LEAD San Diego, the leadership development arm of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, honored five individuals and an organization at its 22nd annual Visionary Awards.
On Thursday at Humphrey’s Concert Lawn in Shelter Island, business, community and elected leaders presented the honors to celebrate innovative, collaborative and change-making leadership that is making meaningful impacts on the people, neighborhoods and industries of the region.
LEAD is dedicated to empowering civic and business leaders in the San Diego region.
“The Visionary Awards highlight the bold leadership and forward-thinking individuals in our region,” said Jason Paguio, board chair of LEAD San Diego. “We gathered to honor those who are not only making a difference today, but are laying the foundation for continued innovations and positive change on our communities, neighborhoods and industries.”
This year’s honorees are:
- Neil Morgan Memorial Award for Lifetime Achievement — Linda L. Katz, civic/social activist
- LEAD Graduate of the Year Award — Justin C. Lipford, director of community engagement and belonging, YMCA of San Diego County
- Innovation and Economic Opportunity Award — Mark Neville, CEO, Sports San Diego
- Ronald Kendrick Memorial Award for Regional Collaboration — Liz Ramirez, CEO, Chicano Federation of San Diego County
- Charles Nathanson Memorial Award for Cross-Border Region Building — Marisa Aurora Quiroz, president and CEO, International Community Foundation
- 2024 Community Spotlight Award — San Diego Refugee Tutoring
“This year’s honorees embody that mission and through their innovative ideas, collaborative approaches and commitment to the greater good, (they) are making our community a better place,” said Jerry Sanders, president and CEO of the Regional Chamber of Commerce and San Diego’s former mayor.
Through three leadership development programs, including the 10-month Impact San Diego course, LEAD provides participants with tools, insights and connections needed to address the region’s most pressing issues.
“LEAD has a long history of inspiring and equipping civically minded community leaders ready to bring their skills and passions to positively impact our region,” Sanders said.
