"Libraries are not just about books, they are about people"
-Skye Patrick
-Skye Patrick
Through Skye Patrickleadership at @lacountylibrary, she reaches over 3.4 million residents annually across 86 library locations, four cultural resource centers, and an expansive mobile service network. Under Skye's guidance, the Library provides more than books and programs — it becomes a welcoming space that bridges gaps in education and opportunity. It meets community members where they are, providing culturally relevant programs, career development resources, as well as tool lending, WiFi, and other essential services.
Her leadership continues to uplift Angelenos and reminds us that libraries are community hubs for stability and belonging. — James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards
Her leadership continues to uplift Angelenos and reminds us that libraries are community hubs for stability and belonging. — James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards
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“Our latinas are ready to take charge”
– 2025 Award Recipient Helen Torres
– 2025 Award Recipient Helen Torres
Helen Torres's work with Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (@HOPELatinas)—an organization that has trained over 60,000 leaders since 1989.
From the 800+ women who have completed the HOPE Leadership Institute to the 1,000 people who have participated in youth and college programs, HOPE isn't just developing leaders—it's creating a multiplying force for change. Alumni become mentors, and mentors cultivate the next generation, building strength that compounds with each year.
Helen shows us that sustainable change isn't just about programs; It's about creating a living network of leaders who are committed to pulling others up with them.
From the 800+ women who have completed the HOPE Leadership Institute to the 1,000 people who have participated in youth and college programs, HOPE isn't just developing leaders—it's creating a multiplying force for change. Alumni become mentors, and mentors cultivate the next generation, building strength that compounds with each year.
Helen shows us that sustainable change isn't just about programs; It's about creating a living network of leaders who are committed to pulling others up with them.
— James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards
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When you help a community resolve one issue, they are ready to fight for the next one”
-Nayamin Martinez
This illustration honors the 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.
Her work includes empowering residents to report environmental violations directly to agencies through the IVAN program, driving evidence-based advocacy for communities exposed to pollution with San Joaquin Valley Cumulative Health Impact Project (SJV CHIP), and distributing resilience kits that include cooling tools and air purifiers to address extreme heat and unsafe air quality. She also promotes food security through La Milpa de Fresno, a 1.5-acre community farm that provides fresh produce while supporting small-scale farming businesses and farmer training. Under her leadership, CCEJN has played a pivotal role in significant policy wins, including California's first statewide pesticide notification system and bans on oil drilling near populated areas.
Nayamin and CCEJN are using advocacy, grassroots organizing, and innovative programs to empower communities to reclaim their rights and build healthier futures.
-Nayamin Martinez
This illustration honors the 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.
Her work includes empowering residents to report environmental violations directly to agencies through the IVAN program, driving evidence-based advocacy for communities exposed to pollution with San Joaquin Valley Cumulative Health Impact Project (SJV CHIP), and distributing resilience kits that include cooling tools and air purifiers to address extreme heat and unsafe air quality. She also promotes food security through La Milpa de Fresno, a 1.5-acre community farm that provides fresh produce while supporting small-scale farming businesses and farmer training. Under her leadership, CCEJN has played a pivotal role in significant policy wins, including California's first statewide pesticide notification system and bans on oil drilling near populated areas.
Nayamin and CCEJN are using advocacy, grassroots organizing, and innovative programs to empower communities to reclaim their rights and build healthier futures.
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“Continuing to teach our youth speaks to the resiliency of the Indigenous peoples”
-Cutcha Risling Baldy and Kaitlin Reed
-Cutcha Risling Baldy and Kaitlin Reed
This piece honors Cutcha and Kaitlin who are improving community well-being through Indigenous Knowledges and food sovereignty. Together, they helped establish California's first university science lab dedicated to the learning, research, hands-on practice and preservation of food sovereignty and Traditional Ecological Knowledges. The facility features a commercial kitchen, workshop space, plant drying racks, dehydrators, a seed bank, and Indigenous art — creating a living space where tradition and innovation intersect.
Through the Rou Dalagurr: Food Sovereignty Lab & Traditional Ecological Knowledges Institute, they're reshaping how students learn, teach, and grow. Their leadership reminds us that culture is the heart of resilience, and their work continues to inspire and uplift Californians.
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“Healthier mothers means healthier communities”
-Shantay Davies-Balch
-Shantay Davies-Balch
This piece celebrates Shantay R. Davies-Balch, a 2025 Award recipient, recognized for her leadership in improving maternal and infant health across the Central Valley with BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center (BWPC).
In 2021, Shantay launched the BLACK Doula Network (BDN) to expand doula care, providing culturally competent support and guidance to mothers throughout the birthing process while advocating for systemic change. Through her leadership at BWPC and BDN, she developed a comprehensive curriculum that has trained ten doulas to date and laid the foundation for BWPC’s BLACK Pregnancy Support program, which integrates doula-informed care with wraparound services to enhance the quality of support pregnant individuals deserve.
Shantay’s work is strengthening a community of care that ensures birthing people across Fresno County have access to trusted, culturally rooted support from pregnancy through early parenthood.
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“Imagine the stories we could tell if all voices were heard and valued in the media landscape”
-Stacy L. Smith
This piece honors Stacy L. Smith. Stacy was awarded a 2025 Leadership Award for championing representation in entertainment through actionable research and advocacy. Through the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, she has changed how the industry approaches inclusion—combining rigorous research with strategic partnerships to drive measurable change across Hollywood and beyond.
Stacy created the "inclusion rider" and co-authored the contractual template that empowers actors and filmmakers to demand inclusive casting practices during negotiations. Beyond research, she works directly with major studios to develop inclusion policies and playbooks.
Stacy’s work continues to advance economic opportunity in the industry, creating more inclusion and belonging both on-screen and behind the scenes.
-Stacy L. Smith
This piece honors Stacy L. Smith. Stacy was awarded a 2025 Leadership Award for championing representation in entertainment through actionable research and advocacy. Through the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, she has changed how the industry approaches inclusion—combining rigorous research with strategic partnerships to drive measurable change across Hollywood and beyond.
Stacy created the "inclusion rider" and co-authored the contractual template that empowers actors and filmmakers to demand inclusive casting practices during negotiations. Beyond research, she works directly with major studios to develop inclusion policies and playbooks.
Stacy’s work continues to advance economic opportunity in the industry, creating more inclusion and belonging both on-screen and behind the scenes.
