Community Resilience
Model the Way Lloyd Awards
Model the Way is Lloyd EcoDistrict’s annual gathering to celebrate the people and partnerships shaping a more equitable, resilient, and connected Lloyd neighborhood.
Click here to read a recap of and see photos from 2026’s Model the Way Awards.
2026 8th Annual Model the Way Lloyd Awards
Model the Way is Lloyd EcoDistrict’s annual gathering to celebrate the people and partnerships shaping a more equitable, resilient, and connected Lloyd neighborhood.
Now in its 8th year, Model the Way brings together neighbors, businesses, nonprofits, and civic partners for an evening of connection, recognition, and shared purpose. The evening includes bites and drinks, live music, a hosted program, and the Model the Way Awards honoring individuals and organizations who lead by example.
In 2026, we are expanding the celebration. Lloyd EcoDistrict is partnering with Lloyd Enhanced Services District, Lloyd Community Association, and Go Lloyd to create a unified Lloyd community event. Leaders from each organization will share highlights from the past year and reflect on how our collective work is strengthening the neighborhood.
The event is free to attend to ensure broad participation and accessibility. At the same time, Model the Way remains Lloyd EcoDistrict’s signature annual fundraiser. Sponsorships and donations support our year-round work advancing climate action, community resilience, stewardship of public spaces, and an inclusive local economy.
All Lloyd-adjacent organizations will table and share their successes, reinforcing what makes this neighborhood thrive. Together, we celebrate progress, partnership, and the people who model the way forward.
What to Expect
- Free community celebration
- Bites, drinks, and live music
- Model the Way Awards
- Lloyd organization highlights and community tabling
When and Where
Tuesday, April 7 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at AVENUE
Meet the 2026 Award Nominees
The Lloyd EcoDistrict is thrilled to announce the official nominees for this year’s Model the Way Awards. These awards recognize the individuals, businesses, and organizations that are actively building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable Lloyd neighborhood. The depth of commitment shown in these nominations is truly inspiring. Read about all the awardees here.
Model the Way Partners & Sponsors
Model the Way Partners
Model the Way Champion Sponsors
Model the Way Advocate Sponsors
Model the Way Supporter Sponsors
- Rose Quarter Trail Blazers
- Postal Annex
Model the Way Friend Sponsors
- Metro
- Point West Credit Union
- Dennis 7 Dee’s
- Jill Spencer
Interested in sponsoring or partnering with Model the Way? Please contact Kristin at kristin@ecolloyd.org.
Get a Ticket
Previous Awardees
Bedrock:
A dependable and solid leader in the Lloyd community whose work is purposeful, collaborative, and provides foundational support for initiatives that emphasize the triple bottom line.
Previous Awardees
- Ann Grimmer – Lloyd Center & Lloyd Community Association (2025)
- Keith Jones (2024)
- Animal.Plant.Mineral. (2023)
- Lloyd Center (2020)
- BPA (2019)
- Central City Concern (2018)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Portland (2017)
Collaborator:
Has a demonstrated commitment to bring together different voices and perspectives to solve problems of business or community life. They have a proven ability to serve the region through community-building projects and provide resources and opportunities to support the growth of inclusive, sustainable, and creative partnerships.
Previous Awardees
- Christi Justice – Central City Concern (2025)
- Sarah Drescher (2024)
- Congressman Earl Blumenauer Bicycle & Pedestrian Bridge planning team (2023)
- Conserve Energy (2020)
- Residents’ Association at Holladay Park Plaza (2019)
- PLACE (2019)
- eBay Portland (2018)
- Pacific Power (2017)
Game Changer:
An individual who is a thought leader in sustainability projects and bringing community partners together. They lead the charge on new approaches, inspire people around them to also rise to the challenges around them.
Previous Awardees
- Michael Casper & Sherielyn Gardner – Milk Crate Kitchen (2025)
- Vivian Satterfield & Elaine Livingston of BPS (2024)
- Willie Levenson (2024)
- Harriet Tubman Middle School EJC (2020)
- Lee Kilbourn of HPP (2020)
- Lara Pacheco of Brown Girl Rise (2019)
- Lisa Klein (2018)
- Hank Ashforth (2017)
Daredevil:
A driver of new ways to solve the complex challenges that our community faces. The daredevil is not afraid to take risks on bold, new ideas. Open to disrupting the status quo and explores new ways to do so.
Previous Awardees
- Albina Vision Trust (2025)
- Bold Reuse (2024)
- Green Bridge Coffee (2020)
- Portland Garment Factory (2019)
- B-Line (2017)
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