Heart of Napa Awards
WHERE VOLUNTEERS, NONPROFITS, AND LEADERS SHINE.
Thank you for celebrating nonprofits and volunteers!
We’ll see you next year…
The Heart of Napa Awards brought together 230 nonprofit leaders, volunteers, elected officials, and business and community representatives to celebrate the spirit of service and honor the individuals and organizations whose contributions help strengthen and enrich Napa County.
For more than a decade, the Heart of Napa Awards has been the premier celebration of the individuals, businesses, and nonprofits who make Napa a healthier, more compassionate, and resilient community. Hosted annually by Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL), this signature event shines a spotlight on the people and organizations whose dedication and service inspire us all.
2025 Award Recipients
Redwood Credit Union
Corporate Community Service
The 2025 Heart of Napa Award for Corporate Community Service was presented to Redwood Credit Union.
Sponsor: CVNL
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Redwood Credit Union received the award as a longstanding community partner dedicated to strengthening the North Bay through service, philanthropy, and financial empowerment. In Napa County alone, RCU contributed more than $201,000 to local nonprofits in 2025, supported 46 volunteer events with 586 volunteer hours, and provided more than 70 free financial wellness workshops reaching over 3,300 residents. From assembling care packages for foster youth and supporting food security efforts to expanding access to homeownership and emergency financial assistance, RCU continues to create meaningful opportunities for neighbors to support one another and build a stronger, more connected community.
Dr. Mary Huber
Volunteer of the Year
The 2025 Heart of Napa Award for Volunteer of The Year was presented to Dr. Mary Huber, Napa Valley Education Foundation’s Next Gen Med program.
Sponsor: Syar Foundation
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Dr. Mary Huber received the award for her transformative role in expanding healthcare career pathways for students with the Napa Valley Education Foundation’s Next Gen Med program. From developing curriculum and coordinating medical professionals to securing hands-on internships and specialized learning opportunities, including hospital shadowing experiences and a cadaver lab, Dr. Huber helped create unprecedented access for predominantly Hispanic, first-generation students interested in healthcare careers. Thanks in large part to her efforts, the pilot cohort achieved a 100% success rate in pursuing healthcare-related degrees, helping inspire and prepare a more diverse future healthcare workforce in Napa Valley.
Photo: Daisy Zamora, Program Manager of Instruction, accepting the award on behalf of Dr. Huber.
Robert (Bob) Nations
Excellence in Board Leadership
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Robert (Bob) Nations received the award for his steady and thoughtful leadership to Napa Valley Support Services (NVSS), helping guide the organization through a significant period of growth and expansion while maintaining a strong focus on collaboration and community impact. During NVSS’s transition into a new office space and expansion of services for individuals with disabilities, Bob fostered trust between board and staff leadership, ensuring strategic alignment while respecting the boundaries of day-to-day operations. Through his inclusive leadership style, commitment to cross-sector collaboration, and ability to bring diverse voices and community partners to the table, Bob strengthened NVSS’s visibility, partnerships, and long-term capacity to serve the community.
Sadoc Rojas
Youth Volunteer of the Year
The 2025 Heart of Napa Award for Youth Volunteer of the Year was presented to: Sadoc Rojas
Sponsor: Redwood Credit Union
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Sadoc Rojas was honored for his outstanding leadership and service with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley, where he empowers and supports fellow teens through mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement. As Keystone President and host of the Teen Talks podcast, Sadoc has created inclusive spaces where young people feel heard, valued, and encouraged to explore their voices, leadership potential, and future opportunities.
Saniya Chandy
Youth Volunteer of the Year
The 2025 Heart of Napa Award for Youth Volunteer of the Year was presented to: Saniya Chandy
Sponsor: Redwood Credit Union
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Saniya Chandy was honored for her exceptional leadership and advocacy with Mentis and the American Red Cross, helping expand youth engagement around mental health awareness and wellness. Through leadership roles on the Teens Connect Council, outreach events, public speaking opportunities, and the development of a TED-style youth mental health event, Saniya has created meaningful spaces for young people to share their voices, connect with resources, and reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
Sophia Passaris
Youth Volunteer of the Year
The 2025 Heart of Napa Award for Youth Volunteer of the Year was presented to: Sophia Passaris
Sponsor: Redwood Credit Union
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Sophia Passaris was recognized for her work with Cafeteria Kids Theater as a mentor, intern, and youth leader supporting arts education and creative expression for local students. Through in-school residencies, after-school programs, summer camps, and youth productions, Sophia helps create safe,
inclusive, and encouraging spaces where children can build confidence, develop creative skills, and feel empowered to express themselves.
Helena Falk
Youth Volunteer of the Year
The 2025 Heart of Napa Award for Youth Volunteer of the Year was presented to: Helena Falk
Sponsor: Redwood Credit Union
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Helena Falk was recognized for her exceptional dedication to sustainability, community engagement, and youth leadership through her work with the Napa Valley Farmers Market. From supporting farmers market operations and local vendors to participating in conservation projects, tutoring students, and mentoring children through summer camps and church programs, Helena consistently brings energy, compassion, and a strong commitment to service.
Amarjot Toor
Youth Volunteer of the Year
The 2025 Heart of Napa Award for Youth Volunteer of the Year was presented to: Amarjot Toor
Sponsor: Redwood Credit Union
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Amarjot Toor was honored for his extraordinary leadership and dedication to public health, advocacy, and community service through his work with the Napa Youth Council. From helping pass tobacco prevention ordinances, leading youth preparedness and engagement efforts, and hosting mental health conversations reaching thousands of viewers to founding a free medical clinic serving uninsured families, Amarjot consistently works to improve the health and wellbeing of underserved communities.
Celine Regalia
Excellence in Leadership
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Celine Regalia received the award for strengthening integrated health and aging services through her leadership at Providence Community Health Napa Valley. From building and leading the award-winning Adult Day Health Care program to spearheading initiatives such as Dementia-Capable Napa County and Providence PACE, Celine has expanded access to coordinated care that supports the medical, emotional, and social wellbeing of older adults and their families. Recognized as a trusted and collaborative leader, Celine continues to drive meaningful improvements in healthcare, dementia services, and healthy aging through regional partnerships, statewide leadership, and a deep commitment to community-centered care.
Napa Valley Education Foundation
Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence
The 2025 Heart of Napa Award for Nonprofit Excellence was presented to Napa Valley Education Foundation.
Sponsor: Fifth Third Bank
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Napa Valley Education Foundation received the award for transforming educational opportunities for students by connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences that inspire creativity, career exploration, wellness, and personal growth. Serving approximately 18,000 students and 1,000 educators, NVEF partners with schools, businesses, and community organizations to expand access to arts education, career readiness programs, classroom innovation, and student wellness initiatives, ensuring opportunities remain accessible regardless of income. In 2025, NVEF further expanded its impact by transforming the former Oxbow School campus into the Discovery Campus, a dynamic center for hands-on learning where students can explore their strengths, discover future pathways, and build confidence in what they can achieve.
2025 Nominees
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Up to five Youth Volunteer of the Year Awards of $1,000 each will be presented to full-time middle or high school students serving a Napa County nonprofit in the community, education, or faith environment.
Olivia Bui, Mentis
Saniya Chandy, Mentis and North Bay American Red Cross
Helena Falk, Napa Valley Farmers Market
Alina Flores Barajas, Napa Valley Education Foundation
Caitlin Guilliams, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga
Evy Meerholz, Mentis
Melanie Orozco Castillo, Napa Valley Education Foundation
Sophia Passaris, Lunchtime Productions Inc. dba Cafeteria Kids Theater
Sadoc Rojas, Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley
Amarjot Toor, Napa Youth Council
Trinity Williamson, Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley
SPONSOR: Redwood Credit Union
Excellence in Leadership
The Excellence in Leadership Award and $5,000 for the recipient’s nonprofit will be presented to an executive director who has demonstrated excellence in leadership and whose vision has inspired meaningful and lasting change benefiting the organization and community.
Kerry Ahearn, Aldea, Inc.
Johnny Apodaca, Serenity Homes of Napa Valley
Alonso Corona, Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Olivia Cowell, Lunchtime Productions Inc. dba Cafeteria Kids Theater
Jennielynn Holmes, Catholic Charities of Northwest California
Heather Luna, Share the Care Napa Valley
Celine Regalia, Providence Community Health Napa Valley
Monica Stevens, Jameson Humane
Trent Yaconelli, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga
SPONSOR: The Doctors Company
Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence
The Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence Award and $5,000 will be presented to an organization that has demonstrated exemplary service to its constituents.
10,000 Degrees
Bleating Hearts Farm and Sanctuary
Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga
Broadway and Vine
Jameson Humane
Lunchtime Productions Inc. dba Cafeteria Kids Theater
Molly’s Angels
Napa County Hispanic Network
Napa Green
Napa Valley Education Foundation
Napa Valley State Parks Association
Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition
Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center
Soroptimist International of St. Helena
SPONSOR: Fifth Third Bank
Corporate Community Service
The Corporate Community Service Award will be presented to a business that has fostered and encouraged volunteerism and philanthropy among its employees.
F&M Bank
Mechanics Bank
Redwood Credit Union
SPONSOR: CVNL
Volunteer of the Year
The Volunteer of the Year Award and $5,000 for the recipient’s nonprofit will be presented to an individual (other than a board member) who has provided exemplary volunteer service to a Napa County nonprofit organization.
Chris Benz, Napa Green
Tyson Carpenter, Molly’s Angels
Juan Escudero, Molly’s Angels
Blanca Gonzalez, NEWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Services
Shannon Hattyar, Girls on the Run North Bay
Mary Huber, Napa Valley Education Foundation
Saul Meza Rios, Boys & Girls Club of St. Helena and Calistoga
SPONSOR: Syar Foundation
Excellence in Board Leadership
The Excellence in Board Leadership Award and $2,500 for the recipient’s nonprofit will be presented to an exceptional volunteer member of a Napa County nonprofit board of directors.
Deborah Freed Goldman, 10,000 Degrees
Kim Hester-Williams, Aldea, Inc.
Colleen Kabeary, Share the Care Napa Valley
Anna Marie Longo, Lunchtime Productions Inc. dba Cafeteria Kids Theater
Robert Nations, Napa Valley Support Services
Molly Sheppard, Napa Green
Bob Torres, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga
Dr. Maria Villagomez, Napa County Hispanic Network
SPONSOR: PG&E
Thank you, Presenting Sponsor
2025 Award Sponsors
