|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The San Ramon Chamber of Commerce has unveiled the winners of this year’s Business and Community Awards as it gears up for a celebration dinner next month to honor them and the rest of the community.
The winners across nine different categories were announced in a press release from the chamber of commerce last week, and recognized for their demonstration of “excellence, innovation, and community commitment”.
“These awards shine a light on those who are helping shape San Ramon’s future,” said Danielle Cook, San Ramon Chamber of Commerce president CEO. “Each recipient reflects our Chamber’s mission of connecting for success — through leadership, innovation, and community involvement.”
The awards are back to their original title this year under Cook’s leadership, having previously been rebranded as the WOW Awards by former chamber CEO Heidi Kenniston-Lee.
The chamber’s Citizen of the Year award goes to Alec Hurd, an SRVEF boardmember, chair of the city’s Climate Action Committee and longtime Scouting America leader.
“His motto, ‘scouting is about outings,’ reflects his focus on building character, leadership, and a love of the outdoors,” chamber officials said in the press release. “An Eagle Scout and dedicated mentor, Alec has inspired both youth and adults through hands-on experiences and the ‘patrol method,’ fostering confidence and teamwork.”
Hurd is not the only one being recognized for his commitment to youth leadership and education, with the chamber also presenting two Educator of the Year awards.
Jennifer Tejada was named as Community Educator of the Year for her work as dean of Diablo Valley College’s San Ramon campus from 2019 through her retirement earlier this year as well as in education throughout the San Ramon Valley for more than 30 years.
“Jennifer supported students, faculty, and staff with care, mentorship, and a personal touch, leaving a lasting impact on the campus community,” chamber officials said in the press release. “Beyond DVC, she contributes to Leadership San Ramon and previously served on the Chamber board, demonstrating a sustained commitment to education and community development.”
Pine Valley Middle School principal Sandy Kontilis was named SRVUSD Educator of the Year, with the award aimed at recognizing educators who inspire both students and colleagues.
“Sandy mentors staff, builds strong family partnerships, and inspires students to reach their potential,” chamber officials said. “Her vision, compassion, and commitment to empowering learners make her an outstanding educator and role model in the district.”
A second winner affiliated with the school district was also among this year’s winners, with Cal High senior Danya Prakash being selected by the city’s Teen Council as Teen Citizen of the Year, a title granted to young community members “making a meaningful community impact”.
Prakash is being recognized in particular for her work founding and leading the organization Humanities in Focus, which has raised more than $400,000 toward developing a school dedicated to students with autism, as part of its overarching goal of supporting neurodiverse students.
“Danya’s leadership, empathy, and advocacy have strengthened community connections, fostered inclusion, and helped make San Ramon safer, more compassionate, and more supportive for all residents,” chamber officials said.
This year marks the addition of a new community award for non-profit of the year, which was granted to the 100% volunteer-run organization Fostering Wishes for its “outstanding dedication to improving the lives of foster youth through compassionate, community-driven programs”.
Those programs include a holiday gift drive, a teen empowerment program, and trade school scholarships that serve thousands of young people in foster care annually.
“Fostering Wishes also empowers youth leaders, raises awareness, and advocates for foster children, earning national recognition for transparency and impact while creating lasting community connections and hope for every child it serves,” chamber officials said.
Meanwhile, the community and business awards continue to recognize for-profit endeavors across multiple categories: Business or Business Person of the Year, and Green Company or Individual of the year.
Danielle Croghan of They Made was granted the former award this year for fostering “a culture of mentorship, collaboration, and community engagement”, according to chamber officials, specifically her support for local entrepreneurs, schools, and STEM education.
“Known for ethical, transparent, and sustainable practices, TheyMade integrates innovative tools like AI-assisted design to help clients bring ideas to life,” chamber officials said. “Beyond business, Danielle champions local events, small vendors, and underrepresented makers, strengthening San Ramon’s economy, creativity, and community.”
Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley was named Green Company of the year “for its leadership in sustainability across energy, waste, and emissions”, including its use of 100% renewable energy and drastic waste and emissions cuts.
The health care company was recognized for its sustainability initiatives on the ground for its workers, as well as at an organizational level, including a sustainable commuting program and staff and community education.
“With cost savings, regulatory compliance beyond requirements, and national recognition — including Practice Greenhealth Top 25 Environmental Excellence and SHC–Tri-Valley as a Partner for Change — SHC demonstrates measurable environmental impact and sets a benchmark for sustainable healthcare,” chamber officials said.
Liberty Tax Service owner Robert Downum was named Ambassador of the Year for his volunteer work with the chamber and its “lasting impact”.
“By embodying the Chamber’s spirit of collaboration and engagement, he ensures that members feel valued, that events run smoothly, and that local businesses succeed,” chamber officials said. “This award honors Robert’s leadership, commitment, and extraordinary contributions to strengthening both the Chamber and the broader San Ramon business community.”
James Spielvogel was also recognized as Employee of the Year for his work supporting the chamber in partnership with the city’s Parks and Community Services Department for a number of major annual events including the annual Hootenanny at Forest Home Farms “where he seamlessly supported every aspect of the event”, according to chamber officials.
“James steps in wherever needed, delivering high-quality results with a smile, embodying a spirit of service and teamwork that strengthens both the workplace and the broader community,” chamber officials said.
The nine winners are set to be formally recognized and celebrated next month at the Community and Business Awards Dinner, set for The Bridges Golf Club at 9000 S. Gale Ridge Road on Dec. 3 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets and more information are available here.
