Since its inception in 1997, the program has recognized 485 individuals from all 21 New Jersey counties, distributing more than $4.7 million to fuel community-based change.
This year’s ceremony is unique, marking the first time the foundation has specifically designated half of its awards to Gen Z changemakers. These young leaders, all under 27, are tackling modern challenges ranging from mental health and LGBTQ+ advocacy to environmental sustainability and global recycling.
“This is Russ’s lasting legacy: to connect the past to the future and create a community of individuals who, together, are making a positive impact,” Angelica Berrie, president of the Russell Berrie Foundation said.
2026 Gen Z Honorees
The youth honorees demonstrate a sophisticated grasp of logistics and social entrepreneurship:
- Sri Nihal Tammana (Middlesex County): His “Recycle My Battery” initiative has successfully recycled over 750,000 batteries globally.
- Spencer Chaisanguanthum (Bergen County): Founded a tuition-free public speaking program serving 3,000 students worldwide.
- Giuliana Demma (Monmouth County): Mobilized 500 volunteers to create 3,000 custom pediatric hospital gowns.
The remaining 15 awards, titled “Grow the Ripple of Positive Change,” were given to individuals nominated by the network of 450+ past recipients. This peer-to-peer recognition highlights the interconnectedness of New Jersey’s non-profit sector.
Notable ripple-effect honorees include:
- Mark Valli (Sussex County): Leads Norwescap, providing housing and job training for 30,000 people.
- Ronsha Dickerson (Camden County): Founder of Community Doulas of South Jersey, focusing on Black maternal health disparities.
- Katelyn Baker (Mercer County): Expands the “AIR Dogs: Paws for Minds” therapy dog program to support student mental health.
The program will conclude this chapter by celebrating the collective impact of its network. Leaders who got their start or received a boost from this award—such as Fraidy Reiss (Unchained At Last) and Adam Lowy (Move For Hunger)—have gone on to build organizations that affect millions of lives nationwide.
“As this chapter closes, we’re not ending that work, we’re passing the torch to the next generation of community leaders,” said Scott Berrie, Vice President of the Foundation.
The 30 honorees will be officially recognized on May 8, 2026, at Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah, the institution that has administered the award since its beginning.
Full List of 2026 Honorees by County
| County | Honorees |
| Bergen | Eddi Raymond, Ezra Fineman, Spencer Chaisanguanthum, Sylvia Brown, Julie Kinner, Paul Shackford, Violet Reed |
| Middlesex | Aliza Lopez, Ava Costa, Sri Nihal Tammana, Mona Patel |
| Mercer | Kavin Arora, Katelyn Baker, Dr. Lawrence Boyd III, Terry McMillian |
| Essex | Lakita Lloyd, Rashanna James-Frison, Dr. Alice Terrell-Bryant |
| Hudson | Beatriz Rodriguez, Kathleen Lynn, Louis Quinones |
| Camden | Erielys Vicente, Ronsha Dickerson |
| Ocean | Landon Hoberman, Christine Baugh |
| Monmouth | Giuliana Demma |
| Union | Aidan Barth & Abigail Franco |
| Passaic | Alias Ragsdale |
| Sussex | Mark Valli |
| Atlantic | Susan Long |
