Sen. Caroline Menjivar & Asm. Isaac Bryan Receive Our First “Dare to IMAGINE” & “Valued & Free” Awards
During the End Child Poverty California Coalition’s 2025 IMAGINE Legislative Briefing, we honored two leaders with our first-ever Dare to IMAGINE Award and Valued and Free Award. The awards went to leaders in the California State Senate and Assembly whom we constantly see lifting up the voices of children and families. These leaders show a commitment to innovation and proven policies that break cycles of poverty.
Our coalition members nominated leaders. Los Angeles-based artist Anna Alvarado created beautiful, original artwork. Then, we gave out the awards at our 2025 IMAGINE Legislative Briefing in February.
Thank you to Senator Caroline Menjivar (D – Burbank) and Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D – Los Angeles) for your commitment to voices, policies, and ideas that protect California’s children and families.
Dare to Imagine Award – Senator Caroline Menjivar
The Dare to IMAGINE Award recognizes bold leadership in reimagining a just and equitable future. The award celebrates someone who has courageously pushed boundaries, introduced transformative ideas, and ensured that bold economic policies drive equity and justice forward.
Senator Caroline Menjivar received the “Dare to IMAGINE” award for her tireless work championing children and families. Sen. Menjivar was instrumental in preventing cuts to safety net programs in the 2024-2025 California state budget.
In her remarks, Sen. Menjivar said, “When I ran for office I dared to imagine that I was going to break barriers to ensure that we can get everything we can for our most vulnerable individuals.”
We honor Senator Caroline Menjivar for her bold leadership in reimagining a just and equitable future.
Valued and Free Award – Assemblymember Isaac Bryan
The Valued and Free Award recognizes a California leader who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to dismantling racial and social injustice in the pursuit of liberation. The award honors leadership that has centered on eliminating racial disparities, advocating for liberation, and replacing oppressive systems with values-driven change.
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan received the 2025 Valued and Free Award for his leadership on the Select Committee on Poverty and Economic Inclusion and recent policy win, AB 2906 (Bryan, 2024).
Asm. Bryan couldn’t be with us in February. However, he shared the following comments, “[ASK STEPHANIE FOR WHAT REMARKS HE SENT IN–I THINK SHE HAS THEM.]”
We honor Asm. Bryan’s leadership, which has centered on eliminating racial disparities, advocating for liberation, and replacing oppressive systems with values-driven change.
