PBS Reno is proud to recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses making a significant impact on the region with the 2022 Spotlight Awards!

Extraordinary Individual

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

2022 FINALISTS | Extraordinary Individual

FINALIST

ADRIENNE SANTIAGO

In late August 2019, when Adrienne Santiago signed on as Executive Director of the Northern Literacy Council (NNLC), she expected to be drinking from a fire hose but got a tsunami. After the 2020 shutdown, NNLC was the only literacy program for adult learners operating in the area. NNLC continued to offer classes to prepare adults to earn their high school equivalency (HSET) diploma and/or become proficient in English. Her own personal experience, education, and knowledge of NNLC literacy issues drove her to design and staff a system addressing language barriers, school dropout rates, underemployment, and unemployment.

FINALIST

DENISE CASTLE

Denise Castle is an extraordinary example of a trailblazer, a visionary leader, and an influential woman in the Sierra Nevada region. Her passion and commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty have led her to spearhead new programs and provide much-needed workforce development solutions to Northern Nevada. As CEO of JOIN Inc., Denise has recently focused on deploying emergency assistance to those whose careers were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership positively impacts local businesses, schools, and individuals in urban, rural, and frontier communities throughout the region.

WINNER

ASHLEE SMITH

Ashlee founded her nonprofit, Ashlee’s Toy Closet when she was eight years old after losing her home in a fire. For almost 15 years, Ashlee has given out over 5 million toys. Ashlee has come a long way since 2008 when she launched her organization. Aside from distributing millions of toys to children across the country, Ashlee has also grown her award-winning charity to achieve widespread and international recognition for her work.