Vanguard Legacy Awards
Amidst the charged anticipation of 2024 Election Day, the Groundswell Action Fund is spotlighting the remarkable leaders who have shattered ceilings and forged new frontlines for their communities.
These leaders epitomize the essence of BOLD leadership, infusing our democracy with the vibrancy of inclusion and intersectionality.
In this inaugural celebration, we’re uplifting the voices of those visionary leaders whose steadfast resilience has carved a path toward a future where justice and equity prevail.
The Vanguard Legacy Defined:
vanguard: the forefront of an action or movement
- Redefinition of activism and advocacy through innovative approach, strategic foresight, and unwavering dedication.
- The forefront of a more inclusive and equitable society, breaking down barriers and setting new standards for leadership across the social justice landscape.
Vanguard Legacy Awardees
Meet the Honorees
- Sayu Bhojwani, Founder, Women's Democracy Lab
- Ronnie Jo Horse, Executive Director, Western Native Voice
- Andrea Serrano, Executive Director, OLÉ
- Karundi Williams, Executive Director, re:power
- Dusti Gurule, Executive Director, COLOR Action Fund
- Daroneshia Duncan-Boyd, Founder and Executive Director, TAKE
- Anathea Chino, Executive Director, Advance Native Political Leadership Action Fund
- Mary Le Nguyen, Executive Director, Washington CAN
Dr. Sayu Bhojwani
The Self Care Guru
A role model for prioritizing personal well-being and setting boundaries, promoting self-care practices to prevent burnout and sustain long-term activism.
What does it take to build power?
“Love. A sense of agency and belonging. A commitment to a vision that transcends the work of one org or leader.”
Ronnie Jo Horse
The Compassionate Advocate
An empathetic and nurturing leader who actively listens to others’ experiences, offering support and solidarity while advocating for justice.
What myths would you like to break in your organization’s work?
“That you don’t have a voice in your vote! Go Vote!”
Andrea Serrano
The Communicative Maven
A skilled and thoughtful communicator who effectively conveys messages, fosters dialogue, and inspires action through powerful storytelling and messaging.
What is your why?
“Knowing that the roots of power were not meant for people like me, and yet I have every right to change the trajectory of the generations that come after me.”
Karundi Williams
The Empowerment Champion
A leader who prioritizes uplifting and empowering others, especially those from marginalized communities, fostering a culture of inclusivity and equity.
What is your why?
“I honor the Black women before me. I am creating a world where Black and Brown girls are living and seen in their full power. I fight for us everyday.”
Dusti Gurule
The Collaborative Catalyst
A connector and bridge-builder who excels at building coalitions and fostering collaboration among diverse groups, amplifying collective power.
What does it take to build power?
“Social movements led by those communities most impacted by injustice are the most influential drivers of change, as only the affected communities themselves can genuinely understand the deep-felt impacts and the most effective, equitable solutions to the issues that have impacted them for generations.”
Daroneshia Duncan
The Intersectional Sage
A wise leader who deeply understands and articulates the interconnected nature of various forms of oppression and privilege, guiding others toward more inclusive approaches.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
“The accomplishment that I’m most proud of is being able to open the first Black trans, brick-and-mortar center in Birmingham.”
Anathea Chino
The Adaptable Innovator
A flexible and adaptable leader who thrives in dynamic environments, quickly adjusting strategies to respond to changing circumstances and emerging needs.
What myths would you like to break in your organization’s work?
“A pervasive myth suggests that Native leaders should only focus on leading Native-majority communities. This harmful belief not only underestimates the capabilities of Native leaders but also perpetuates the misconception that they are incapable of leading diverse communities.”
Mary Le Nguyen
The Community-Driven Pacesetter
A leader committed to setting the pace and mobilizing community towards empowerment while remaining open to feedback, self-reflection, and ongoing learning about social justice issues and strategies.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
“My biggest challenge and proudest accomplishment is becoming Washington CAN’s first Executive Director of color and expanding our issue areas to include housing and criminal justice, which enabled us to build deeper roots in communities of color.”