAwards recipient Shantay and her impact: lnkd.in/gr8aX86R

Latinas make up 20% of California’s population but continue to face the nation’s largest wage gap and remain underrepresented in leadership. Helen Torres and @hopelatinas.bsky.social are changing that through transformative civic and leadership training. #IrvineAwards

Libraries are more than books—they’re essential lifelines for education, safety, and opportunity. In LA County, where 10 million residents speak 200+ languages and face high rates of poverty and housing insecurity, Skye Patrick and LA County Library are meeting the moment. #IrvineAwards

We’re excited to share an early glimpse of a powerful mural project taking shape. This project was produced as part of the Foundation’s recognition of Chris Contreras of Brilliant Corners, a 2023 #IrvineAwards recipient. Artist 🎨: @hedytorresart.bsky.social In Collaboration with: Tre Borden /Co

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! We teamed up with Tre Borden /Co to celebrate CA educators with a video full of real stories, heart, and gratitude — honoring #IrvineAward winners Héctor Camacho Jr. & Elizabeth Baham, and all teachers who show up and change lives. www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI22...

Skye Patrick, County Librarian of LA County Library and 2025 #IrvineAwards recipient, has transformed the Library into a hub of inclusion, innovation, and impact, expanding its mission far beyond book lending. Learn more: youtu.be/byLdgiUdlkk?...

We are deeply saddened by the passing of James Bell, a 2006 Leadership Award recipient. As founder of The Haywood Burns Institute, James was an advocate for fairness and equity in our justice system, working to create pathways of opportunity for youth and communities across the country. +

Only hours left to submit a nomination for the 2026 Leadership Awards! Nominations close today, March 14, at noon. Your nominee could be selected to receive a $350,000 grant and other support amplifying their work. Visit: lnkd.in/gPMcJVd #IrvineAwards

Great News! To give you more time to help us celebrate inspiring leaders, we are extending the 2026 Leadership Awards nomination deadline to Friday, March 14 at noon. All nominees will still be contacted on March 14 to accept their nomination. Visit: irvineawards.org/nominations/ #IrvineAwards

One day left to nominate an inspiring leader who is making a real difference in their community! Don’t miss your chance to honor those who are shaping the future. Nominations close March 12 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. → irvineawards.org/nominations/ #IrvineAwards

Nominations for the 2026 @irvineawards.bsky.social close this Wednesday, and the process is now easier than ever! #IrvineAwards celebrates leaders who are advancing breakthrough solutions to critical issues facing California. Learn more and submit your nomination at: irvine.ly/nominate

Stacy L. Smith of Annenberg Inclusion Initiative has been recognized with a 2025 Leadership Award for her work in championing representation in entertainment. Thank you for being an inspiration for what we can accomplish in California. Read more: irvineawards.org/award-recipi... #IrvineAwards

Shantay Davies-Balch of BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center has been recognized with a 2025 Leadership Award for her work in improving Black maternal health. Thank you for being an inspiration for what we can accomplish in California. Read more: irvineawards.org/award-recipi... #IrvineAwards

Nominations for the 2026 Leadership Awards close in less than 2 weeks—March 12! Do you know a leader making a difference in California? Nominating them is a powerful way to recognize their efforts and help expand their impact. Nominate today: irvineawards.org/nominations/ #IrvineAwards

Nayamin Martinez of CCEJN has received a 2025 Leadership Award for her work advocating for justice & resilience for those most impacted by pollution & extreme heat. Thank you for being an inspiration for what we can accomplish in California. Read more: irvineawards.org/award-recipi... #IrvineAwards

Helen Iris Torres of @hopelatinas.bsky.social has been recognized with a 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. Thank you for being an inspiration for what we can accomplish in California. Learn more: irvineawards.org/award-recipi... #IrvineAwards

Nominations for the 2026 #IrvineAwards are open! The process is simpler than ever—start by submitting a brief nomination by March 12, then nominees can share their stories. Help us honor the leaders who are shaping a better future for all. Visit: irvineawards.org/nominations/

We congratulate Cutcha Risling Baldy and Kaitlin Reed of Rou Dalagurr: Food Sovereignty Lab & Traditional Ecological Knowledges Institute for receiving a 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award! Learn more at: irvineawards.org/award-recipi... #IrvineAwards

We congratulate Skye Patrick of LA County Library for receiving a 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award! Learn more about Skye Patrick and LA County Library at: irvineawards.org/award-recipi... #IrvineAwards

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award recipients! These leaders are transforming communities and shaping a brighter future for California. Learn more about their groundbreaking work at irvineawards.org #IrvineAwards #California #Leadership

Let’s come together to celebrate the 2025 Leadership Award recipients—seven extraordinary Californians whose work is transforming our communities and addressing critical issues across the state. Learn about their inspiring work at irvineawards.org. #IrvineAwards #California #Leadership

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2025 #IrvineAwards — a remarkable group of innovators dedicated to improving lives, creating opportunity, and contributing to a better California. Learn about them in this blog post from our CEO, Don Howard: irvine.ly/4hyTP1E

Congrats to the 2025 #IrvineAwards recipients. Kudos to @cutcharislingbaldy.bsky.social & Kaitlin Reed, Co-Directors of Rou Dalagurr: Food Sovereignty Lab and Traditional Ecological Knowledges Institute at @calpolyhumboldt.bsky.social! Thanks @irvinefdn.bsky.social #HumboldtCountyCA #indigenous

Rou Dalagurr: Food Sovereignty Lab & Traditional Ecological Knowledges Institute co-directors Cutcha Risling Baldy (enrolled Hoopa Valley Tribe, Yurok/Karuk) and Kaitlin Reed (enrolled Yurok Tribe, Hupa/Oneida) received the 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. nasp.humboldt.edu/fsl

Thank you to California Governor Gavin Newsom for recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of the 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award recipients. Learn more at: irvineawards.org #IrvineAwards #California

Meet the 2025 #IrvineAwards recipients! From growing community leadership to reshaping industries, their work is truly making a difference. Get to know their inspiring stories and groundbreaking contributions in this overview video. Watch now www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogch...

We are honored to announce that our CEO, Helen Iris Torres, has received the 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award! Helen has dedicated her career to advancing democracy & strengthening communities through Latina civic leadership. irvineawards.org/award-recipi... #IrvineAwards #HOPELatinas

In just a few days, we’ll introduce you to a group of extraordinary leaders whose work is changing lives across California. Mark your calendars for the big reveal on February 10, and join us for the livestream at 6:00 p.m. to celebrate! RSVP: bit.ly/irvineawards2025 #IrvineAwards #California

Only two weeks to go until we reveal the 2025 #IrvineAwards recipients! We cannot wait to share their stories with you. Join us LIVE on Monday, February 10, at 6 p.m. PST for a livestream of the reception where we will honor the recipients. RSVP & Get the Details: bit.ly/irvineawards2025