Each year, Toward a Shared Vision brings together educators, policymakers, business leaders, and community organizations from across the Inland Empire to address regional challenges and advance strategies for educational and economic success. As part of the summit, Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) recognizes individuals and organizations making measurable contributions to equity, student success, and systems change.
The 2025 Toward a Shared Vision Awards celebrate honorees whose work reflects GIA’s core values: Collaboration, Equity, Accountability, Innovation, and Transformation. These values guide GIA’s mission to align systems, close opportunity gaps, and expand access to postsecondary and career success across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
“These awards honor leaders and organizations who embody GIA’s core values through their daily work and service,” said Dr. Ashish K. Vaidya, President & CEO of Growing Inland Achievement. “Each recipient is contributing to a future where all Inland Empire students have meaningful opportunities to succeed.”
2025 Toward a Shared Vision Award Honorees
Excellence in Collaboration
Marissa Lazo-Necco, Project Manager, SAP/PBIS & Parent Engagement, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
Honored for her leadership in statewide community engagement, parent empowerment, and systems-level partnership across 42 school districts.
Excellence in Equity
Mariana Torres, Director of Equity and Access, Apple Valley Unified School District
Recognized for advancing targeted, data-informed strategies that close equity gaps and extend opportunity across districts and communities.
Excellence in Accountability
Inland Empire Regional K–16 Education Collaborative
Celebrated for using shared metrics, transparency, and strategic coordination to improve educational and workforce outcomes across the region.
Excellence in Innovation
Gateway College and Career Academy
A public charter high school on the Riverside City College campus that reimagines student-centered learning through dual enrollment, flexible models, and equity-driven design.
Excellence in Transformation
Zeb Welborn, President & CEO, Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce
Honored for his role in bridging education and workforce development, launching impactful programs that expand access to careers and entrepreneurship
Leadership in Collective Impact
Gordon Bourns, Chairman & CEO, Bourns, Inc.
Recognized for his sustained leadership in education, philanthropy, and civic partnerships that expand STEM pathways and regional collaboration.
The awards will be presented during the 2025 Toward a Shared Vision summit, October 28–29, at the Riverside Convention Center. For more information and to register, visit towardasharedvision.org.