46th Annual Washington Leadership Awards

Did you miss the 2021 Washington Leadership Awards?

Catch the Highlights Below!


2021 Honorees

2021 Organization of the Year

Northwest Harvest

As the coronavirus pandemic drives food insecurity, Northwest Harvest has undertaken a massive increase in food distribution and is piloting new initiatives to meet unprecedented need. 

2021 Washington Legacy of Service Award

These civic giants of the Pacific Northwest, who both recently passed away, worked together at the law firm Preston Gates & Ellis, now known as K&L Gates.

Bill Gates Sr.

Bill Gates Sr., integral to the founding of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was a lifelong champion for education, global health, and social and economic equity.


Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck

2021 Washingtonian of the Year

Dr. Helen Chu

Dr. Chu's groundbreaking discovery of the coronavirus's community spread transformed our country's response and saved lives.

2021 Justice For All Award

Community Passageways

This non-profit organization, which has the goal of reaching zero youth incarceration, has proven its effectiveness by keeping young people accountable and out of jail with leadership training, behavioral health counseling, and wraparound services. 

Jim Ellis

Jim Ellis was a celebrated advocate for civic causes and the environment, known for leading the cleanup of Lake Washington, creating the predecessor to King County Metro, and establishing the Mountain to Sound Greenway.

Featured Speakers

Secretary of State Kim Wyman