2025 Powerful IDEA Awards Update: Introducing the Marquee Awardees
These remarkable individuals represent the very best of progressive politics and democracy work
Hey Rootscamp fam!
I am so excited by this announcement I can’t sit still.
This year, at the Powerful IDEA Awards we will be presenting Marquee Awards to nine extraordinary leaders with in the movement.
Side note: who is going to be beside me to prevent me from being the biggest fangirl ever and embarrassing myself during the Awards?
Lifetime Achievement Award
Congressman Steny Hoyer
Former House Majority Leader, Maryland's 5th Congressional District
Recognizing a career devoted to lifting others and building the next generation of progressive leaders.
Living Legend Award
Will Robinson
Founding Partner, The New Media Firm
Celebrating a lifelong trailblazer whose transformative impact has reshaped progressive campaign infrastructure across generations.
Lee Saunders Labor Leader Award
AFT President Randi Weingarten
President, American Federation of Teachers
Saluting the backbone of progressive power and unwavering advocacy for educators and working families.
Truth to Power Award
Maurice Mitchell
National Director, Working Families Party
Honoring courage that transforms systems and fearlessly confronts institutional barriers to advance equity and justice.
Next Up Award
Santiago Mayer
Founder/Executive Director, Voters of Tomorrow
Spotlighting tomorrow's changemakers who refuse to wait for permission to lead and forge new paths for the future.
Hidden Figure Award
Emmy Ruiz
Former Political Director, The White House
Recognizing the essential architects of progress whose strategic work forms the backbone of our most important victories.
Transforming Party Award
Ben Wikler
Chair, Wisconsin Democratic Party
Empowering Democratic evolution and making the party more inclusive, effective, and responsive to communities.
Transforming Democracy Award
Jotaka Eaddy
Co-Founder, Black Women For
Honoring visionaries who expand democratic power and build pathways connecting Americans to the levers of change.
Transforming Community Award
Anathea Chino
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Advance Native Political Leadership
Building the movement's foundation through deep community organizing and authentic relationship-building.
These nine leaders represent the North Star of progressive politics—from those who built the foundations we stand on today to those who are forging the paths we'll walk tomorrow.
Join us in celebrating their extraordinary contributions to our democracy.
Natasha & the GAIN Power Team