The California AfterSchool Network, California Department of Education, and System of Support for Expanded Learning celebrated Lights On Afterschool by recognizing leaders across the state!

Congratulations to the Awardees, and thank you for the fantastic work you do in your communities!

Champion Award

This year we unveiled our Champion Award! This award recognizes a dedicated champion who advocates for policies that advance equity and justice for all children and youth in California’s Expanded Learning Ecosystem. The honoree demonstrates shared leadership by elevating the experiences and strengths of those closest to the challenges, fosters affirming spaces for children, youth, and adults, and embodies an asset-driven, aspirational approach in both words and actions.

2025 Awardee

• California Attorney General, Rob Bonta

Emerging Leadership Award

Established in 2016, this award honors an emerging leader dedicated to serving children and youth in California’s Expanded Learning field. Selected by the California AfterSchool Network, the awardee works directly with students or programs and demonstrates the potential to influence statewide policy, strategic initiatives, and peers in the field.

2025 Awardee

• Leina Dingle, ELOP Administrative Intern, Whittier Elementary School, Newport Mesa Unified School District, Region 9

Innovative Leadership Awards

Established in 2022, this award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated innovative leadership within the Expanded Learning ecosystem, either broadly or in a specific area of impact over the past year. One recipient is recognized from each of the 16 regions in the System of Support for Expanded Learning (SSEL), honoring those who engage collaboratively across local, regional, and statewide systems to expand access to high-quality Expanded Learning opportunities.

2025 Awardees

• Sandoz McCovey, Director of Expanded Learning, Del Norte Unified School District, Region 1
• Bobbie Wion, After School Program Coordinator, Redding School District, Region 2
• Callista Galliher, Youth Workforce and High School Development Coordinator, Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center, Region 3
• Claudia Medina, Expanded Learning Opportunities Programs, Coordinator, Alameda Unified School District, Region 4
• Daric V. Jackson, Director, Instructional Leadership and Intervention, Cupertino Union School District, Region 5
• Sargina Yonan, Director of Expanded Learning Programs, Linden USD, Region 6
• Angela Ruiz-Alvarez, Recreation and Enrichment Coordinator, Cutler-Orosi Joint Unified School District, Region 7
• Kim Gaspar, Director of Expanded Learning Programs, Paso Robles Joint Unified School District, Region 8
• Antonio Marquez, Theatre Director, Lincoln Elementary/El Centro Elementary School District, Region 9 – Imperial
• Laurie Jimenez, Coordinator, Expanded Learning, Tustin Unified School District, Region 9 – Orange
• Vanessa Cass, Quality Programs Coordinator-Training and Development, YMCA of San Diego County, Region 9 – San Diego
• Kaylee Bunyea, ELOP Coordinator, Rim of the World USD, Region 10 – San Bernardino
• Amber Gascoigne, Director, Expanded Learning, Palm Springs Unified School District, Region 10 - Riverside
• Deidre Corwin, Director, Glendale Unified School District, Region 11

In case you missed it, check out our YouTube video here!