Call for Nominations: Iao Katagiri Community Impact Award
Connections for Children is now accepting nominations for the Iao Katagiri Community Impact Award, which will be presented at our 2026 Betsy Awards. We invite you to help us spotlight local changemakers!
Connections for Children (CFC) is a non-profit agency that helps families across the Westside and South Bay communities of Los Angeles County find and access quality child care. We provide free child care referrals to all families, regardless of their circumstances, and financial assistance to low-income families to help cover the high cost of care. CFC provides professional development and training for child care providers to improve program quality and strengthen the child care sector. We tirelessly advocate on behalf of policies and resources that uplift children, families, and caregivers. CFC also actively responds to emerging and urgent community needs, such as helping families and providers impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires.
In 2026, CFC will celebrate our 50-year anniversary serving our community. We are proud of our critical role in the community as a trusted resource and partner, and our profound impact on thousands of children and families throughout the years. Since inception, CFC has supported 182,395 families through financial aid, child care referrals, and other efforts, as well as pumped over 18 million dollars into the local economy.
Each year, Connections for Children hosts The Betsy Awards, our fundraising celebration honoring individuals and organizations whose leadership and actions have improved the lives of young children and families. Named after early childhood education pioneer and CFC co-founder Betsy Hiteshew, the awards reflect a proud legacy of advocacy and service.
As part of The Betsy Awards, CFC also presents the Iao Katagiri Community Impact Award, which honors the memory and legacy of Iao Katagiri — a beloved community leader and long-time CFC Board Member. The award recognizes individuals or organizations who inspire others by championing programs, policies, and partnerships that promote equitable access to high-quality early care and education (ECE).
Iao Katagiri Community Impact Award Nomination Criteria
- Work professionally or as a volunteer to advance CFC’s vision that all children attain their full potential through equitable access to high-quality ECE.
- Activate and engage community stakeholders to improve outcomes for children ages 0 to 5, families, or the broader ECE community.
- Demonstrate the qualities of a servant leader, supporting the growth and development of others while prioritizing the wellbeing of people and communities.
- Maintain a strong and respected rapport within the Los Angeles County ECE community.
- Nominees must live or work within CFC’s service area, which includes the Westside and South Bay regions of Los Angeles County.
The selected honoree will be notified in advance and recognized at the May 2026 Betsy Awards.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with your networks—there is no limit to the number of nominations an individual may submit.
We look forward to hearing from you and honoring the incredible individuals who are creating meaningful change in our community.
For questions or additional information, please contact Charli Lewis, Executive Liaison & Special Projects Coordinator, (310) 452-3325, Ext. 203, charlil@cfc-ca.org
