Highlights from the 2025 Spotlight Awards Gala Celebration!
PBS Reno awarded Par and Jill Tolles with the title of Extraordinary Philanthropists. A couple dedicated to leadership, service, and positive change in Northern Nevada.
EXTRAORDINARY INDIVIDUAL
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.
``
Dr. Carina Black
Dr. Carina Black has served as executive director of the Northern Nevada International Center at UNR since 1999. She came to the United States in 1987 and believes we are stronger when we stand together as a global community. She focuses on bringing strangers together and supporting those uprooted from their homeland. Carina sees internationalization as a force for both economic development and good, helping one family at a time—quietly and without bravado—for nearly three decades.
Hindi Marciniak
Hindi Marciniak is the CEO of Empowered Ventures Media Group, a platform that has grown from a local Reno initiative into a network connecting thousands of women business owners through visibility, referrals, education, events, and relationships. Through her work and service with the Junior League of Reno, the Chamber of Commerce, Soroptimist International, and Delta Gamma alumnae, Hindi is committed to strengthening the community and helping others succeed. She believes that investing in one another creates a lasting impact beyond ourselves.
Joel Grace
Joel Grace serves as a Trustee for the City of Reno and sits on the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board, along with NAIOP, BANN, and as President of the Greater Reno Community Ice Skating Association. His passion led to the creation of Reno Ice, which opened in January 2021 as a year-round community ice complex. As Northern Nevada’s premier nonprofit ice arena, Reno Ice offers programs for all ages and abilities—fostering safety, skilled coaching, and a welcoming community while making ice sports accessible in the high desert.
EXTRAORDINARY STUDENT
This award recognizes a student who has distinguished themselves in in northern Nevada through their inspiration, dedication, motivation, or acts of kindness regardless of grade or age. Eligible nominees must be located in PBS Reno’s northern Nevada and northeastern California viewing areas.
``
Gianna Ruiz
Gianna is a resilient and ambitious student focused on her studies and extracurriculars. She works as an Educator with Right at School, bringing curriculum and fun to students before and after school. In her free time, she volunteers with nonprofits across Northern Nevada, especially Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet, whose mission resonates with her. As a Student Government Association Senator at TMCC, she has worked to improve campus life and created a mural honoring the Hispanic/Latinx community.
Tariq Mahaiuddin
Tariq began serving his community in 2019 at just 7 years old, opening a lemonade stand and donating every dollar to provide backpacks and school supplies for children in need. What started as one child’s effort has grown into a movement distributing over 1,000 backpacks with support from local businesses. Tariq’s compassion and dedication—alongside his straight A’s and honor roll achievements—make him an extraordinary young leader committed to helping others.
Juliette Leong
When a baby with leukemia couldn’t find a bone marrow match, Juliette sold her paintings to help. By the end of fourth grade, she had donated over $500,000 to support cancer patients and education. After being bullied for being different, she founded KTU, helping 600+ kids discover and share their talents while turning bullying into kindness. As a violinist, she has performed at 250+ community events and galas to raise awareness about childhood cancer and bullying.
EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATOR
This award recognizes an educator who has distinguished themselves in their community; by going above and beyond the regular duties of an educator to truly make an impact on a school, district, college, or community. Eligible nominees must be located in PBS Reno’s northern Nevada and northeastern California viewing areas.
``
Amanda Eckerman
Amanda Eckerman, a National Board and Kodály certified music teacher, began teaching music in WCSD in 2012 and now teaches music and directs the choir at Bohach Elementary. Mrs. Eckerman is one of three elementary music mentor teachers, the Facilitator of the Elementary Music Leadership Team, and the President of the Sierra Nevada Association of Kodály Educators. Mrs. Eckerman believes that music is for everyone and loves finding opportunities to unite our community through music.
Keddie Moseley
Keddie Moseley is an early childhood special education teacher with 16 years of combined experience in general education and special education. She holds teaching licenses in both general education, special education as well as endorsements in Social Emotional Academic Development and Autism. Having a sister with special needs has taught Keddie the importance of advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive, student-centered learning environment that fosters communication, social-emotional growth, independence, and academic success for all students.
Lucy Dugan
Lucy Dugan is the proud Principal of Traner Middle School, a Title I school. In her first year as principal, Traner improved from a 1-star to a 2-star school for the first time since 2018. She believes education is the greatest gift we can give a child. Lucy's favorite part of her work is building relationships with students, supporting teachers, and partnering with families to help every child succeed. She believes that meaningful change happens when a school community works together with a shared purpose. She is honored to serve the Traner Vikings and believes they truly are the best of the best.
EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNITY GROUP
This award recognizes an organization that has offered outstanding service, guidance, knowledge, emotional or physical support, and/or mentorship to their community. Eligible community groups must have on-the-ground operations in PBS Reno’s northern Nevada and northeastern California viewing area.
``
CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada
CARE Chest of Sierra Nevada, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serves Nevadans in need with essential medical resources. Over the past 36 years, CARE Chest has provided more than 650,000 consumer services statewide, including free medical equipment, supplies, prescription assistance, home modifications, and medical nutrition. Its comprehensive approach has made CARE Chest a trusted resource, endorsed by hospitals, clinics, and social service agencies supporting underserved communities across Nevada.
Boosted Diplomas
Boosted Diplomas is a Reno-based nonprofit supporting foster and at-risk youth through consistent tutoring, mentorship, and educational advocacy. They meet students where they are, building trusted relationships that foster stability, confidence, and hope. Since 2019, they have supported more than 320 students across Northern Nevada. Their mission is clear and urgent: ensure every student graduates with a diploma and the opportunities to succeed beyond it.
Girls on the Run Sierras
Girls on the Run inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through an engaging program that integrates physical activity and life skills. Serving Reno/Sparks, Carson City, and the Tahoe Basin since 2007, the program has reached 7,753 girls in grades 3–8. Through its 10-week spring and fall sessions, participants build healthy habits, confidence, and positive relationships. Camp GOTR extends the experience with a fun, week-long summer program featuring PBS Reno Curiosity Classroom lessons.
EXTRAORDINARY BUSINESS
This award recognizes a business whose dedication and contributions have demonstrated a tremendous impact on their local communities. Eligible businesses must have on-the-ground operations in PBS Reno’s northern Nevada and northeastern California viewing areas. Businesses do not have to be locally owned.
``
Digiprint
Digiprint is a locally owned printing business serving Northern Nevada since 1991. Their mission is to deliver quality products while helping make the community a better place to live and work. Digiprint actively supports nonprofits that empower youth, women, families, and those facing housing insecurity, including the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Nevada, The Eddy House, Awaken, Nevada Women’s Fund, and others. Through this work, Digiprint helps build a stronger, more vibrant community.
Nothing to It! Culinary Center
Since 1998, Nothing to It! Culinary Center has shared its passion for cooking with Northern Nevada. The center serves the region through its recreational cooking school, curated kitchen store, gourmet deli, and catering company. For nearly three decades, it has empowered home chefs, elevated everyday dining, and brought people together around the table. By making culinary arts accessible, Nothing to It! continues to foster community engagement and culinary education throughout the region.
Roundabout Catering Group
For more than 20 years, Roundabout has been a trusted events and hospitality partner across Northern Nevada, creating elevated experiences through chef-driven cuisine, distinctive venues, and seamless service. MaryBeth and Colin Smith are deeply committed to the community, with Colin supporting local youth organizations and MaryBeth helping guide the company’s growth through strong leadership and employee development. Roundabout also prioritizes sustainability, workforce development, and a people-first culture that strengthens employees and the local economy.
2025 Gala Celebration
Sponsorship Opportunities
Contact: Sam Eigenman, Community Partnership Director
O: 775.600.0561 | C: 775-544-8431 | seigenman@pbsreno.org