Annually, the James Irvine Foundation celebrates leaders who are driving solutions to significant challenges impacting millions across California. This year’s award recipients talked about the particular issues their organizations address in a media briefing on March 26, hosted by Ethnic Media Services. They highlighted their personal commitments to addressing these issues and outlined the innovative approaches they are spearheading to effect change.

Speakers:

  • Héctor Camacho Jr. and Elizabeth Baham, Reach University
  • Brian Poth and Nick Vargas, The Source LGBT + Center
  • Manjusha Kulkarni, AAPI Equity Alliance
  • Michele Siqueiros, Campaign for College Opportunity
  • Blanca Meléndrez and Amina Sheik Mohamed, UC San Diego ACTRI Center for Community Health
  • Cindy Downing, The James Irvine Foundation

Héctor Camacho Jr. and Elizabeth Baham

Addressing California’s teacher shortage crisis, which currently sees 10,000 vacancies and an anticipated 20% educator attrition within three years, Baham and Camacho of Reach University are pioneering solutions. Baham, driven by her own experience of being taught by a Black educator in college, joined Reach University in 2015 to expand education access. Camacho, after overcoming personal barriers to become a teacher, joined Reach University in 2022 to facilitate similar pathways for others. Together, they have broadened Reach University’s reach across the state, offering accessible routes to education and addressing critical job vacancies.

Brian Poth and Nick Vargas

Growing up as LGBTQ youth in Visalia, Poth and Vargas faced challenges and sought acceptance. Upon returning to their hometown, they founded The Source LGBT+ Center in 2016 to create a supportive community. The center, now the largest of its kind between Sacramento and Los Angeles, offers a myriad of services and programs catering to LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring access to essential resources and support.

Manjusha Kulkarni

Inspired by her family’s history of activism and personal experiences of discrimination, Kulkarni leads AAPI Equity Alliance, advocating for health equity and civil rights. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its impact, addressing healthcare access, mental health disparities, and legal reforms for AAPI communities.

Michele Siqueiros

Driven by her own journey of overcoming barriers to college education, Siqueiros leads the Campaign for College Opportunity, advocating for equitable access and success in higher education. Through strategic initiatives and legislative efforts, the organization aims to bridge the gap in educational attainment, particularly for underrepresented minority groups.

Blanca Meléndrez and Amina Sheik Mohamed 

At UC San Diego ACTRI Center for Community Health, Meléndrez and Sheik Mohamed lead initiatives addressing disparities in healthcare access for immigrant and refugee communities in San Diego County. Through innovative programs and community-led solutions, they aim to empower marginalized populations and replicate their model statewide.

Cindy Downing

As a Program Officer at the James Irvine Foundation, Downing oversees the Leadership Awards program, recognizing diverse leaders driving impactful change across California. With a wealth of experience in nonprofit management and public health, she is committed to fostering a better future through strategic support and recognition of innovative initiatives.