"Liz is the most full-of-life person I know … always inspiring people to try new things, complimenting others, checking in with loved ones, and giving of her time. Liz works in curriculum and student learning outcomes at Las Positas College. Liz is a commissioner on the Livermore Commission for the Arts and serves on committees that bring public art to our community. She volunteers with a number of nonprofits: Alameda County 4-H, CA 4-H STEM Advisory Committee, Del Arroyo 4-H Club, Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, Livermore Valley Opera, Living Arroyos, and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates. I am still amazed by her energy and passion as I see her mentor teen leaders, help bring STEM programming to communities, instruct classes on career exploration, help with special events, pick up trash in our creeks, and speak up about important issues--inspiring this spirit in our children, her mentees and students too. Liz is a great connector and champion for the arts, equity, and education."

"I met Mr. Aikens in October of 2020 during the COVID pandemic. He and his organization, We Lead Ours (WELO) were recommended to me as a group that is not only in touch with young people in Oakland but provides services there as well. Dwayne is a founder of WELO and currently works as its Executive Director. He has the unique ability to connect with young people, no matter their disposition or background. WELO is a non-profit organization that works to provide & support young people in Oakland with a variety of programs and services in the areas of education and community service-oriented activities.

Dwayne has worked to provide Oakland parents and their children with a wide variety of ways to find community during a particularly difficult time across the country. Since the start of COVID, Dwayne has shown commitment, consistency, and strength through his leadership to young people and their families in Oakland."

"I call Shelly an Angel. She gives and gives and gives. While most of her giving is centered around animals (thousands of fostered cats and dogs, even squirrels), countless personal fundraisers for Chico Animal Shelter and she heads one of our community's biggest fundraisers called Walk, Wag, Woof, she gives in so many other areas. She's also very committed to trash pick-up in our community. I directed the Chico Science Fair and when I needed a volunteer in my committee to coordinate hundreds of volunteers, Shelly stepped up for that huge volunteer job and performed it beautifully for many years. On top of all this, Shelly is an avid baseball fan and has even been an announcer for our minor league team."

"Mr. Matthews moved to Alameda in 1980. He served on many community boards, but it was through sports and athletics that Mr. Matthews made his greatest contribution to his community. He was the President of Alameda Babe Ruth, served as the Commissioner of Norcal Babe Ruth District 4, and was the founding President and served on the board of the football Alameda Wolverines. He also served on the Alameda World Tournament Baseball Board, and on the Board of the Alameda Boys & Girls Club.

Mr. Matthews' greatest contribution to his community was his service as President of Alameda Little League, where he grew the League to nearly 1,000 participants, while also overseeing major capital projects for their fields. Through his leadership, Alameda was honored to be selected as the host venue for multiple State, Section, and District baseball tournaments. None of this could have been accomplished without the leadership and vision of Mr. Matthews."

Stephen Ashford, or as he is known Mr. Steve, is a P.E. teacher in East Palo Alto Charter School within the Aspire school system, and our first Community Champion for 2021. Stephen has made a significant impact on the lives of many of his students. He grew up in Richmond, Calif. expressing his creative energy through rap music. As a parent and teacher, Stephen now spends his time connecting with children through music and athletics. He has used his music as a vehicle for change and to inspire kids in the Bay Area and across the country. Notably, he created a music video of a PG-rated inspirational rap song, "Stay in School," featuring notable Bay Area Rappers, such as E-40, Keak Da Sneak, Mac N AK and many more, that has been played on BET and has more than 18,000 hits on YouTube. In addition to inspiring children through his music, Stephen also leads a yearly celebrity basketball game with notable Bay Area sports superstars and is a catalyst for many fundraisers that benefit Bay Area Schools.