🌟 Model the Way 2025: Celebrating the People Powering a Sustainable Lloyd
What does transformation look like? At Model the Way 2025, it looked like a sold-out room of more than 150 neighbors, leaders, and changemakers, all gathered to celebrate what’s working in our community—and who’s making it happen. It was our largest crowd ever (50% bigger than last year!), and with $39,000 raised and $8,000 of in-kind donations, it was also our most impactful event yet.
Hosted by the always-iconic Poison Waters, this year’s event struck a perfect balance of community – financial supporters and sponsors, young and old neighbors, nonprofit leaders, policy advocates, and grassroots heroes. It was more than a celebration; it was a heartfelt moment of gratitude for the people shaping a sustainable, equitable, and resilient Lloyd.
🏆 2025 Award Winners
Daredevil Award
Honoring the fearless and boundary-pushing leaders who take bold risks for change.
🏅 Albina Vision Trust – Karin, JT, Carly, Kayin, Winta, and Beckie are visionaries behind transformative redevelopment planning in Portland’s historic Black neighborhood, pushing forward a bold and inclusive future.
Game Changer Award
For redefining what’s possible and setting new benchmarks in sustainability.
🏅 Michael Casper & Sherielyn Gardner – Milk Crate Kitchen – With a mission to transform rescued ingredients into warm meals and community impact, this duo has reimagined food justice with creativity, care, and grit.
Collaborator Award
Celebrating cross-sector partnership and community building.
🏅 Christi Justice – Central City Concern – A long-standing ally, Christi brings heart, humility, and an unwavering commitment to holistic community care and systems-level change.
Bedrock Award
Recognizing the foundational support that sustains us all.
🏅 Ann Grimmer – Lloyd Center & Lloyd Community Association – Ann’s thoughtful stewardship and quiet leadership have anchored our neighborhood through many seasons of change.
🙌 Honoring Our Nominees
This year’s nominees remind us that leadership comes in many forms—and every one of them is helping model the way:
- Oregon Metro – Setting the pace for regional sustainability and resilience and financially empowering community leaders.
- Trash for Peace, Bulky Waste & Furniture Pilot – Turning waste into opportunity through community-centered models.
- Bold Reuse – Redefining zero waste systems at scale, but also making room for the little guys.
- Free Geek – Bridging the digital divide while championing reuse by partnering with groups like the Trailblazers.
- Kristin Guest, Grays Going Green – Inspiring intergenerational climate activism right here at Holladay Park Plaza.
- Sarah Figliozzi & Izzy Armenta, PBOT – Equitable mobility innovators helping community organizations get to a “yes”.
- Cymry Reardon, Genentech – Leading with positivity, consistency, and mobilizing employee action.
- Frank Dunn, Bonneville Power Administration – Clean energy and neighborhood connection right here in Lloyd.
- Marcia Carlson, Cascadia Court Condos – Uniting neighbors in climate preparedness and social connection.
- Melodie Bruhn, Portland Police Bureau – Supporting trauma-informed community collaboration in so many ways.
- Michael Santiesteban, Secondhand Pet Supply – Circular economy champion and micro-business in Lloyd Center.
- Nancy Reimer, Oregon Convention Center – Pioneering event sustainability practices and supporting others who do the same.
- Urban Gleaners – Rescuing food and reducing hunger with dignity right here at Moda Center.
🎤 Featured Speakers
We were honored to have Elana Pirtle-Guiney and Sameer Kanal, Portland’s D2 Councilmembers, joining the evening, bringing powerful words of encouragement and vision for what’s ahead.
🎉 Our Sponsors
This night would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors:
Presented by
Thank you to our sponsors!
AVENUE Portland ~ American Assets Trust ~ GBD Architects ~ Oregon Metro ~ PacifiCorp
Bold Reuse ~ Bureau of Planning and Sustainability ~ DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Portland ~ Portland Trail Blazers ~ Postal Annex Broadway ~ Urban Renaissance Group
Dennis 7 Dee’s ~ Harper & Gracie ~ Hotel Eastlund ~ Hyatt Regency Portland Convention Center ~ Point West Credit Union ~ Prosper Portland ~ The Asai Family
We’re endlessly grateful to these organizations for investing in community celebration and leadership development.
📸 Photo Gallery
Tag us @lloydecodistrict and share your moments using #ModelTheWay2025
🚀 What’s Next?
Model the Way is more than one night—it’s a launchpad. We’re using the momentum from this year to:
- Build deeper leadership development opportunities
- Expand our storytelling and visibility work
- Strengthen our cross-sector coalitions
👉 Want to nominate someone for 2026? Stay tuned.
👉 Sign up for our newsletter to follow their journeys.
👉 Want to sponsor next year’s event? Let’s talk.
We’re grateful, inspired, and ready to keep modeling the way—together.