Meet Our 2025 Honorees
Leaders whose generosity, creativity, and courage embody this year’s theme:
Rooted in Joy, Rising in Power.
Vanessa Serratos
Emerging Fundraising Leader
Pacific Center for Human Growth
Vanessa brings a trauma-informed, relational approach to development, and centers care, trust, and community healing in every aspect of donor engagement.
Esther Landau, CFRE
Outstanding Fundraising Professional
The Arc San Francisco
After a career in flute performance, Esther found her home in fundraising. Now she champions inclusion, creativity, and small-shop impact.
Rabia Badar
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy
A senior at Averroes High School in Fremont, Rabia founded the Junior Civitans Club, raising over $25,000 to fight digital disparity and provide laptops to more than 120 refugee and low-income families.
Ahmed Muhammad
Groundswell Award
Kits Cubed / Stanford University
An Oakland native and founder of Kits Cubed, Ahmed blends robotics research and youth empowerment to expand equity through science.
Wayne Jordan
Outstanding Philanthropist
Jordan Real Estate Investments / Akonadi Foundation
Wayne’s leadership in business and philanthropy advances racial justice, democracy, and community empowerment nationwide.
Quinn Delaney
Outstanding Philanthropist
Akonadi Foundation
A tireless champion for racial and gender equity, Quinn supports organizations and leaders building movements for justice and democracy.
Bill Somerville
Lifetime Achievement Award
Philanthropic Ventures Foundation
A maverick grantmaker and author of *Grassroots Philanthropy*, Bill pioneered quick-response giving that transformed venture philanthropy.
Sarah Chavez-Yoell
Outstanding Volunteer
PG&E / Youth ALIVE!
Sarah’s personal journey fuels her dedication to violence prevention and youth empowerment through leadership and service.
Golden State Community Foundation
Outstanding Grantmaker
Since 2012, this foundation has invested over $48M in Bay Area education and youth development, strengthening schools and communities.
Rooted in Joy, Rising in Power
National Philanthropy Day 2025 celebrated the important contributions that philanthropy – and those individuals and organizations active in the philanthropic community – have made to our lives, our communities, and our world. In San Francisco, the Golden Gate Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFPGG) celebrated National Philanthropy Day at a luncheon on Friday, November 14, 2025.
As part of National Philanthropy Day, individuals and organizations are honored for their work and impact in their local communities and beyond. Honorees in eight award categories will be recognized during this annual celebration of Bay Area philanthropy.
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