John W. Gardner Leadership Award
The John W. Gardner Leadership Award honors visionaries and transformative nonprofit changemakers who exemplify the leadership and ideals of American statesman and Independent Sector co-founder John W. Gardner.
Congratulations to Our 2026 Winner: Janet Murguía
Janet Murguía, President and CEO of UnidosUS, receives the John W. Gardner Leadership Award in recognition of her decades of leadership expanding opportunities and advancing civil rights for Latinos across the nation. Under her leadership, UnidosUS has continued to elevate Latino voices, strengthen community organizations, and advocate for policies that help families thrive. This recognition is especially meaningful as we gather in Phoenix, where UnidosUS began in 1968 as the Southwest Council of La Raza.
About the Gardner Award
This national award, established in 1985, honors outstanding Americans who exemplify the leadership and ideals of John W. Gardner (1912-2002), statesman and founding chair of Independent Sector.
Working with a selection committee of national leaders who are Independent Sector members, we present the award annually to one or more individuals whose leadership in or with the nonprofit community has helped transform, mobilize and unify people, institutions, or causes that help create a nation where all can thrive.
