One of my favorite times of year at the Irvine Foundation is when we recognize the visionary Californians who receive our annual Leadership Awards. At a moment when people across California are experiencing so many challenges and so much of the narrative about our state is negative, it is inspiring — and vital — to remember and recognize the innovation happening in every corner of our state.

Selected from hundreds of nominations, these leaders are achieving amazing things that are improving the lives of Californians across youth mentorship and mental health, civic engagement, higher education research, housing, and homelessness.

They are inspirational and exemplify qualities needed for advancing progress in our state, spearheading innovative programs to improve the lives of people in their communities and beyond. We are proud to support their work with a $350,000 grant and additional resources to expand their impact and share their promising approaches with policymakers and peers.

Meet the 2026 Award recipients:

• Celina Alvarez, Executive Director of Housing Works of California, for building sustainable homeless response systems through frontline workforce training and wellness
• Chris Chatmon, CEO of Kingmakers of Oakland, for shaping positive youth futures through cultural identity, mentorship, and leadership pathways
• Lian Cheun, Executive Director of Khmer Girls in Action, for strengthening democracy through youth leadership, organizing, and cultural healing
• Darla Cooper, Executive Director/CEO of The RP Group, for championing community college success through student-centered research and policy change
• Adrianne Hillman and Erin Garner-Ford, CEO and Chief Strategy Officer of Salt + Light, for advancing dignified housing solutions that restore stability and belonging
• Virgil Moorehead Jr. and Amy Mathieson, Executive Director and Director of the Youth Development Program at Two Feathers Native American Family Services, for transforming youth mental health by integrating clinical care, culture, and leadership

Please learn more about the recipients and their work here. And we look forward to finding and celebrating more impressive Californian leaders in 2027. If you know an under-recognized leader (or leaders) doing innovative work that benefits the people of California, please nominate them for a 2027 Leadership Award. Nominations open today.