Peacemaker Awards

Join us for the Peacemaker Awards on May 2, 2026!

2026 Honorees

National Peacemaker

Dr. Bernice A. King

Global thought leader, lawyer, minister, nonviolent peace advocate, and CEO of The King Center in Atlanta; youngest daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King

For her lifelong commitment to building a more just world through nonviolence and her tireless dedication to transforming conflict into positive social change.

Local Peacemaker

Sponsored by Bobbie and Jon Gilbert

Jorge Francisco Castillo

Grammy Award-winning musician; founder of U.S.-Mexico border festival “Fandango Fronterizo,” which inspired the “Fandango at the Wall” documentary and Latin Jazz album

For promoting unity, peace, and cultural exchange through Son Jarocho music and fostering love and connection that transcends physical barriers.

Philanthropy in Peacemaking

Jack McGrory

Visionary philanthropist; civic, business, and volunteer leader; CSU Trustee; former San Diego city manager

For his belief in the power of education and investment in local causes and public-private partnerships that uplift San Diegans and build community.

Host Committee

Host Committee Chairs

Sandra Timmons and Richard Sandstrom

Johanna F. Afshani and Robert Afra
Burgundi Allison
Mary and Rolf Benirschke
Laura and Rick Bregman
Michael Brunker
Michelle and Art Candland
Carol and Jeffrey Chang
Rachel Hurst and Rich Clampitt
Tara Fuad and Steven Dinkin
In memoriam Roberta Dinkin
Molly and Ted Eldredge
The Honorable Rebecca Kanter
and David Finn
Christine Forester
Nancy M. Giberson, Ph.D.
Bobbie and Jon Gilbert
Sara and Michael Greenspan
Ann and Ben Haddad
Susan and Steve Hart
Joan and Richard Heller
Jeanne L. Herberger, Ph.D.
Jen and Waylon Hicks
Ann L. Hill
Lee and R. Christian Hulburt
The Jaffe Family

Karen and Nate Jolly
Jim Kaplan
Linda and Mel Katz
Jack Lampl
Sandy and Jim Linthicum
Lisa and Bill Littlejohn
Lisa and Nick Macchione
Mari and Peter MacCracken
Susan and Craig McClellan
Michelle McGowan
Jack McGrory
Steve McIntee and Robert Meinzer
Aradhna and Grant Oliphant
Rena and Rich Paul
The Raymond Family
Garry Ridge
Dorian and Bill Sailer
Lynn O’Harra and Eric Sandy
Karen and Jeff Silberman
Lera and Steven Smith
Jennifer and Tom Turner
Peter Kim and Alan Turri
Susy and Pedro Villegas
Mary L. Walshok, Ph.D.
Sharon and David Wax
Meryl and George Young

What are the Peacemaker Awards?

The Peacemaker Awards are one of San Diego’s premier annual events, drawing over 800 community and civic leaders to celebrate the local and national honorees dedicated to peacemaking in our neighborhoods and around the world. Since the first Peacemaker Awards in 1989, our community of partners and supporters has celebrated many individuals and organizations who recognize a need for change and then craft a positive solution. NCRC has given awards to deserving recipients ranging from well-known elected officials and public figures to reformed gang members and tattoo artists.

View Past Peacemaker Photos

View Past Peacemaker Honorees