Each year, Chamber San Mateo County presents awards to recognize individuals and organizations that have made lasting contributions and impacts in the areas of public service, education, business and labor and community development.

The 127th Annual Awards & Recognition Luncheon

Thursday, February 27, 2025
11:30 – 1:30pm.
Domenico Winery, 1697 Industrial Road, San Carlos

2024 Honorees

Cornerstone Award – BKF Engineers

The Cornerstone Award recognizes those who make a meaningful and lasting impact in their communities, devoting their time, talents, and resources to community development and philanthropic initiatives.

This year’s honoree is BKF Engineers, a Redwood City-based firm that has a nearly 100-year history with Chamber San Mateo County. BKF is a leader in their field and in the community. Two past BKF executives have served as chair of the Chamber board of directors and the company has had a representative in almost every Chamber San Mateo County Leadership program class over the last 37 years. BKF’s impact on the community is lasting as they partner with governments, schools, labor organizations and businesses to develop and support economic growth and vitality in the Bay Area.

Women of the Year – Alicia Aguirre and Davina Hurt

Co-sponsored by Heritage Bank of Commerce, the Woman of the Year award recognizes outstanding women that shine in four key areas: leadership development, mentoring/mentorship, lifelong learning, and character. The 2024 honorees are two long-time city government leaders who each served as mayors of their respective cities: Alicia Aguirre of Redwood City and Davina Hurt of Belmont.

Alicia Aguirre recently retired after 21 years of service from the Redwood City Council, having been the first Latina to be elected to Council and to serve as the city’s mayor and vice mayor. A life-long advocate for education, Alicia Aguirre served as a Trustee and President of the Redwood City Elementary School Board prior to joining the City Council, and she has been a professor at Cañada College for more than two decades.

Davina Hurt recently completed two terms on the Belmont City Council, during which time, she served as the city’s first Black mayor and vice mayor. A lawyer by profession, Davina Hurt has focused a significant portion of her public service on combatting the threat of climate change and served as vice chair of the Silicon Valley Clean Water Board, chair of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and as a gubernatorial appointee to the Air Resources Board.

Tom Mohr “Champion of Education” Awards – Joan Dentler

Named for the late Tom Mohr, an educator and community leader who dedicated more than a half- century to further the cause, impact, and profession of public education, this award recognizes individuals and organizations who champion educational equity. This year’s recipient, Joan Dentler, exemplifies the values of Tom Mohr.

A long-time education policy leader in the offices of former state senator Jerry Hill and currently with state senator Josh Becker, Joan Dentler has been an invaluable partner and advocate for all K-12 and higher education institutions in San Mateo County. Her work has led to greater access, equity, funding and resources for schools and colleges throughout the community.

Impactful Non-Profit – HIP Housing

Non-profit organizations bridge the gap between business and government, provide resources, supports and safety networks for the most vulnerable in our community and serve as leaders in policy and innovation that fuel the hearts, minds, bodies and spirits of our county. The Impactful Non-Profit Organization award recognizes an organization that exemplifies selfless service in the support of others and rallies the community in a call to action to address social, economic, education, justice or structural inequities.

HIP Housing is being recognized as the 2024 honoree of this award for the organization’s steadfast call to making housing more affordable and accessible for the residents of San Mateo County. From their home sharing program to their organization-owned and managed rental properties, HIP Housing provides opportunities to individuals and families for a place to call home. Since 1972, HIP Housing has been at the forefront in furthering the community consciousness about sustainable housing solutions in the region.