Thursday, March 27 was nothing short of magical. At the 2025 East Bay Innovation Awards Gala, held at the iconic Oakland Scottish Rite Center, RCF Connects was named the winner of the Community Impact Award!
When the envelope opened—just like at the Oscars—they called our name! RCF Connects officially became the first non-profit from Richmond to receive this honor in the gala’s 12-year history. This win was not just monumental for us but for our entire city. We are so proud to represent Richmond on such a prestigious platform.
Dubbed the “Academy Awards of the East Bay,” the gala brought together over 500 attendees, including elected officials, representatives from foreign consulates, community leaders, and innovative changemakers from across Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The evening was hosted with style and heart by Emmy Award-winning NBC Bay Area journalist Gia Vang. The event opened with a powerful message by voice actor Joy Ofodu. Oakland’s Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins reminded us all of the city’s spirit of innovation, and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma personally recognized each awardee with a certificate of commendation.
Among 22 remarkable finalists across categories like catalyst, manufacturing, technology, and community impact. RCF Connects stood tall—recognized for our work advancing equity, building community, and igniting opportunity in Contra Costa County and beyond.
We want to thank our incredible team who shared this unforgettable night with us:
Board members: Lucinda Bazile, Cynthia LeBlanc, and Cristina Perez Abelson
Staff members: Armond Lee, Shyla Crowder, and Rosalind Welch
Special guests: Lena Robinson, Yvette Williams, and Maxim Schrogin
This award is for all of you—our supporters, partners, team members, and neighbors. Your dedication, compassion, and fierce belief in community transformation are what make our mission real every day.
Together, we’re not just celebrating a win. We’re celebrating a movement—of innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership. Let’s carry this momentum forward. Richmond showed up, and now the East Bay sees what we’ve always known: We are powerful. We are innovative. We are RCF Connects.