With nearly 50 nominations submitted, the Santa Cruz Works Board of Directors faced the challenge of narrowing the field to a maximum of 10 finalists. The selection criteria were as follows:

• The nominee’s business must be based in Santa Cruz, Monterey, or San Benito County.

• The nominee must have made a meaningful economic, cultural, or social impact locally or globally.

• Demonstrates exceptional innovation or entrepreneurship through groundbreaking products, services, or business models that address current or future challenges.

And the Awardees are…

• Dr. Chris Brenner: Dr. Chris Benner’s groundbreaking work champions equity and economic opportunity by reshaping narratives and policies to highlight collaboration and mutuality. Challenging neoliberal norms, his Solidarity Economics framework has driven transformative initiatives like Salinas’ adoption by the James Irvine Foundation and California’s $600M Jobs First program, fostering justice, innovation, and impact.

• Cate Miller: Cate is a dynamic finance professional driving positive change in Santa Cruz. At Chiorini, Platt & Jacobs, LLP, and previously as a partner at Summit Accountancy Group, she led with innovation and integrity. As an accounting professor at CSU Monterey Bay, she’s shaping the future of finance through mentorship and education.

• Josh Metz: Executive Director and co-founder of DART (mbdart.org), Josh exemplifies visionary leadership, driving innovation and economic resilience in Monterey Bay. From securing Joby Aviation at Marina Airport to launching apprenticeship programs and securing $3.5M in funding, his dedication to transformative partnerships and workforce development is building a thriving, future-focused community.

• Annie Otfinoski: CEO and founder of Evest Energy, Annie is revolutionizing California’s EV transition by building ultra-fast charging stations with a focus on driver experience. With a Master’s in Environmental Policy and expertise in sustainability, Annie has partnered with giants like GM and Nissan, driving innovation for a greener, electrified future.

• Ed Colligan: a tech industry legend whose visionary leadership as former President and CEO of Palm, Inc. revolutionized mobile computing in the early 2000s. A trailblazer in innovation, Ed’s groundbreaking work shaped the future of mobile devices. In Santa Cruz, his mentorship has inspired countless entrepreneurs and strengthened our tech ecosystem.

• Danny Bernstein: Danny, a seasoned Silicon Valley executive and visionary investor, is a newcomer to Monterey Bay, bringing inspiration and venture capital to agtech entrepreneurs. With 20 years at Google and Microsoft and as founder of HawkTower, Danny empowers startups to revolutionize agriculture through technology, driving sustainability and growth in California’s Central Valley.

• Hari Mix: From conquering athletics at Stanford, to receiving his, teaching the next-gen of students, mastering some of the highest mountains in the world with no oxygen tank, and to becoming a world expert in metabolism to enable multiple newly awarded gold-medal Olympic athletes through his start-up Calorify, he truly can climb any mountain.

• Patricio Guerrero: Patricio's Swellcycle embodies grit, determination, and boundless imagination, transforming the surfing industry while championing sustainability. With innovative manufacturing techniques, Swellcycle redefines what’s possible, creating surfboards that honor the ocean they ride. Rooted in Santa Cruz’s spirit, it’s a bold leap toward a future where passion meets environmental responsibility.

• Richard “Ed” Green: Ed is a visionary scientist and entrepreneur, instrumental in founding Cantata Bio, Claret Bioscience, and Astrea Forensics—Santa Cruz-based companies advancing DNA extraction and sequencing technologies. His innovations have solved cold cases spanning seven decades. As UC Santa Cruz's QB3 director, Ed inspires and trains the next generation of biotech founders, empowering graduate students and postdocs to turn groundbreaking research into impactful startups, fueling entrepreneurship and innovation in biotechnology.

• Thomas Sage Pedersen: Thomas is a visionary leader whose courage and commitment to social justice have made a profound impact on the community. As Founder and CEO of Everyone's Music School, he has expanded access to music education, fostering personal growth and social change. Through Ignite Nexus, he provides crisis management and DEI coaching, while his podcast, *Speak for Change*, amplifies marginalized voices. Thomas’s leadership extends to key boards, shaping the cultural and educational fabric of the region. His unwavering dedication to equity, compassion, and innovation makes him a true Titan deserving of recognition.

Tickets are going fast for this beloved annual event. Come celebrate and be inspired! You could be the next Titan!