EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS 2026
The 19th annual Excellence in Education Awards will be an unforgettable evening as we celebrate those in our community who are dedicated to enriching the lives of students and families in Stamford Public Schools. Community members, corporations, school administrators, teachers, parents, and other nonprofit agencies will gather to celebrate the power of public education.
2026 AWARD RECIPIENTS
SPEF Leadership Award
Dr. Bianca Shinn‑Desras
Dr. Shinn-Desras is a dedicated community leader committed to advancing equity and uplifting historically marginalized communities. With over 20 years of experience in social services, public health, and education, she has held roles at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and the United Nations. She now serves at Domus, building strong connections between schools, families, and community resources.
SPEF Community Giving Award
Youth Mental Health Alliance (YMHA)
The YMHA is a community-wide collaborative advancing mental health and well-being for children, teens, and families in Stamford. It promotes awareness, expands access to inclusive care, and strengthens prevention and early intervention efforts to foster long-term resilience. Sponsored by the Vita Health & Wellness Partnership and the City of Stamford, the Alliance partners with Stamford Public Schools and more than 50 community organizations.
SPEF Educator Award
Announced at the Ceremony
Educators are nominated by Stamford Public Schools’ Parent-Teacher Organizations, and the winner is selected by SPEF’s Board of Directors. Who will win this year’s Award?
SPEF THANKS THE FOLLOWING 2025 SPONSORS
PHOTO GALLERY FROM OUR PAST EVENTS
Excellence in Education 2024 Awards: March 21 at 5:30PM
The annual event was held at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa and continued the tradition of bringing together community members, corporations, school administrators, teachers, parents, and other nonprofit agencies to celebrate the power of public education for students and families in Stamford.
SPEF honored the following 2024 award recipients:
| SPEF Educator Award | Patrice Moore, Hart Magnet Elementary School |
| SPEF Leadership Award | Susan Nabel (Posthumous) |
| SPEF Community Giving Award | Viking Global Foundation |
Excellence in Education 2023 Awards: April 27th at 5:30PM
The annual event was held at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa and continued the tradition of bringing together community members, corporations, school administrators, teachers, parents, and other nonprofit agencies to celebrate the power of public education for students and families in Stamford.
SPEF honored the following 2023 award recipients:
| SPEF Educator Award | Wendy Tang, Hart Magnet Elementary School |
| SPEF Leadership in Literacy Award | Amy Beldotti, Associate Superintendent, Teaching and Learning |
| SPEF Leadership in Literacy Award | Alice Knapp, Chief Executive Officer, Ferguson Library |
| SPEF Community Giving Award | Reading is Fundamental (RIF) |