The Leadership Awards tell a story of California’s promise and progress through the people shaping its future. Since 2006, 138 leaders from every corner of the state have spearheaded innovative solutions to California’s biggest challenges, improving the lives of people in their communities and beyond.
The Leadership Awards tell a story of California’s promise and progress through the people shaping its future. Since 2006, 138 leaders from every corner of the state have spearheaded innovative solutions to California’s biggest challenges, improving the lives of people in their communities and beyond.
Alumni Stories
Yammilette Rodriguez, 2019 Recipient
“It was so important to receive on behalf of youth. I felt like I was able to make an impact with youth at the center — and acknowledge them at the event where I received the Award.”
Each year adds a new chapter showing what’s possible when we support effective leadership…
Alumni Stories
Yvonne Chan, 2007 Recipient
“In 2007, the charter movement was becoming more solid — seen less as an experiment — but we had to scale up the impact and the promising practices. The Award showed trust in us and allowed me to expand on the core work.”
From every corner of California, innovators and community leaders are writing the state’s story through creative, collaborative action…
“The challenges we face as a state and nation require bold leadership and innovative solutions. This year's honorees lead the way by exemplifying the Californian spirit: forward-thinking, community-driven, and compassionate. I thank The James Irvine Foundation for recognizing these leaders and their commitment to their work, to their communities, and to building a stronger California for all of us.”
Alumni Stories
Eunice Lin Nichols, 2019 Recipient
“Today, CoGenerate is building new, co-generational infrastructure across multiple sectors — ‘where we live, learn, work for change, and gather,’” Nichols explains. “The organization is focusing on youth and civic organizations, higher education, faith communities, and workplaces — everywhere generations want to work together for the greater good but can’t find opportunities or don’t know how to get started.”
Each year adds a new chapter to the story, 20 years in the making. And the next chapter is underway.
Meet the 2026 Recipients
Selected from hundreds of nominations, these leaders are driving positive change across youth mentorship and mental health, civic engagement, higher education research, housing, and support for the frontline homelessness workforce.