Press Release

Senator Reyes Honors Rising Stars of the Inland Empire at Annual 30 Under 30 Event

2025 30 Under 30 Honorees pose with Senator Reyes

2025 30 Under 30 Honorees pose with Senator Reyes. 
Full bios and photos can be found here

(San Bernardino, CA) – Last night, Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) hosted the 9th Annual 30 Under 30 Awards Ceremony, celebrating outstanding young leaders across the Inland Empire. Since 2017, the event has recognized changemakers in community activism, business, education, health, art, and social entrepreneurship. 

“The long-term success of the Inland Empire depends on the positive impact our young people have on our region,” said Reyes. “I am confident that by elevating today’s leaders, we inspire others to make bold moves that redefine our region as one of innovation and progress. I’m incredibly proud of the young people of Senate District 29, and hope they feel seen and supported.”

2025 event partners include: Vision y Compromiso; West Valley Water District; Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling Company; META Platforms; Teamsters Local 1932; San Bernardino Community College District; Inland Empire Labor Institute; California State University, San Bernardino; Arrowhead Regional Medical Center; Cucamonga Valley Water District; and Inland Empire Utilities Agency.


2025 30 Under 30 Honorees

Honorees listed by city


Bloomington

Joaquin Castillejos

A sustainability advocate and Lead Organizer at CCAEJ, Joaquin champions environmental justice and community empowerment throughout the Inland Empire.

Miguel Muñoz Valtierra

A doctoral student at UC Riverside researching sociolinguistics and environmental justice, with roots in Bloomington and a passion for community activism.


Colton

Officer Nilda Campos

A leader in community policing and digital outreach whose work has transformed department-community engagement; 2024 Officer of the Year.

Reyna Sanches

Colton Ambassador and aspiring dermatologist studying Biomedical Studies while actively contributing to local civic and volunteer activities.


Fontana

Kameron Pyant

Author, youth advocate, and community builder who uses storytelling and service to promote resilience and empowerment.

Sarah Nguyen

Student leader at Chaffey College with a strong record of academic excellence, volunteerism, and campus leadership.

Sophia Awad

Student government leader and policy advocate dedicated to equity, student rights, and statewide reform that supports student-athletes.

Weslee Lewis

Founder of Pure Soles, a nonprofit that has provided 900+ pairs of shoes and essential items to underserved youth across the Inland Empire.


Grand Terrace

Andy Palomares

Youth pastor, creative visionary, and founder of the Creative Summit, which equips youth with professional skills and pathways to opportunity.


Highland

Jonathon Castaneda

Firefighter paramedic serving the Highland community with dedication, compassion, and a deep commitment to public safety.

Breanna Lane

Sorority advisor, youth mentor, and realtor who helps first-time homebuyers build stability and generational wealth.


Rancho Cucamonga

Valeria Chavez

Student leader, nonprofit founder, and statewide advocate advancing equity, mentorship, and civic engagement for youth.

Carson Fajardo

CSU Student Trustee and Strategic Initiatives Associate at NPHS, representing 470,000+ students statewide.

Hannah Monet Grady

Social media strategist helping creatives and entrepreneurs build impactful, values-driven online identities.

Mina Hanin

Harvard-trained policy leader, civic innovator, and co-founder shaping economic development initiatives regionally and nationally.

Pedro Quintero

Conservation leader and Project Coordinator for the Urban Conservation Corps, guiding youth through environmental stewardship projects.

Srishti Surana

UCSD student and aspiring attorney with experience in state government, community development, and legislative advocacy.


Redlands

Zachary Cortz

Educator, civic engagement leader, and literacy advocate committed to empowering students and strengthening democracy.

Edgar Gonzalez

Financial professional and community leader serving Redlands through education, mentorship, and nonprofit stewardship.


Rialto

Kathleen Bojorquez

High school ASB Treasurer and equity advocate uplifting Latino culture and expanding opportunities for her peers.

Jailene Paniagua

Associate Director at Think Together overseeing programs serving 2,000+ students daily and championing educational equity.


San Bernardino

Alicia Aguayo

Communications strategist and longtime advocate for justice, equity, and narrative change across the Inland Empire.

Yasmeen Dabbas

Community organizer and Grants Manager at IECF advancing regional equity, investment, and community wellbeing.

Andie Marie Garcia

Award-winning filmmaker and student leader using storytelling to address social issues and uplift youth voices.

Richard Jones Jr.

Community health worker whose journey from adversity to leadership inspires others to seek opportunity and transformation.

Jesús Ortiz Paz (JOP)

Global música mexicana artist, entrepreneur, and community advocate uplifting Latino communities and local talent.

Christian Sihombing

Director of Partnerships for the IE 66ers and youth pastor committed to mentorship, service, and community connection.

Daysi Silvas-Ramirez

Peer leader and advocate for foster youth, using lived experience to drive policy change and awareness.

Justin Cody Verduzco

KVCR Marketing & Communications Coordinator expanding the reach and community impact of public media.


Upland

Azalea Segura-Mora

Music creator and international performer blending cultures and genres while uplifting women in audio production.

Jasmine Munoz

United Way leader advancing economic justice, anti-poverty initiatives, and statewide community empowerment.


Special Recognitions

The Power of One Award

Derek Martinez

District Office Intern for Senator Reyes, public service leader, and advocate for sustainability, equity, and civic engagement.

Wilmer “Amina” Carter Legacy Award

Angel Rodriguez

Associate Vice Chancellor at SBCCD and statewide leader expanding college access, financial aid awareness, and educational equity.


To view event photos, visit our website
The event program, with honoree names and headshots can be found here.

 

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Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Senate District 29, which includes the cities of Colton, Fontana, Highland, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, Upland, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy.