Awards
Brian Dunning
Science Writer
Science writer Brian Dunning is the host and producer of the Skeptoid podcast (skeptoid.com), one of the longest running and consistently most popular independent science podcasts, having surpassed 100 million downloads in 2017. He is also the writer and producer of the documentary films The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You to See (2023), Science Friction (2022), and Principles of Curiosity (2017).
He has appeared on numerous radio shows and television documentaries, and also hosts the science video series inFact with Brian Dunning (infactvideo.com). He is the author of seven books such as Conspiracies Declassified (Simon & Schuster, 2018).
Formerly a computer scientist, Brian now uses new media to promote science literacy and critical thinking. He is a member of the Association of Science Communicators, and lives in central Oregon.
đź”— Follow him on Instagram (thebriandunning), TikTok (Skeptoid), YouTube (inFactwithBrianDunning), Facebook (Brian Dunning), and Bluesky (briandunning.bsky.social) as well as on his website (skeptoid.com).
đź“… He will be speaking in the early afternoon at the main event Sunday and attending as a special guest at our Fundraising Reception.
đź“… He will be speaking in the early afternoon at the main event Sunday and attending as a special guest at our Fundraising Reception.
Norcal Resist
Community Organization
NorCal Resist is a Sacramento-based grassroots organization that works to support immigrants, refugees, and other vulnerable community members through mutual aid, advocacy, and direct assistance. Founded in 2017, the organization brings together volunteers to help people navigate challenges ranging from immigration enforcement to food insecurity, while building stronger and more resilient communities.
Much of NorCal Resist’s work focuses on immigrant justice. The organization provides know-your-rights trainings, asylum and work-permit assistance, accompaniment to immigration appointments, deportation defense support, and help posting immigration bonds. It also participates in rapid-response efforts that document and respond to immigration enforcement activity, helping ensure that community members have access to accurate information and support when they need it most.
Beyond immigration issues, NorCal Resist operates a variety of mutual-aid programs designed to meet practical community needs. These include food and diaper distribution, community agriculture projects, brake-light repair clinics, and other volunteer-driven services. Through a combination of direct support, community education, and grassroots organizing, NorCal Resist seeks to empower people to care for one another while working toward a more just and equitable society. đź”— Follow them on Instagram (norcal_resist), Facebook (NorCal Resist), Bluesky (norcalresist.bsky.social) and on their website (norcalresist.org). đź“…Norcal Resist will be recognized in the afternoon at the main event.
Much of NorCal Resist’s work focuses on immigrant justice. The organization provides know-your-rights trainings, asylum and work-permit assistance, accompaniment to immigration appointments, deportation defense support, and help posting immigration bonds. It also participates in rapid-response efforts that document and respond to immigration enforcement activity, helping ensure that community members have access to accurate information and support when they need it most.
Beyond immigration issues, NorCal Resist operates a variety of mutual-aid programs designed to meet practical community needs. These include food and diaper distribution, community agriculture projects, brake-light repair clinics, and other volunteer-driven services. Through a combination of direct support, community education, and grassroots organizing, NorCal Resist seeks to empower people to care for one another while working toward a more just and equitable society. đź”— Follow them on Instagram (norcal_resist), Facebook (NorCal Resist), Bluesky (norcalresist.bsky.social) and on their website (norcalresist.org). đź“…Norcal Resist will be recognized in the afternoon at the main event.
Chris Nichols
Journalist, CapRadio
Chris is the Politics Editor at CapRadio, where he leads reporting on California and local government, helping audiences understand how decisions made at the Capitol and City Hall affect everyday life. A veteran journalist with decades of experience covering public policy and politics, he is known for making complex issues accessible and relevant to the public.
Before becoming Politics Editor, Chris covered housing affordability and homelessness for CapRadio and led the organization’s PolitiFact California fact-checking initiative, where he helped combat misinformation and promote evidence-based public discourse. His reporting has focused on accountability, transparency, and the real-world impact of government decisions.
Earlier in his career, Chris spent more than a decade reporting for newspapers across California, including covering state politics for the San Diego Union-Tribune. He holds degrees from UC Berkeley and the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and remains committed to strengthening civic understanding through rigorous, independent journalism. đź”—Follow him on Facebook (Chris Nichols) and on capradio.org. đź“… Chris will be recognized in the afternoon at the main event.
Before becoming Politics Editor, Chris covered housing affordability and homelessness for CapRadio and led the organization’s PolitiFact California fact-checking initiative, where he helped combat misinformation and promote evidence-based public discourse. His reporting has focused on accountability, transparency, and the real-world impact of government decisions.
Earlier in his career, Chris spent more than a decade reporting for newspapers across California, including covering state politics for the San Diego Union-Tribune. He holds degrees from UC Berkeley and the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and remains committed to strengthening civic understanding through rigorous, independent journalism. đź”—Follow him on Facebook (Chris Nichols) and on capradio.org. đź“… Chris will be recognized in the afternoon at the main event.
Rob Boston
Senior Adviser Emeritus, Americans United
Rob is Senior Adviser Emeritus at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, where he spent nearly four decades advancing religious freedom and defending the separation of church and state. A longtime journalist, author, and advocate, he helped shape public understanding of church-state issues through his writing, speaking, and leadership.
Throughout his career, Rob authored several influential books examining the Religious Right, religious liberty, and the role of religion in public life. His thoughtful analysis and clear communication made him one of the movement's most respected and recognizable voices.
After retiring from Americans United following 38 years of service, Rob continues to be widely respected for his contributions to the cause of religious freedom. His work has helped educate and inspire generations of advocates committed to protecting freedom of conscience for all. đź“… Rob regrets that he cannot be with us in person to accept his award, but will accept via video at our Fundraising Reception.
Throughout his career, Rob authored several influential books examining the Religious Right, religious liberty, and the role of religion in public life. His thoughtful analysis and clear communication made him one of the movement's most respected and recognizable voices.
After retiring from Americans United following 38 years of service, Rob continues to be widely respected for his contributions to the cause of religious freedom. His work has helped educate and inspire generations of advocates committed to protecting freedom of conscience for all. đź“… Rob regrets that he cannot be with us in person to accept his award, but will accept via video at our Fundraising Reception.
Roger Zabkie and Pamella Rivera
Board Members, Atheists and Other Freethinkers
Roger and Pamella began their local freethinker experience with the Humanist Association of the Greater Sacramento Area (HAGSA) before joining Atheists and Other Freethinkers (AOF).
They have promoted the freethought program by videorecording both the annual Sacramento Freethought Day and Darwin Day events for posterity. They eventually joined the AOF Board of Directors, and have served as president and member-at-large for many years. They are most proud of their efforts to present the face of freethought as friendly and welcoming, as expressed in AOF’s website and other outreach efforts.
Finally, Pam and Roger, as they retire from Board leadership, hope to recruit new volunteers to carry on in their place.
đź“… Roger and Pamela will be recognized in the afternoon at the main event.
Marc Berman
California Assemblymember, District 23
Marc has represented California’s 23rd Assembly District since 2016 and has built a reputation as one of the Legislature’s most effective lawmakers. A former attorney, nonprofit leader, and Palo Alto City Councilmember, he has championed policies that strengthen civic participation, expand educational opportunity, and improve government accountability.
A recognized leader on election and democracy issues, Marc authored legislation that made California a permanent vote-by-mail state and created the “Where’s My Ballot?” tracking system. He has also worked to protect voters from election-related deepfakes, improve election cybersecurity, and increase transparency in campaign finance and voting processes.
More recently, Marc has led efforts to help Californians navigate the challenges of the digital age, including legislation to ensure students are taught media literacy and artificial intelligence literacy in school. His work reflects a commitment to informed civic engagement, critical thinking, and equipping people with the tools to identify misinformation and participate effectively in democracy. đź“… Marc regrets that he cannot be with us in person to accept his award.
A recognized leader on election and democracy issues, Marc authored legislation that made California a permanent vote-by-mail state and created the “Where’s My Ballot?” tracking system. He has also worked to protect voters from election-related deepfakes, improve election cybersecurity, and increase transparency in campaign finance and voting processes.
More recently, Marc has led efforts to help Californians navigate the challenges of the digital age, including legislation to ensure students are taught media literacy and artificial intelligence literacy in school. His work reflects a commitment to informed civic engagement, critical thinking, and equipping people with the tools to identify misinformation and participate effectively in democracy. đź“… Marc regrets that he cannot be with us in person to accept his award.
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Liana Pilar De Leo
Nickelson Family Scholarship Winner
Liana is a freshman at UC Santa Cruz majoring in cognitive science. As someone passionate about helping neurodivergent individuals, she aspires to become a Ph.D. neuropsychologist to be an advocate for those struggling with emotional and neurological conditions. Her passion for this fields stems from her own experiences growing up as someone who is both biracial and neurodivergent.
Having grown up in an educationally, culturally, and religiously diverse home, Liana's personal goals are centered on fighting for those who need both a partner and advocate on their journey. Understanding others' struggles is core to who she is and has become a part of her personal path as she begins making her mark on the world. đź“… Liana will read her winning essay on Sunday in the early-afternoon and at our Fundraising Reception.
Having grown up in an educationally, culturally, and religiously diverse home, Liana's personal goals are centered on fighting for those who need both a partner and advocate on their journey. Understanding others' struggles is core to who she is and has become a part of her personal path as she begins making her mark on the world. đź“… Liana will read her winning essay on Sunday in the early-afternoon and at our Fundraising Reception.
Daniel Zhang
Speech Scholarship Winner
Daniel is a junior at Canyon Crest Academy in San Diego. and the co-founder and National President of STEAMLabs International, a student-led nonprofit that has brought free, hands-on science nights and camps to more than 3,000 students across the U.S., Kenya, Mexico, and Canada.
Daniel interned at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, inspired by my family’s experiences with cancer, and hopes to study bioinformatics in college and contribute to developing new methods of diagnosis and treatment.
He's the president of his school’s Peer Tutoring Club and co-organizes monthly music performances at senior homes.
Daniel interned at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, inspired by my family’s experiences with cancer, and hopes to study bioinformatics in college and contribute to developing new methods of diagnosis and treatment.
He's the president of his school’s Peer Tutoring Club and co-organizes monthly music performances at senior homes.
đź“… Daniel will read his winning speech on Sunday in the early-afternoon and at our Fundraising Reception.