2025 Climate Smart Champion Awards

Congratulations to the 2025 Climate Smart Champions! These individuals and organizations are recognized for their outstanding efforts that aligned with the goals of Climate Smart San José and contributed to a more sustainable city in 2024.

Category descriptions can be viewed at Climate Smart Champion Awards Categories.

The 2025 Champions selected this year are:

Climate Champion of the Year

Rotary Club of San José

The Rotary Club of San José, one of the largest Rotary clubs in the world, is making significant strides in local climate action. Through its Environmental Sustainability Committee, the club is actively working toward carbon neutrality—aligning with Climate Smart San José’s goals. The committee has engaged with the club’s 40 committees to assess sustainability commitments, reduce emissions, and promote climate-friendly practices. Additionally, the club has been a key participant in the City’s GoGreen Teams program, collectively reducing 40 tons of CO₂e annually through climate actions. By prioritizing community engagement, social inclusion, and impactful climate solutions, the Rotary Club is setting a strong example for grassroots climate leadership.

Climate Smart Equity Champion

This year, we are proud to recognize two outstanding recipients:

The Tenacious Group

The Tenacious Group (TTG) is a leader in climate education, empowering youth and communities through its Air Quality Initiative Thrive2. Focused on closing the climate literacy gap, TTG equips students with the knowledge and tools to address air pollution and advocate for climate justice. Partnering with the Santa Clara County Youth Climate Initiative, TTG is implementing climate education in 10 East San José high schools, fostering a new generation of environmental leaders. Through immersive programs like "AIR CARE," field trips, and hands-on learning, TTG strengthens climate resilience in frontline communities, ensuring lasting environmental and social impact.

Bryan Sandoval, Javier Vazquez, Jose Barrera, Daniel Diaz, Angel Villanueva

These individuals from Yerba Buena High School students in YB Pride, in partnership with The Tenacious Group (TTG), are leading a hands-on climate initiative through the Thrive2 Air Quality Initiative. Responding to the call for cleaner air, they designed and built mobile plant carts to distribute to schools, featuring air-purifying snake plants that help reduce carbon dioxide levels. Their participation not only fosters climate literacy and leadership but has also improved their academic performance, highlighting the power of environmental engagement. Their work is inspiring future students to take action, creating a lasting impact on climate justice and community resilience.

Energy Champion

QuitCarbon

QuitCarbon is transforming home energy use by making electrification easy, affordable, and accessible. As the only ENERGY STAR® partner offering free assistance, QuitCarbon provides homeowners with expert guidance, vetted contractor referrals, rebate optimization, and personalized electrification plans. Since 2022, they have helped 39 San José homes complete clean-energy upgrades and are currently assisting 281 more in transitioning away from fossil fuels. By prioritizing energy justice and serving disadvantaged communities, QuitCarbon is accelerating residential electrification while driving economic growth and climate impact.

Mobility Champion

Rod Diridon, Sr.

Rod Diridon, Sr. has been a visionary leader in sustainable transportation for decades, shaping the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), Caltrain, and California High-Speed Rail. Recognizing the need for a modern transit system as early as the 1970s, he has been instrumental in advancing clean, efficient public transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. His lifelong commitment to mobility and climate action has profoundly impacted Santa Clara County and beyond, improving quality of life and fostering a more sustainable future.

Water Conservation Champion

Kat Contento

Kat Contento is a dedicated water conservation advocate, transforming her HOA community through education, advocacy, and hands-on initiatives. A Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper and Green Gardener, she has led turf reduction efforts, leak detection programs, and tracked irrigation performance and soil moisture in specific areas. Her innovative approach includes supporting a pioneering study on overseeding turf with native plants as a cost-effective alternative to traditional turf removal. Through community education and collaboration with experts, Kat has empowered residents to adopt water-wise practices, making a lasting impact on resource conservation and environmental sustainability.

Youth Climate Champion

Mani Bekele

Mani Bekele has demonstrated exceptional leadership in engaging youth and residents in climate action, championing local solutions to the climate crisis. As co-lead of the San José Team of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, he has spearheaded workshops for over 200 students, advocated for climate policies like the multi-family EV charging reach code, and pushed for environmental literacy in schools. Mani’s work extends to creating community food forests in underserved areas and serving as a youth representative on San José’s Climate Advisory Commission. Through his tireless efforts, Mani has promoted equity, climate resilience, and youth empowerment, making a profound impact on his community’s environmental future.

We hosted a celebration on April 15, 2025 to recognize these individuals for the great work they have done. Champions also received a commendation from San José City Council.

If you have questions about the Climate Champion Awards, please email ClimateSmart@sanjoseca.gov. 

Previous Awards

Previous Awards can be viewed at Climate Smart Champions Past Winners.