Celebrating Local Educators, Student Achievers, and Industry Volunteers
Orange County Students Take the Stage as Vital Link Honors 2026 Changemakers at Empowering Futures Gala Vital Link, an Orange County non-profit organization dedicated to
by Aaron Wiggs
aaron@vitallink.org
Orange County Students Take the Stage as Vital Link Honors 2026 Changemakers at Empowering Futures Gala
Vital Link, an Orange County non-profit organization dedicated to connecting students with future career opportunities, will host its premier event of the year, the Empowering Futures Gala, on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The inspiring evening will take place at the Delhi Center in Santa Ana, bringing together community leaders, educators, and industry partners to celebrate local education champions and raise essential funds for youth career readiness programs.
Vital Link provides students with direct exposure to high-growth industries, hands-on experiential learning, and critical skill development. The Empowering Futures Gala serves as the organization’s primary fundraiser, ensuring students across Orange County gain the resources, mentorship, and connections necessary to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.
“Our mission at Vital Link is rooted in the belief that every student deserves a clear path to a fulfilling career,” said April Barnes, President of Vital Link. “The Empowering Futures Gala is more than just a celebration; it is a vital investment in our community’s youth. By bridging the gap between education and industry, we are empowering students to discover their potential and build successful futures.”
Guests attending the event will enjoy dinner, drinks, interactive games, a live/silent auction, and the presentation of the 2026 Changemaker Awards. Highlighting the evening, student talent from across Orange County, including musicians, designers, and photographers, will showcase their work throughout the night.
Celebrating Orange County Changemakers
A central highlight of the gala is honoring leaders and scholars who have made significant contributions to Orange County’s educational landscape. This year’s award recipients include:
Volunteer of the Year: Behzad Faridnia, OC Tech Innovations –“Growing up, I was shaped by people who took the time to share insight. Vital Link gives me the opportunity to pay that forward.”
Educator of the Year: Jay Seidel, Fullerton College / Fullerton Drone Lab –“I am honored and humbled by this. Vital Link is an outstanding organization creating expanded training and education opportunities for kids in OC. It’s my pleasure to work with them on drone initiatives.”
Students of the Year: Karalyn Law (Huntington Beach Union High School District), Cecilia Nguyen (Coast Community College District), Lakeside Middle School Culinary Team (Irvine Unified School District)
“Recognizing our Changemakers shows our students what is possible when an entire community stands behind them,” added April. “When educators, volunteers, and local businesses align, we build a stronger, more vibrant workforce for Orange County.”
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Location: Delhi Center, 505 E Central Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92707
- Program: Dinner, Drinks, Games, Silent Auction, and Changemaker Awards Presentation
- Tickets & Sponsorships: For ticketing, sponsorship opportunities, or event details, visit [https://vitallink.org/empoweringfutures].
About Vital Link
Vital Link is a non-profit organization dedicated to preparing students for successful futures. By offering hands-on experiences, career exploration, and direct connection to high-growth industries, Vital Link empowers Orange County youth to explore their passions, build vital workforce skills, and achieve career success.
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