Calling all change-makers and community champions in Utah! Now in its second year, the GRIT Award honors individuals who exemplify the values of Giving, Respecting, Involving, and Transforming. This prestigious recognition celebrates those who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to community engagement by giving back, respecting differences, involving diverse voices, and driving meaningful, transformative change. Through their passion and efforts, these exceptional individuals continue to make Utah a better, more inclusive place for all.

GRIT Award Recipient

Destiny Garcia, Executive Director at Clean Slate Utah

Destiny has overcome significant personal challenges, yet she remains a dedicated advocate for others through the Clean Slate Initiative. This initiative offers second, third, and even fourth chances to individuals in the community, helping them rebuild their lives. 

GRIT Award Nominees 2025

Abdirizak Ibrahim - Executive Director, Somali Community Self Management Agency

Amy Dott Harmer - Executive Director, Utah Refugee Connection

Ben Powell - Artist, Creative Pacific Foundation

Beto Conejo - West Temple Media LLC

Betty Sawyer - Executive Director, Project Success Coalition

Brenda Diaz Del Valle - Manager, Workforce Planning at Progressive Leasing

Cencira Te’o - Co-Founder, Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR) 

Dale Foster - Senior Supervisor, Service Center, Progressive Leasing

Eddy Thompson Jr. - Global Trade Manager, L3Harris

Emrys Johnson - Queen Rugishe Hair

Gilberto Rejon Magana - Hartland Community 4 Youth & Families 

Halle Peralta - West Valley City Resident

Ian and Brittany Pizarro - The Call to Give

Ivan Gonzalez - Founder, Best Seat in the House; Swire Coca Cola 

Jeanette Padilla Vega - Founder, President, and CEO, Food Justice Coalition

Jenny Hor - Logistics and Project Coordinator, Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs 

Juliette Bautista - Founder, Club Ability Foundation  

Juan Becerra - Business Banking Relationship Manager, US Bank 

Kate Nielsen - Chief Operating Officer, Habitat for Humanity 

Katie Bunnell - President, Live Your Dream Foundation 

Katie Donoviel - Executive Director, English Skills Learning Center 

Mary Navalta Chavan - President, Philippine American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Utah 

Michelle Love-Day - Director, Language and Culture Service, Jordan School District 

Michael Ulibarri - Executive Director, Defy Ventures 

Nathan Black - Teacher, Granger High School, Granite School District 

Natsumi Alvarez - Senior Manager of Organization and Culture Development, Waterford 

Nikki Walker - Founder, NWPR & Consulting 

Princess Bombyck - Founder, Health Impact Alliance; CEO, Juah Apparel Exercise Clothing Company; Program Manager, University of Utah; AmeriCorps Service Member One Utah Service Fellowship 

Rachel Garrett - Founder and Executive Director of Common Thread 

Rebecca J. Dutson - President and CEO, The Children’s Center of Utah 

Robin Holcomb - Interim Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Utah 

Roy Bosch - Senior Regional Manager, Western Governors University 

Sandra Uribe De la Fuente - Director of Program Operations, Latino Initiative for Emotion Well-Being 

Sawsha Turpin - Stay at Home Mom 

Thaiss Del Rio - Policy Analyst, Voices for Utah Children 

PROG Tech Summer Jam

Date: Friday, May 23, 2025

Time: 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Location: 2875 Decker Lake Drive, Suite 150 West Valley City, 84119

Description of Event: A celebration of technology, education, and community in the heart of Greater West Valley City!

Come together with youth, families, and community members for an event honoring our Laptop Scholarship and PROG Scholar recipients, incredible young adults taking bold steps toward their educational and career goals.

We're proud to celebrate the future of our community with:

• Tech giveaways
• Live music
• Free local food
• Scholar recognition ceremony