Emerging Leader Award
Ashley Kierkiewicz (Na Leo TV)



As a strategic visionary, Ashley has been instrumental in positioning Nā Leo into a dynamic workforce incubator within Hawai‘i’s creative, media, tech, and info sectors. She successfully spearheaded a comprehensive three-year strategic plan, Ho‘okele (Hawaiian for navigating), that promises to redefine the role of public, educational, and governmental (PEG) TV stations in community and workforce development. She is in the midst of launching a brand and logo refresh for the organization, heralding a new era of community media and local storytelling.

One of Ashley’s standout achievements was the inception and execution of AlohaVision, an immersive learning event and statewide gathering of Hawai‘i's PEG TV stations, local government officials, small businesses, nonprofits, educators, and community stakeholders. As a collaborative powerhouse, she created a convening that not only identified new avenues for PEG stations to empower communities but also strengthened collaborative efforts across stations.

Ashley is more than a leader; she is a catalyst for change, advocating for resources and opportunities that empower individuals to challenge assumptions and take ownership of local storytelling. Her passion and dedication to amplifying diverse narratives is evident in every aspect of her work.

The Dirk Koning – George Stoney Award for Humanistic Communication

Raquel Quezada (Cambiando el Mundo de Personas con Discapacidad)


Raquel Quezada, a writer from Dominica in the United States, is married and has four beautiful children. Raquel Quezada, who has a son with cerebral palsy, understands the difficulties that many parents experience while seeking resources for their special needs children.

That experience has inspired her to spend the last five years teaching and fighting for families facing similar problems, particularly those in immigrant communities.

During her upbringing in the Dominican Republic, she experienced a complicated environment.

Graduated from Northern Essex Community College Liberty Art Psychology, Neurocoach at NCI, presenter and producer of the Radio and Television program Changing the World of People with Disabilities, and founder of the non-profit organization CEMDPCD and works in various fields of disability, contributing his knowledge to the city.

The Sue Miller Buske Leadership Award
Richard Turner (Former ACM Board Chair) / Carroll Media Center)

Richard Turner currently serves as the Executive Director of the Community Media Center of Carroll County in Westminster, MD. He is responsible for day-­‐to-­‐day operations of the PEG Access nonprofit providing educational, production, technical and distribution services. Turner also provides consulting and services in his own small business focusing on marketing, communications and information technologies.

Previously Turner served as Regional Sales Director for Tightrope Media Systems. Tightrope is an industry leader in video servers, automation and digital signage solutions. Turner also served as Cable and Broadband Video Engineer and Information Specialist for Montgomery County. He was responsible for providing broadcast and IP engineering services associated with the operation and maintenance of cable television digital HD production, post-­‐production and playback facilities for Montgomery County Government.

Jewell Ryan-White Award For Cultural Diversity 
Chris Loos (iDream)

Chris Loos, born in Pasadena before moving to Monrovia, California, and graduated from Monrovia High School in 1993, is a respected music business professional with a career spanning over 30 years. With a focus on community and a dedication to seeing young people succeed, Chris has made notable contributions to both the radio industry and society at large. '

While Loos pursued telecommunications studies at Pasadena City college, his true passion and talent lies in the realm of music and broadcasting. Notable among his achievements is normalizing artist radio interviews on YouTube. He did that first. He also played a pivotal role in the successful relaunch of the iconic radio station Kday in Los Angeles on the FM dial.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Loos is an avid community activist, driven by his unwavering commitment to see young people thrive. He dedicates his time and efforts to championing their success and creating opportunities for growth. When he's not working, Chris enjoys playing basketball, pickleball, foosball, and ping pong, with his son.