Recognizing Changemakers: Annual Awards Highlight Civic Leaders

The Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee Recognizes Three Outstanding Community Leaders in Annual Awards Ceremony

(Truckee, CA) The Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee (CCTT), a program of the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF), recently recognized three exceptional social service professionals. CCTT’s annual awards, voted on by CCTT’s network of more than 45 local health and human services organizations, recognize individuals’ unique contributions to Tahoe – Truckee:

• The Chris Ballin Award honors contributions that advance cultural competency, equality, and social justice in the community;
• The Public Service Award of Excellence recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond in serving the community; and
• The Partner of the Year Award celebrates an advocate of underserved communities and a champion of collaboration and equity.

It is an honor to assist the Tahoe Truckee community. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside all of our partners and friends to improve our community and meet its needs. I am also grateful for those who nominated me and motivate me every day, and for my family who always supports me in my ideas and achievements; I will continue helping and being there for my community in whichever way I can.

– Isabel Lopez, Nevada County Health and Human Services

The Chris Ballin Award, Craig Rowe: Craig Rowe, a Truckee High School English teacher, has significantly leveled the college admissions playing field for Latino students in the Tahoe Truckee community by providing crucial mentorship and support entirely for free. He dedicates his time to recruiting and guiding students throughout their high school careers, assisting them in selecting rigorous courses, internships, and pre-college programs, and navigating the entire admissions process while aligning options with their academic interests, finances, and family obligations. Students describe his mentorship, often through La Fuerza Latina, as offering a “safe space” where they can ask for help without judgment and receive “never-ending support and love”. His work impacts entire families and strengthens the community, as his mentees often return to “pay it forward”.

Public Service Award of Excellence, Isabel Lopez: Isabel Lopez exemplifies the highest qualities of public service, including dedication, compassion, and a tireless commitment to improving the lives, health, and wellbeing of others. For over twenty years, she has been an essential and highly valued member of the operations team with Nevada County Public Health/Health & Human Services. As a bilingual and bicultural Senior Health Technician, Ms. Lopez consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the Truckee community, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and client support. She works one-on-one with clients and families, frequently acting as the first point of contact during difficult and defining life moments. She assists clients from diverse backgrounds in navigating complex health access and support systems, secures essential safety-net services, and provides compassionate support, approaching every interaction with kindness, respect, and deep understanding.

CCTT Partner of the Year, Annamarie Cohen: Dr. Annamarie Cohen is a collaborative leader recognized as a powerful advocate for bringing underrepresented voices to the table and a true champion of collaboration and equity. Described as the “driving force” or “cornerstone” of TTUSD Student Services, she works tirelessly to ensure ALL students are safe, supported, and engaged in school, with a particular focus on special needs and marginalized students. Dr. Cohen manages a crucial and diverse spectrum of student supports, including early learning, wellness initiatives, disciplinary actions, and attendance monitoring. She demonstrates outstanding leadership in regional collaboration, securing critical resources for students through partnerships. Colleagues note that she handles the most complex issues with professionalism, integrity, grace, and a great sense of humor.

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About the Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee (CCTT):

CCTT, a program of Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF), is composed of more than 45 health, education, and social service organizations and coalitions. These partners have worked together for nearly 30 years to address the complex issues and fundamental needs of community members. The Collaborative seeks to understand the stories of our local people, and we root our work in the power of data to inform our leaders and drive results.