This award recognizes an individual who has distinguished themselves in northern Nevada through their inspiration, dedication, motivation, or acts of kindness. Eligible nominees must be located in PBS Reno’s northern Nevada and northeastern California viewing areas.
 

Award Category sponsored by

Derek Beauvais has served as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada since 2018, leading the organization through transformative growth and innovation. Under his leadership, BBBSNN secured a $1.2 million capacity-building grant, purchased a new headquarters, expanded services into rural counties, and launched initiatives like Big Hearts Big Homes. Derek has forged creative partnerships, including collaborations with Jeremy Renner and the Lennon Bus Project, giving youth the chance to produce and perform original music. A passionate advocate for mentorship, Derek is also a two-time Big Brother and serves on the national Big Brothers Big Sisters Leadership Council. Since 2021, he has also served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for Family Respite Care of Nevada. His work has been recognized by the Reno Tahoe YPN Twenty Under 40 Awards and other regional honors.

Becky Hall is a paleontologist, geologist, and educator passionate about engaging and exciting others with the common fascination, curiosity, and interest in fossils to make connections with STEM education. She has dedicated her career to serving the community, leading multiple nonprofits and currently serves as the Community Engagement Manager at the Nevada Mining Association. Becky grew up in Wisconsin and has called Nevada home for the past 17 years, where she has been able to travel the state searching for fossils, engaging in communities, and presenting education outreach programs.

Debbie is a proud mother of 3 sons, and a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno with strong ties to the Reno community.  After 30 incredible years as a successful business leader, Debbie made the decision to retire at the end of 2024 to begin a new chapter in her life journey.  She found her true passion and inspiration through adversity.  As a result of her son’s heroic battle with a rare cancer in 2020 followed by her own cancer diagnosis in 2022, she has expanded her advocacy work on behalf of childhood cancer to raise awareness, change policy, lessen the burden of cancer on families, and increase survivorship.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Contact: Sam Eigenman, Community Partnership Director
O: 775-600-0561 | C: 775-544-8431 | seigenman@pbsreno.org

Our previous Spotlight Awards and Auction honorees and events:

2024 Winners and Finalists | 2023 Winners and Finalists | 2022 Winners and Finalists | 2021 Winners and Finalists | 2020 Winners and Finalists