Leaders in diversity, inclusion are honored

Leaders and organizations in San Diego dedicated to serving some of the most vulnerable and underserved communities were recognized for their contributions Monday during RISE San Diego’s fourth annual awards ceremony.

RISE San Diego, which creates leadership opportunities for diverse individuals in San Diego, distributed seven Inclusive Leadership in Action Awards during an online presentation.

More than 45 individuals and organizations were nominated for awards this year in six categories.

Shamine Linton, president and founder of the nonprofit Sharia’s Closet, was awarded the Collective Resilience Advocate award for her dedication to supporting residents in adverse circumstances. Sharia’s Closet provides free emergency clothing to people in need.

Nancy Maldonado, CEO of the Chicano Federation, received the Culture Shifter award. Since becoming the federation’s leader in 2018, Maldonado has been shifting its focus to primarily assist the region’s Latino community during the pandemic and advocating for equity among nonprofits.

The Mothers with a Message nonprofit was awarded the Restorative Practitioner award for supporting families who have lost children to gang violence or violent crime.

This year RISE created a new Emerging Leaders award. Isabel Vega, a volunteer with Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center in National City, is its first recipient.

Nichole Rocero, co-founder of You Belong Here, a collaborative work and event space in City Heights, was awarded the Community Change Agent award, which honors an individual who creates sustainable change through innovative programs and policy platforms.

Mitchelle Woodson, executive director of Think Dignity, received the Anthony M. Medina People’s Champion award.

The Legler Benbough Legacy Award went to Paula Cordeiro, the former dean of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego who teaches social entrepreneurship.