Chenda Chhi

Chenda Chhi, founder and CEO of the Coral Tree Education Foundation, was recognized for her extraordinary work on behalf of children and youth, with a particular focus on girls, in impoverished villages in Cambodia. Through her many programs and initiatives, she builds schools, brings English and computer learning to rural classrooms, provides life-changing scholarships for young women, and supports struggling families so education — and hope — can take root.

Born in Cambodia, Ms. Chhi survived the Khmer Rouge genocide by hiding her education and enduring years of forced labor as a young teenager. In 1979, she escaped with her mother and sister and resettled in Nebraska, where she learned English, graduated high school with honors, and earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

After a successful career in Silicon Valley and in high-end interior design, while raising three children, Ms. Chhi retired to focus fully on her humanitarian work serving vulnerable populations in Cambodia. She has received multiple Gold Medal awards from the Cambodian government and an audience with His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni in recognition of her work on behalf of Cambodia. Ms. Chhi founded Coral Tree Education Foundation in 2015, and today devotes herself full time to expanding educational access for children and women across Cambodia’s small villages through the Foundation.

Adonal Foyle

Adonal Foyle, former professional basketball player with the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic, was recognized for his extraordinary work with the Kerosene Lamp Foundation, the nonprofit he founded in 2003 that focuses on youth development, education, and positive play. The Kerosene Lamp Foundation has enhanced the lives of more than 52,000 underserved children in the Caribbean and United States. 

Born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Mr. Foyle’s journey to the NBA is a testament to his ambition and hard work. A graduate of Colgate University, Mr. Foyle was the 8^th overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft. He played 13 seasons in the NBA—ten years with the Golden State Warriors and three years with the Orlando Magic. After retirement, Mr. Foyle served as the Director of Player Programs for the Orlando Magic and later as the Community Ambassador for the Golden State Warriors.

Mr. Foyle’s commitment to community engagement is exemplified through his nonprofit, the Kerosene Lamp Foundation. Believing that a child’s education is essential to their future success, the Kerosene Lamp Foundation helps at-risk youth become healthy, well-educated leaders through mentorships, academic camps, and programs that leave lasting impacts on their lives.

Prior to the Kerosene Lamp Foundation, Mr. Foyle established Democracy Matters, a non-partisan campus-based organization working to reduce the influence of money in politics and increase civic engagement. Mr. Foyle continues to make an impact on the well-being of others as a published author, national speaker, and sport psychology consultant.

Oral Lee Brown

Oral Lee Brown was recognized for her extraordinary work with the Oral Lee Brown Foundation, the nonprofit she founded in 1987 to provide educational assistance and scholarships to children of low income families in Oakland, California. She founded the organization, giving tirelessly of her time and resources, to encourage students to stay in school and pursue a college education.

In 1987, Oral Lee Brown adopted the entire first grade class of Brookfield Elementary School in East Oakland, and promised the 23 students that, if they stayed in school, graduated with a high school diploma, and were admitted to college, she would pay for their higher education. Not only did she keep her promise to the first class of students—19 enrolled in college—to date, more than 170 students from low income families have received mentoring, tutoring, and financial support for college from the Oral Lee Brown Foundation.

Helping students overcome academic and financial barriers to education, Oral Lee provides the love and resources they need to succeed in college, and in life. Her dedication to the education and wellbeing of her students has inspired many to follow her example—a testament to the power of kindness and generosity.

Arik Armstead

Arik Armstead, defensive tackle #91 for the San Francisco 49ers, was recognized for his extraordinary work with the Armstead Academic Project, the nonprofit he founded in 2019 dedicated to ensuring that every student, no matter their socioeconomic status, has direct access to the resources they need to thrive. The Armstead Academic Project supports students in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area and provides them with positive spaces, tools, and academic support to help them unlock their potential, dream big, and achieve their goals.

Born and raised in Sacramento, Arik played college football at University of Oregon and was drafted by the 49ers in the 2015 NFL draft. While enjoying a successful football career, Arik has also been deeply involved in community service, working for education equality in the public school system. He strongly believes that education is the key to solving many societal issues and life challenges faced by individuals, families, and communities.

Along his journey to give back, Arik works with schools, hospitals, and organizations that serve young people. He donates toys and books during visits with patients at UC Davis Children’s Hospital; hosts the popular “Storytime with Arik Armstead” for elementary school children; and provides educational field trips, visits to colleges, and after school tutoring for youth, always reminding them of the power of books and education.

Kristi Yamaguchi

Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic figure skating gold medalist, was recognized for her extraordinary work with the Always Dream Foundation, the nonprofit she founded in 1996 that, among other initiatives, champions early childhood literacy in underserved communities and empowers children to dream big.

Kristi captured gold—and the public’s hearts—in figure skating in the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France. She is a member of the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame, World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, and U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. She is also a New York Times Best-Selling author for her children’s picture books, Dream Big, Little Pig!; It’s A Big World, Little Pig!; and Cara’s Kindness.

In 1996, Kristi established the Always Dream Foundation, whose mission is to ensure children from low-income families have access to high-quality books in the home and to encourage extensive family engagement and support. Kristi’s passion for reading ignited the Foundation’s commitment to early childhood literacy and the Foundation launched its Always Reading™ program in 2012, which has since touched the lives of more 10,000 students in California and Hawaii. Always Reading™ combines technology and hardcover books to engage parents in their children’s learning with a goal to foster a lifelong love of reading.