Last month, JDRF held its annual One Conference in Minneapolis. The conference brings together leaders from the organization, staff and volunteers, and key partners to reflect on our progress and celebrate achievements.

Our very own Karen Jordan was honored with the first ever John Brady Award for Innovation. This award recognizes an outstanding volunteer who has exhibited leadership in driving innovation and pioneering projects or ideas with the potential to meaningfully impact the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community.

Karen is known as a respected leader, trusted partner and convener among JDRF volunteers and staff alike. She served as our Greater Bay Area Chapter Board President for two years, she is a Nominating & Board Development Committee member, and she is a lead volunteer for both the Silicon Valley Donor Circle and JDRF Northern California Center of Excellence at Stanford and UCSF. She worked closely with our chapter on a multiyear strategic plan, and has greatly contributed to its success over the last several years. Karen was a member of the International Board of Directors for three years and is currently serving on the JDRF T1D Fund Board, as well as the Research and Audit & Risk committees.

Ellen Leake, Chair of the JDRF International Board of Directors, presented the award to Karen. Ellen said, “She is the best citizen scientist I know. She is a visionary and a trailblazer who defines the words to innovate.”

Our Greater Bay Area Chapter was also honored with two awards. We were presented with the High Performing Chapter Award for the third year in a row. And, we were honored with the Guiding Principle Award in recognition of our JDRF Game2Give initiative. Thank you to our Bay Area community for helping us make a difference in the fight against T1D. We are so grateful for the passionate support of each and every one of our T1D Champions.