The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards
@irvineawards.bsky.social
Recognizing leaders whose innovative solutions improve people’s lives, create opportunity, and contribute to a better California.
“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
– Lian Cheun
Art by: Kelly Malka
July 13, 2026 at 3:59 PM
“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
– 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
– Celina Alvarez
Art by: Kelly Malka
#irvineawards
July 8, 2026 at 9:26 PM
“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
– 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-...
Read the full story here: irvineawards.org/stories/the-...
June 23, 2026 at 5:37 PM
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-...
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
Read the full story here: lnkd.in/gqjY7aXa
June 18, 2026 at 4:50 PM
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
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
"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
June 10, 2026 at 5:48 PM
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
"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
Thank you to all who nominated a California problem-solver or who helped spread the word.
#IrvineAwards
March 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM
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
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
Nominate at: lnkd.in/ge4mQpWq
#IrvineAwards
March 20, 2026 at 4:05 PM
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
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
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
March 19, 2026 at 9:46 PM
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
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/
Nominations are due March 20 at noon (12:00 p.m. PDT)
Nominate at: irvineawards.org/nominations/
March 17, 2026 at 8:48 PM
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/
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
Learn more about Darla’s impact at: lnkd.in/g5zC4B7w
#IrvineAwards
March 6, 2026 at 10:31 PM
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
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
Learn more at: lnkd.in/gkrnK2vr
#IrvineAwards
March 6, 2026 at 7:07 PM
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
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
Learn more at: na2.hubs.ly/H03_Nvm0
March 5, 2026 at 4:34 PM
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
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
Learn more at: lnkd.in/gAYqruUB
#IrvineAwards
March 3, 2026 at 4:45 PM
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
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
Learn more about their impact at: lnkd.in/g6ChQGPc
#IrvineAwards
February 27, 2026 at 3:47 PM
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
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
Learn more about Chatmon’s impact at: lnkd.in/gh_efdJ3
#IrvineAwards
February 26, 2026 at 2:24 PM
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
Learn more about Chatmon’s impact at: lnkd.in/gh_efdJ3
#IrvineAwards
Reposted by The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards
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
Learn more about his work at: irvineawards.org/award-recipi...
#IrvineAwards
February 24, 2026 at 12:12 AM
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
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 this years recipients!
February 24, 2026 at 4:54 PM
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 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
These leaders are proof that innovation is growing in every corner of California.
#IrvineAwards
February 19, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Congratulations to the 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award Recipients!
These leaders are proof that innovation is growing in every corner of California.
#IrvineAwards
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.
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.
February 18, 2026 at 6:09 PM
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.
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.
This appointment by Governor Gavin Newsom is a testament to her commitment to justice and community advocacy.
January 23, 2026 at 4:32 PM
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.
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
#CaliforniaLeads #IrvineAwards
January 22, 2026 at 12:21 AM
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
#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
Learn more about our 2025 recipients: irvineawards.org
December 20, 2025 at 12:54 AM
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
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.
December 19, 2025 at 6:52 PM
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.
Stacy’s work continues to advance economic opportunity in the industry.
December 17, 2025 at 5:31 PM
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.
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.
-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.
December 9, 2025 at 8:18 PM
“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.
-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.