Guiding Lights Award Show

The Guiding Lights Award Show is Breathe & Rise Collective’s annual celebration of purpose, passion, and progression—honoring individuals and businesses that light the way for our communities through their work, values, and impact. Held every January, this powerful event is made possible through the consistent support of our investing members, whose monthly contributions allow us to pour resources back into the community year-round. Nominations for each year’s awards open in July, with public voting starting in September and exclusive member voting in November. The 2026 ceremony will mark our second annual celebration, continuing a tradition that uplifts those who embody the spirit of collective growth and service.

Last year’s 2025 Guiding Lights Award winners included Dai Made (Song of the Year), Jerica Love (Community Advocate), Desiree Musquiz (Entrepreneur of the Year), Nmandu Otutu  (Young Achiever), Decembra Cervantes (Health & Wellness Advocate), Yona (Podcast of the Year), Andrea Vocab Anderson  (Excellence in Performing Arts), Brittney Jackson (Spirit of the Community), and Cheba Hut (Inclusive Business of the Year). For the upcoming 2026 awards, new categories include Community Connector, Best Vegan Eats, Athlete of the Year, Fitness & Wellness Advocate, Visionary of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Live Performance of the Year, Song of The Year, and Business of the Year. As part of our ongoing tradition, last year’s honorees will return to present the awards to the new recipients—reminding everyone that we are all Guiding Lights in our own right, here to inspire, uplift, and illuminate the path forward.

Experience the magic of the Guiding Lights Award Show and relive the moments that moved us—view the full photo gallery here.