José Andrés
HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Twice named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, José Andrés is an internationally renowned chef, New York Times bestselling author, educator, and humanitarian. Born and raised in Spain, he is credited with popularizing tapas in America and oversees more than 40 restaurants as the Executive Chairman of José Andrés Group.
José is the founder of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines, providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. In 2017, he and his team arrived to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane María, setting up a network of kitchens and food trucks that would eventually reach the whole island. From Ukraine to Gaza to Haiti, across the United States and beyond, WCK’s “food first responders” have partnered with local chefs and restaurants to serve nearly one billion nourishing meals around the world.
José has helped shape the global dialogue around food while inspiring chefs worldwide to see feeding people as both a craft and a higher calling. His work has earned awards and distinctions including the 2015 National Humanities Medal, “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation, and the Princesa de Asturias Foundation’s 2021 Concordia Prize. A proud naturalized U.S. citizen, Andrés has been a tireless advocate for immigration reform and on July 4, 2014 was named by President Barack Obama as that year’s “Outstanding American by Choice.”
Esai Morales
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Esai Morales is an award-winning actor and producer with a career spanning over four decades, celebrated for his iconic performances. Most recently, he appeared in “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” and “Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning” and stars in the new sci-fi thriller hit “War Machine.” Morales gained recognition for his breakout role in “Bad Boys” and subsequently for his portrayal of Bob Morales in “La Bamba,” the highest-grossing rock-themed biopic of all time.
Other film credits include “Master Gardener,” “Superfly,” “Bad Boys,” “Rapa Nui,” “My Family,” “Fast Food Nation,” “Paid in Full,” “Gun Hill Road” (Grand Jury Nominee at Sundance 2011), “Spare Parts,” “The Wall of Mexico,” and the upcoming “So Much For Love.” His notable television credits include “Ozark,” “How to Get Away with Murder,” “NYPD Blue,” “Criminal Minds,” “Resurrection Blvd,” “American Family,” and “Titans.” His theater work features performances in Oscar Wilde’s “Salomé” with Al Pacino, “The Tempest” with Raúl Juliá, “The Exonerated,” and his musical debut in “The Mambo Kings.”
In 1997, Morales co-founded the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, which has awarded over $2 million in scholarships to Hispanic students. He actively supports various causes, including public health, literacy, environmental issues, immigration, arts funding, and social justice.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
ourBRIDGE for KIDS is a Charlotte, North Carolina — based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children of immigrant and refugee families as they adapt, grow, and thrive in their new communities. Founded with a mission to bridge cultural and educational gaps, the organization provides a safe, inclusive space where children can build confidence, develop academically, and form meaningful connections.
ourBRIDGE for KIDS offers a range of impactful programs, including after-school academic support, literacy development, and summer enrichment designed to prevent learning loss. Its multicultural programming celebrates the diverse backgrounds of the children it serves, fostering cross-cultural understanding through arts, storytelling, and community events. The organization also emphasizes social-emotional learning, leadership development, and family engagement, ensuring that both children and their families feel supported and empowered.
Over the years, ourBRIDGE for KIDS has reached hundreds of students from dozens of countries, helping improve academic performance, school attendance, and self-confidence among participants. Its collaborative approach; partnering with schools, volunteers, and community organizations; has strengthened its ability to deliver high-quality programming and expand its impact. Through its continued growth and commitment to equity and inclusion, ourBRIDGE for KIDS stands as a vital resource for building opportunity and belonging for Charlotte’s newest generations.
