“When young people see they can be part of creating a better society, it interrupts generational trauma. The fight for social justice becomes part of the healing journey, for them and for their families.” – Lian Cheun Art by: Kelly Malka

“Our commitment to ending homelessness begins with our commitment to those on the front lines. Their safety and wellness aren’t separate from our mission—they are critical to our mission.” – Celina Alvarez Art by: Kelly Malka #irvineawards

In this Alumni Stories update, Eunice, 2019 Leadership Award recipient, reflects on how the Award arrived at a pivotal moment, providing crucial resources and credibility. Read the full story here: irvineawards.org/stories/the-...

In this Alumni Stories update, Yvonne, 2007 Leadership Award recipient, reflects on how the Award showed trust in them and allowed Vaughn to expand on the core work. Read the full story here: lnkd.in/gqjY7aXa

To mark 20 years of The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards, we're launching an Alumni Stories series. "Young people shouldn't just have a seat at the table — they need a menu." Her story is a reminder of what's possible we center youth voice, power, and leadership. Read more: lnkd.in/gm-QacV3

Nominations for the 2027 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards are now closed. Thank you to all who nominated a California problem-solver or who helped spread the word. #IrvineAwards

You now have a little more time to nominate leader making change in your community. The deadline to submit a 2027 Leadership Award nomination has been extended to March 23 at noon (12:00 p.m.) PDT. Nominate at: lnkd.in/ge4mQpWq #IrvineAwards

Community members know their leaders best. It’s not too late—nominate a leader in your life today. The process is simple, with just two short narrative questions. They could receive a $350,000 grant and support to share their impact. Nominate at: na2.hubs.ly/H04nLS10 #IrvineAwards

Do you know someone who is driving meaningful impact in California communities? Submit a nomination for a 2027 Leadership Award. They could receive a $350,000 grant and support to share their impact. Nominations are due March 20 at noon (12:00 p.m. PDT) Nominate at: irvineawards.org/nominations/

Darla M. Cooper of The RP Group has been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of her inspirational work in championing community college success through student-centered research and policy change. Learn more about Darla’s impact at: lnkd.in/g5zC4B7w #IrvineAwards

Celina Alvarez of Housing Works of California has been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of her transformative work in advancing sustainable homeless response systems through frontline workforce training and wellness. Learn more at: lnkd.in/gkrnK2vr #IrvineAwards

Virgil Moorehead Jr. And Amy Mathieson of Two Feathers Native American Family Services have been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of their impactful work in transforming youth mental health by integrating clinical care, culture, and leadership. Learn more at: na2.hubs.ly/H03_Nvm0

Lian Cheun of Khmer Girls in Action has been awarded a 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award in recognition of her transformative work in strengthening democracy through youth leadership, organizing, and cultural healing. Learn more at: lnkd.in/gAYqruUB #IrvineAwards

Adrianne Hillman and Erin Garner-Ford of Salt + Light have been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of their inspirational work in building community-focused housing to restore stability and belonging. Learn more about their impact at: lnkd.in/g6ChQGPc #IrvineAwards

Chris Chatmon of Kingmakers of Oakland has been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of his transformative work in shaping positive youth futures through cultural identity, mentorship and leadership pathways. Learn more about Chatmon’s impact at: lnkd.in/gh_efdJ3 #IrvineAwards

Congratulations to Chris Chatmon of Kingmakers of Oakland for receiving a 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award for shaping positive youth futures through cultural identity, mentorship and leadership pathways. Learn more about his work at: irvineawards.org/award-recipi... ‎ #IrvineAwards

This year marks 20 years of the #IrvineAwards. In that time, one thing has remained true: Leadership rooted in community is what moves California forward. Congratulations to this years recipients!

Congratulations to the 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award Recipients! These leaders are proof that innovation is growing in every corner of California. #IrvineAwards

Meet the 2026 Leadership Award recipients! Their work is driving positive change in youth mentorship and mental health, civic engagement, higher education research, housing, and support for the frontline homelessness workforce.

Congratulations to Manjusha Kulkarni, a 2024 Leadership Award recipient, on being appointed to the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs! This appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom is a testament to her commitment to justice and community advocacy.

Inspiring. Community-focused. Innovative. Impactful. The leaders we're celebrating in four weeks embody everything that makes California special—and they're using those qualities to solve our biggest challenges. This is California at its best. #CaliforniaLeads #IrvineAwards

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