Our Distinguished Award Winners

Children’s Discovery Museum has honored the following noteworthy individuals and organizations for their legacy benefiting the lives and learning of children.

2025: Brandi Chastain, American soccer legend, Co-founder of the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative (BAWSI), and Bay FC, our local national women’s soccer league team.

2024: Raffi Cavoukian, singer, songwriter, music producer, ecology advocate, entrepreneur, author, and children’s champion

2023: Sylvia Acevedo, Girl Scout, Rocket Scientist, STEM Entrepreneur

2022: Cynt Marshall, Trailblazer, Changemaker, Champion for Children

2021: Roberta Guaspari, Violinist, Teacher, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Performance, Opus 118 Harlem School of Music

2019: Dr. Milton Chen, Education Innovator and Author

2018: Steve Smith, Astronaut

2017: Sonia Manzano, Actress and Writer for Children’s Television Workshop

2016: Ruby Bridges, Civil Rights Activist

2015: Steve Wozniak, Founding Philanthropist for Children’s Discovery Museum

2015: Sally Osberg, Founding Executive Director of Children’s Discovery Museum

2014: DeBartolo York Family and the 49ers Foundation

2013: Alice Waters, Renowned Chef and Owner of Chez Panisse

2012: Heidi Murkoff, Author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting

2011: Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic Figure Skating Champion

2010: Dr. Sally Ride, Science Proponent and First Woman in Space

2009: Alonzo Mourning, Founder of AM Charities

2008: Ronnie Lott, Founder of All Stars Helping Kids

2007: T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., Renowned Pediatrician

2006: John Cassidy, Co-founder of Klutz Press

2005: Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), Author and Illustrator

2004: Bil Keane, Cartoonist Creator of The Family Circus

2003: Caroll Spinney, Master Puppeteer of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch

2001: Rob Reiner and I am Your Child Foundation

2000: The David and Lucile Packard Foundation

1999: Fred Rogers, Creator of Mister Rogers Neighborhood