Thank you to all who nominated California leaders for the 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards. Your submissions continue to highlight the dedication, creativity, and impact of individuals and pairs working to advance breakthrough solutions to critical issues facing California. We are honored to learn about the work of so many individuals and pairs advancing opportunity and prosperity throughout the state.
We received 438 nominations this year—clear evidence that California is home to a wealth of innovative leaders creating real change in their communities. From this highly competitive pool, the Selection Committee has named 12 finalists whose nominations most closely aligned with our selection criteria. As of August 22, all nominators and nominees have been notified of the status of their submissions. If you submitted a nomination and have not received an update, please check your email (nominators) or Submittable account (nominees).
We are grateful to all who contributed nominations, whether by sharing your own story or lifting up the work of others. The Leadership Awards Selection Committee values these firsthand perspectives, which provide important context and highlight the real-world impact of each nominee.
Over the next two months, staff, consultants, and an expert in each finalist’s field of work will meet with finalists individually to further understand their work and its impact on California. In early November, the Selection Committee will select four to six award recipients to be announced in February at the 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards. Additional information about the process can be found on the nominations and FAQ pages of our website.
We encourage nominators and nominees to stay engaged in future years, whether by submitting updated information about 2026 nominees or introducing us to new leaders making a difference. Many past recipients were nominated multiple times before their work was recognized, and we look forward to seeing how this year’s nominees continue to grow their impact.
Thank you once again for helping us recognize and celebrate the leaders who are shaping California’s future.