Dorothy Lazard and the 2026 Alameda County Arts Leadership Award Recipients with their awards (October, 2026)
This month we celebrated our Executive Director Janet Heller as she received the 2026 Alameda County Arts Leadership Award.
Janet was honored alongside eight arts leaders, all recognized for their achievements and contributions positively impacting the Alameda County arts community.
As Janet is on sabbatical through the end of the year, board member and secretary Dorothy Lazard accepted the award on her behalf.
Dorothy Lazard and Janet Heller at the Chapter 510 center
As she accepted the award, Dorothy gave a speech expressing gratitude for the longevity and impact Janet has had on the Bay Area arts community.
“I can tell you she is one of the most generous, hardworking, creative, collaborative, and inspiring people I’ve ever encountered. Her deep belief in writing not only as creative skill but as an act of liberation,” Dorothy said about Janet, her longtime friend and collaborator. “Her impact is evident in the improved writing skills and test scores among Oakland school children. Janet’s contribution to our artistic community is undeniable and appreciated.”
Dorothy Lazard holding Janet’s Alameda County Arts Leadership Award (October, 2026)
From her sabbatical, Janet shared, “It is an honor to be among the other awardees, people whose work I have respected and admired over the years.”
Through Janet’s leadership, over 6,500 Oakland youth have connected to the power of their stories, grown as writers and young authors, and seen their stories come to life on the page in over 100 youth-penned books.
We celebrate Janet for her longstanding commitment in growing confidence and joy in young people through writing. Thank you, Janet, for championing youth voices and creating space for their stories to shape not only their communities, but the world.