Carmen M. Chavez: Leading with Justice and Compassion
When it comes to defending human rights for immigrants in San Diego, few names carry the weight and respect of Carmen M. Chavez. This month, Carmen was honored as one of five recipients of the 2026 Prebys Leadership Awards, recognizing leaders who are “all in” for San Diego—building lasting impact across the region’s arts, youth, health, and community initiatives. Each award comes with $100,000 to continue shaping positive change, a testament to the difference these leaders make every day.
Carmen’s journey with Casa Cornelia Law Center began over 29 years ago as a volunteer, fueled by a passion for justice and a deep commitment to the immigrant community, inspiring her to become an attorney. Today, as Executive Director, she guides a team of staff and volunteers, ensuring that survivors of human and civil rights violations have access to quality pro bono legal services with justice and compassion. Under her leadership, Casa Cornelia has become a trusted beacon for those navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, offering safety, stability, and dignity to those most in need.
A Community of Changemakers
Carmen shares the 2026 honor with four other extraordinary San Diego leaders:
- Caroline “Cara” Dessert, CEO of The San Diego LGBTQ+ Community Center, has expanded housing, youth services, and advocacy programs that uplift LGBTQ+ individuals across the region.
- Renato Paiva, CEO of Access Youth Academy, transforms the lives of underserved youth through academic enrichment, wellness, and squash and pickleball programs—helping them reach college and beyond.
- Brandon Steppe, founder and director of The David’s Harp Foundation, empowers justice-involved and transitional age youth through music and creative opportunities.
- Ethan van Thillo, founder and executive director of Media Arts Center San Diego, has pioneered youth-focused media programs while elevating Latino artists in San Diego.
Together, these leaders reflect a shared vision: that investing in people and community creates a stronger, more vibrant San Diego.
Impact That Resonates
For Carmen, the award is not just a personal milestone—it’s a recognition of Casa Cornelia’s enduring mission. From supporting asylum seekers and victims of crime to advocating for unaccompanied children, the organization’s work is a model of justice with compassion in action. The Prebys Foundation’s acknowledgment highlights not only Carmen’s leadership but also the profound, tangible difference legal advocacy can make in people’s lives.
As the 2026 recipients carry forward their projects with new resources, the San Diego community benefits from a ripple effect of leadership, dedication, and creative solutions to real-world challenges.
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Learn more about the Prebys Leadership Awards and past recipients at prebysfdn.org/leaders2026.
