Social Justice Awards

Social Justice Logo 2020The City of Holland Human Relations Commission's annual Social Justice Awards recognize individuals and organizations who exemplify the virtues of social justice by promoting equal opportunity and equal access for all residents in the areas of Housing, Education, Employment, Government Relations, Community Relations, Health Services, and Accessibility. The Social Justice Awards also has a Youth category for students age 13-19; winners in this category are determined by the Holland Youth Advisory Council (HYAC).

“Our city desires to continually promote social justice in our community by recognizing those individuals and organizations that work tirelessly to support education, employment, government and community relations, health services, and accessibility for all residents.  This is a mark of prosperous, thriving communities.” 

Esther Fifelski, Human Relations Director for the City of Holland

Nominations for the 2026 Social Justice Awards can be submitted here. 

The 2025 Social Justice Award Recipients

2025 SJA Recipients Group Photo

Front Row, L-R: Jane Patterson, Stacy Kamphuis, Ann Gamache, Anotidaishe Graca Mangwiro, Cynthia Martinez. Back Row, L-R: Kayla Gearring, Jeffrey Marschall, Doug Zylstra, Diane Kooiker

Read the press release here. 2025 SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

Cynthia-Martinez- SquareCYNTHIA MARTINEZ
EDUCATION

For spotlighting the intersection of diversity and education through her documentary  First Voice Generation.




Women Who CareWOMEN WHO CARE
COMMUNITY RELATIONS

For fifteen years of granting transformational capital to affect community impact.




Doug ZylstraDOUG ZYLSTRA
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

For championing access and opportunity for the diverse population of Holland and Ottawa County.





Reach for Recovery logoREACH FOR RECOVERY
HEALTH SERVICES

For fostering a healing environment where clients learn to adapt to a full life free from addiction.




Kayla GearringKAYLA GEARRING
ACCESSIBILITY

For championing supportive structures that expand opportunities for students of all abilities and backgrounds.





Diane Kooiker SquareDIANE KOOIKER
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

For unwavering commitment in leading the Herrick District Library to provide access and opportunity to Holland’s diverse population.



 Ano Mangwiro ANOTIDAISHE GRACA MANGWIRO
YOUTH SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD

For uplifting marginalized communities, amplifying youth voices, and promoting equity.