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Follow Your Bliss

Dr. Harry Edwards, the 49ers Foundation, BlackRock, and the Micron Foundation, are honored to recognize 10 educators for superlative achievement in teaching for the eighth year in a row with the Dr. Harry Edwards Follow Your Bliss Award. Teachers are the constant in a student's world of challenges and continue to rise beyond the call of duty to support their students. Through this award, we look to honor educators who lead our future generation with purpose, passion, dedication, and love despite uncertainties and any hurdles they may face.

Each winner will receive a $2,000 stipend designated for in-classroom materials and resources, to be used within the same school year the funds are awarded. This year, educators across five categories will be recognized: K-5th Grade, 6th-8th Grade, 9th-12th Grade, Administrator, and Community Educator. Applications can be submitted by anyone; students, parents, family, friends, or educators themselves.

About Dr. Harry Edwards

The Dr. Harry Edwards "Follow Your Bliss" grant was created in 2017 by the 49ers Foundation for full-time educators across the Bay Area who exemplify a commitment to their students, families and communities to lead the future generation with purpose, passion, dedication and love.

The award’s namesake stems from the first step in Dr. Edwards’ Blueprint for Academic Achievement and Success: “Follow Your Bliss - Explore and consider paths that might lead not just to achieving a career interest but to realizing your calling – the educational option and emphasis that for you lies at the confluence of talent, passion, productive potential, and opportunity.”

The award honors educators across the San Francisco Bay Area who lead the future generation with purpose, passion, dedication and love. The recipients of this award receive a $2,000 stipend for in-classroom materials and resources for the next academic year, mentorship of the recipients and his or her fellow teachers led by Dr. Edwards, and formal recognition at a Levi's® Stadium event with family and colleagues.

The Dr. Harry Edwards "Follow Your Bliss" grant was created in 2017 by the 49ers Foundation for full-time educators across the Bay Area who exemplify a commitment to their students, families and communities to lead the future generation with purpose, passion, dedication and love.

The award's namesake stems from the first step in Dr. Edwards' Blueprint for Academic Achievement and Success: "Follow Your Bliss - Explore and consider paths that might lead not just to achieving a career interest but to realizing your calling – the educational option and emphasis that for you lies at the confluence of talent, passion, productive potential, and opportunity."

The award honors educators across the San Francisco Bay Area who lead the future generation with purpose, passion, dedication and love. The recipients of this award receive a $2,000 stipend for in-classroom materials and resources for the next academic year, mentorship of the recipients and his or her fellow teachers led by Dr. Edwards, and formal recognition at a Levi's® Stadium event with family and colleagues.

Dr. Harry Edwards' success as an athlete, a sociologist and an activist can be attributed to a strong work ethic, a work ethic he had to develop at a young age growing up in East St. Louis. In 1960, Edwards packed his bags and moved to the west coast to attend San Jose State on an athletic scholarship. Edwards went on to earn the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship and a University Fellowship to Cornell University where he completed a masters and a Ph.D. in sociology.

Dr. Edwards has always been a catalyst for change. In 1968, he was the lead organizer behind the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR). John Carlos and Tommie Smith, Olympic athletes from San Jose State, took part in this movement when they raised their fist in Black Power salute when they received their medals on the Olympic stand during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.

In 1986, Edwards also began his work with the 49ers developing programming and counseling methods for the entire organization. He worked closely with head coach Bill Walsh to develop the Minority Coaches’ Internship program, which was later adopted by the NFL in 1992 and still exists today as the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.

Dr. Harry Edwards' success as an athlete, a sociologist and an activist can be attributed to a strong work ethic, a work ethic he had to develop at a young age growing up in East St. Louis. In 1960, Edwards packed his bags and moved to the west coast to attend San Jose State on an athletic scholarship. Edwards went on to earn the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship and a University Fellowship to Cornell University where he completed a masters and a Ph.D. in sociology.

Dr. Edwards has always been a catalyst for change. In 1968, he was the lead organizer behind the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR). John Carlos and Tommie Smith, Olympic athletes from San Jose State, took part in this movement when they raised their fist in Black Power salute when they received their medals on the Olympic stand during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico.

In 1986, Edwards also began his work with the 49ers developing programming and counseling methods for the entire organization. He worked closely with head coach Bill Walsh to develop the Minority Coaches' Internship program, which was later adopted by the NFL in 1992 and still exists today as the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.

In 2024, Dr. Harry Edwards was recognized at the 49ers Inspire Change game for his extraordinary work in the pursuit of social justice. As part of this honor, he received a $10,000 donation from the NFL Foundation, which he has graciously decided to match. The full amount will be paid directly to Heritage Home, an organization Dr. Edwards has been actively involved with over the years.

The award, given annually, recognizes local leaders making a difference in their communities through the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative, which focuses on four key pillars: education, economic advancement, community-police relations, and criminal justice reform.

In addition to this recognition, the San Francisco 49ers have renamed a section of the 49ers Museum, presented by SHARP, in Dr. Edwards’ honor. The **Dr. Harry Edwards Social Change Exhibit** celebrates his decades of advocacy and deep connection with the team.

In 2024, Dr. Harry Edwards was recognized at the 49ers Inspire Change game for his extraordinary work in the pursuit of social justice. As part of this honor, he received a $10,000 donation from the NFL Foundation, which he has graciously decided to match. The full amount will be paid directly to Heritage Home, an organization Dr. Edwards has been actively involved with over the years.

The award, given annually, recognizes local leaders making a difference in their communities through the NFL's Inspire Change initiative, which focuses on four key pillars: education, economic advancement, community-police relations, and criminal justice reform.

In addition to this recognition, the San Francisco 49ers have renamed a section of the 49ers Museum, presented by SHARP, in Dr. Edwards' honor. The Dr. Harry Edwards Social Change Exhibit celebrates his decades of advocacy and deep connection with the team.

2024 Recipients

49ers EDU Selects Local Bay Area Teachers as 2024 'Follow Your Bliss' Award Recipients

Dr. Harry Edwards and the 49ers Foundation present ten local Bay Area educators with the "Follow Your Bliss" educator award.

CARADINE

As a former foster youth, LeeAnn has used her life experience to lead her students with purpose. LeeAnn understands that teaching is more than a job; it is a mission to serve her community with authenticity and compassion. As a lifelong learner, LeeAnn continues to look for professional development opportunities to foster a deeper connection with her students. LeeAnn strives to create a safe space for her students to feel supported.

CHARIF

Keiko has been making strides to make STEM education more accessible to all students in the Berryessa School District. Through grit and determination, Keiko secured funding to create a Makerspace for students to explore their creativity.

MONTEZ

Marcos not only creates meaningful, one-of-a-kind experiences for his students, but also ensures their families are right there with them every step of the way. Marcos' dedication and commitment have allowed his students to strive for academic success beyond his classroom. Marcos' career has inspired his daughter to follow in his footsteps, becoming a fellow educator.

TALTON

Veronica has over 30 years of experience as a performing arts educator. She uses her lived experience to lead with empathy and compassion. Veronica's impact goes beyond being a performing arts educator; she helped reestablish the 1619 Black Student Union Club at Joseph George Middle School. Veronica strives to uplift her community and close the opportunity gap for students of color. Veronica uses arts education to help break down stereotypes and promote racial equity.

CAMBRA

An educator committed to social change, Leigh is an advocate for students' health services. Leigh understands that learning goes beyond textbooks and classroom walls; she encourages her students to find their voices to create change, as well as find their purpose and sense of belonging. Leigh's greatest joy is watching her students discover they are capable of doing amazing things, more than they could have imagined.

SOLUM

Monica is an exceptional educator whose influence extends well beyond the classroom. As a teacher of both freshman biology and senior anatomy and physiology, she consistently inspires and challenges her students through a passion for teaching that is both empowering and transformative. Her work goes far beyond delivering the curriculum. She creates meaningful real-world connections, fosters student agency, and uses her platform to elevate awareness around pressing social and global health issues. Under her guidance, students grow not only in knowledge but also in self-awareness and global perspective. Monica exemplifies the transformative power of education and the lasting impact a dedicated teacher can make.

KAHN

As a committed educator and equity-driven leader, Kenny serves as Principal of Redwood High School, where he oversees a range of CVUSD programs, including continuation and credit recovery, virtual learning, and special education services. With over 18 years in public education and a graduate of UC Berkeley's Principal Leadership Institute, Kenny leads with heart and purpose, grounding his work in trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and strong community partnerships. His mission is clear: to ensure every student, especially those historically marginalized, has the opportunity to heal, grow, graduate, and follow their bliss.

WOOLFOLK

Suzanne brings over 19 years of experience as a high school administrator, with leadership spanning student services, master scheduling, counseling, and professional development. Now serving as the Director of Alternative Programs and the Principal of Alta Vista High School, she is dedicated to creating safe, empowering environments where students thrive through creativity, accelerated learning, and personalized support. Grounded in the belief that every student deserves a peaceful and secure learning environment, she champions high expectations, meaningful relationships, and the teacher voice. Suzanne works daily to support educators in advocating for student needs, trusting their insights, and fostering a school culture where both students and staff can grow and flourish.

ASHBY

A dedicated single father and lifelong advocate for social change, Winston has profoundly impacted youth and communities through his visionary leadership for the last 25 years. As the founder of the PARTI Program, Winston has empowered over 50,000 youth through initiatives focused on violence prevention, leadership, and social equity. His efforts have been recognized nationally, including a letter from President Barack Obama, and locally with honors from the City of Santa Clara, City of San Jose, and the California State Assembly. Winston's journey exemplifies the spirit of the Dr. Harry Edwards "Follow Your Bliss" Award, celebrating community members who ignite meaningful social transformation.

PADILLA

Understanding the importance of accessibility to education, Ivan has dedicated his career to serving the community he grew up in. Ivan has spent the last 8 years with the Hayward Public Library mentoring students from kindergarten to college to achieve their goals. Through this grant, Ivan hopes to expand the library's Makerspace and STEAM programming, creating more access and opportunities not only for students but also for their families.

Past Recipients

Foundation Stories