Climate Leader Award - School of Leadership and Education Sciences

2026 Climate Leader Award

The 2026 Climate Leader Award cycle is open October 1 – October 26, 2026.

Follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about updates to the Climate Leader Award program.

If you are interested in sustaining regional climate leadership, please email us at sdclimatecollab@sandiego.edu for sponsorship opportunities.

Apply Now Preview Nomination Form

The impacts of our changing climate have been making headlines for more than two decades. San Diegans are no stranger to these ever strengthening impacts–or to the work needed to catalyze solutions. As early leaders in addressing climate change, our region has executed countless examples of innovative, bold action to reduce polluting carbon emissions and build more climate-resilient communities. In 2016 and 2017, SDRCC honored regional practitioners with the Climate Leader Awards aimed at recognizing individuals driving solutions across diverse climate disciplines including sea level rise, stormwater management, energy efficiency, and climate adaptation.

Today, our climate action success stories and victories continue to be a reflection of our regional system–one of individuals, projects, teams, organizations, initiatives, and aspirations–aimed at fostering a thriving, more connected future for all San Diegans. To continue honoring these commitments as well as raise the profile of our region’s leadership on climate action, the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative reintroduced our Climate Leader Award program in 2024, with a fresh new update.

The goal of the Climate Leader Award is to celebrate our region’s Climate Leaders in the broadest and most inclusive form–therefore, we invite applications and nominations that elevate individuals, teams, and whole organizations– from across all sectors in the San Diego region.

Nominees for the Climate Leader Award should exemplify and carry out in practice the key values of our organization–collaboration, leadership, flexibility, diversity and inclusion, and tangible impact–through their contributions to regional climate action.

If you have questions, please contact sdclimatecollab@sandiego.edu.

Collaboration

Leadership

Flexibility

Diversity and Inclusion

Tangible Impact

Thank You to Our Past Sponsors for Sustaining Regional Leadership

A special thanks to the Maritime Museum, San Diego Foundation, Nexus Planning & Research, and Shape Theory Studio for sponsoring the 2025 Climate Leader Award. If you're interested in sponsoring the 2026 Climate Leader Award, please reach out to Darbi Berry. Sponsorship support is critical to the continued recognition of San Diego's excellent climate leadership!

Climate Leader Awardees

The Climate Leader Award is a testament to SDRCC’s unwavering commitment to uplifting excellence in regional climate action across all sectors.

2025 Awardees

Renee Yarmy

Renee is a longtime SDRCC partner, former Board member, and a standout leader at the Port of San Diego who has driven major advances in clean energy and zero-emission innovation. She has secured millions in grant funding to pilot cutting-edge technologies, expand maritime electrification, and improve air quality for surrounding communities.

Renee’s visionary leadership continues to inspire regional partners and set a model for sustainable and equitable maritime operations. Congratulations Renee!

Mario Ordoñez-Calderón

Mario is the co-founder and Executive Director of Un Mar de Colores, where he is advancing climate resilience by empowering the next generation of ocean stewards. Through surf therapy, environmental education, and mentorship, he expands outdoor access for BIPOC youth and their families, often in communities that are historically excluded from environmental spaces.

Mario’s leadership and commitment to inclusion are shaping a more equitable climate future for our region, fostering confidence, belonging, and environmental stewardship in the young people who will carry this work forward. Congratulations Mario!

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation is a long-standing SDRCC member and regional leader transforming environmental education into meaningful climate action. Through their innovative programs in composting, food waste prevention, textiles, and community sustainability, the Solana Center consistently identifies local needs and adapts to meet them.

Through programs like curbside recycling, supporting SB 1383 implementation, or advancing expertise on SB 707, their data-driven approach and hands-on support for residents, businesses, and governments make Solana Center a cornerstone of San Diego’s sustainability movement. Congratulations Solana Center!

2024 Awardees

Susan Freedman

Susan is a founding member of SDRCC, an SDRCC Advisory Board Member, and has made significant contributions to advancing climate solutions in the San Diego region. With over 20 years of experience in clean transportation, energy, and climate planning, Susan leads the SANDAG Climate Team, overseeing critical programs in climate resiliency, clean transportation, and zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) incentives.

Susan’s collaborative approach, mentorship, and dedication to equitable solutions exemplify true climate leadership. Congratulations Susan!

Dr. Adrienne Fusek

Through innovative programs like the Climate Fresk Workshops, Community Clean Energy Microcredential, and Energy Equity Training, Dr. Fusek has championed climate action rooted in equity, education, and collaboration. Her work prioritizes inclusivity and social justice, engaging diverse leaders and partnering with organizations like the San Diego Urban Sustainability Coalition to advance energy equity in Southeast San Diego.

Dr. Fusek's dedication to inspiring action and empowering community leadership exemplifies the values of a climate leader. Congratulations Adrienne!

Environmental Health Coalition

EHC has made a tremendous impact through initiatives like improving air quality and climate resilience in Portside Environmental Justice Neighborhoods, advocating for zero-emission heavy-duty trucks, and supporting transit justice by empowering transit-dependent communities. Their work on the Rooted in Comunidad, Cultivating Equity project and as co-chair of the California Advanced Clean Fleet Coalition's Environmental Justice Committee demonstrates a deep commitment to environmental health, climate equity, and community empowerment.

This recognition highlights the critical role EHC plays in shaping a sustainable, equitable future across the San Diego region and we are proud to recognize them for their years of hard work! Congratulations to the Environmental Health Coalition!