Meet six extraordinary Californians who are successfully addressing significant challenges facing the state. As recipients of the 2010 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards, each of them will receive $125,000 to support their work benefitting the people of California.
The 2010 recipients are helping to improve the lives of thousands of Californians every day. They remind us that the ingenuity, resourcefulness and determination needed to solve difficult problems exist throughout the state of California.
“These leaders have successfully developed and implemented solutions to some of California’s most challenging problems, at a time when the state is hungry for proven solutions,” said Jim Canales, president and CEO of the Irvine Foundation. “They deserve both our recognition and the support needed to expand and replicate their models.”
Please join us in honoring and celebrating their success, so that their proven solutions can inform state policymaking and better the lives of more Californians.
Dr. Ellen Beck - UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic Project
Dr. Ellen Beck is providing cost-effective, comprehensive health care services to the uninsured, while inspiring and training a new generation of medical professionals to work with underserved communities. Watch Ellen’s video.
Judy Burton - Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools
Within the nation’s second-largest school district, Judy Burton is creating a network of small, high-performing charter schools that serves as a model for education reform. Watch Judy’s video.
Sam Cobbs - First Place for Youth
Sam Cobbs is helping thousands of former foster youth lead successful, independent lives, thereby reducing poverty and homelessness and improving educational outcomes for one of California’s most at-risk populations. Watch Sam’s video.
Dr. Katherine Flores - UCSF-Fresno Latino Center for Medical Education and Research
Dr. Katherine Flores has developed an innovative model to prepare San Joaquin Valley students for success in school and medical careers, while cultivating a more diverse healthcare workforce. Watch Katherine’s video.
Erica Mackie & Tim Sears - GRID Alternatives
Erica Mackie and Tim Sears have developed an effective model for expanding renewable energy that ensures low-income communities have access to affordable solar power as well as green jobs. Watch GRID’s video.
Nita Vail - California Rangeland Trust
A fourth-generation rancher, Nita Vail is leading a rancher-governed group in forging unexpected collaborations with environmentalists to protect over 200,000 acres of the state’s open rangelands. Watch Nita’s video.