This award recognizes an individual who has distinguished themselves in northern Nevada through their inspiration, dedication, motivation, or acts of kindness. Eligible nominees must be located in PBS Reno’s northern Nevada and northeastern California viewing areas.
 

Award Category sponsored by

Emma White is the author of the book "It's Not OK, but It Will Be," and is the Founder and President of the Life Is Worth It Organization. She is passionate about youth suicide prevention and shares her story of surviving suicide as a teenager to help others see that their life is worth living, too. Emma wears many other hats including Podcast Host and Professional Speaker. Emma's TEDx talk is titled "Why We Need a National Health Curriculum in Schools to Prevent Suicide," which her nonprofit organization is actively working on to change the landscape of health education in U.S. schools. Emma is an accomplished advocate and mental health expert whose passionate voice and lived experience has gained national acclaim.

Ann Silver is the CEO of the Reno+Sparks Chamber of Commerce. Born and raised in New York City, Ann arrived in Nevada after completing Notre Dame Law School to work for Indian Legal Services. She attributes any professional accomplishments to her colleagues, mentors and parents. In 2016, Ann was appointed as the first female CEO of the Reno+Sparks Chamber in its 105-year history; it’s the largest business organization in northern Nevada with 2,200 businesses that employ over 120,000 people in the community. Ann Silver is dedicated and passionate about making a positive impact on the community we live in. 

Sylvia Gonzalez is the Director of Client Services at Domestic Violence Resource Center in Reno (formerly CAAW) and has been with the organization since 2001. Her role consists of supervising DVRC’s advocates, safety planning, creating and evaluating programs provided to all clients, as well as managing the English and Spanish Support Groups. These support groups are a safe place where victims can express their frustrations, fears, and goals with others in similar situations as themselves. Sylvia is a survivor of domestic violence and child abuse. Her experiences have helped her understand and be compassionate in helping others going through domestic violence. Helping others regain their independence, their self-worth, and to live free of violence is the best thanks she can receive. 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Contact Diane Barrett, Community Partnership Director
PBS Reno • O: 775-600-0584 • C: 415-385-5657 • dbarrett@pbsreno.org

Our previous Spotlight Awards and Auction honorees and events:

2023 Winners and Finalists | 2022 Winners and Finalists | 2021 Winners and Finalists | 2020 Winners and Finalists