2026 Out + Excellent Awards Nominations and Public Voting Form

The Out + Excellent Gala celebrates bold leadership, cultural excellence, and transformative community impact. Each year, we honor visionary individuals and organizations who are shaping the future across Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, and women-led communities nationwide.

We invite the public to participate in a powerful movement of recognition and support by submitting nominations and voting for the leaders who inspire them most.

This year’s honorees will be formally announced and celebrated on stage at the 2nd Annual Out + Excellent Gala in Oakland, California.

Your Full Name *

Email *

Phone *

Current City *

State of Residence *

Section #2:

Name Your Nominee

Who would you like to Nominate? (Individual or Org) *

Is your Nominee a Individual or Organization? *

Individual

Organization

Nominee Instagram or Website *

What city and state is the Nominee located in?

Section #3:

Award Categories

[Impact Architect Award] - For an established leader whose work is creating measurable impact across communities or industries. Recognizes executives, founders, elected leaders, or cultural figures whose leadership is shaping systems, opening doors, and advancing opportunity at scale.

[Culture Creator Award] - For an artist, creative leader, or cultural innovator advancing representation and storytelling. Honors individuals or collectives using the arts to inspire change, build community pride, and create platforms for emerging voices.

[Community In Action Award] - For a grassroot leader or organization driving meaningful change at the local level. Celebrates those addressing urgent needs through advocacy, service, organizing, or community-based solutions.

[Future Voices Award] - For an emerging leader under 50 demonstrating bold vision and leadership potential. Recognizes young professionals, entrepreneurs, students, or creatives who are shaping the future through innovation and courage.

[Excellence in Business & Entrepreneurship] - For a founder or executive building economic opportunity and inclusive growth. Honors business leaders creating jobs, expanding access to capital, and modeling ethical, community-centered success.

[Breaking Barriers Award] - For a changemaker advancing justice, policy reform, or social progress. Celebrates leaders working to dismantle barriers and expand opportunity for historically marginalized communities.

[Justice In Education Award] - For an educator, mentor, or organization transforming pathways for young people. Recognizes innovative programs and leaders committed to leadership development, academic access, and future opportunity.

[Sacred Spaces Award] - For brick and mortar businesses that hold space for marginalized families and/or communities.

[Lifetime Achievement Award] - For an iconic leader whose lifelong contributions have created lasting impact.

How has their work uplifted Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, and/or woman-led communities? *

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