On Thursday, April 25, the Long Beach Post hosted an event to honor young people from around the city who are doing great things to better their community and beyond. Out of hundreds of nominations from our readers, judges chose 40 winners who run the gamut from educators to artists to business owners to community activists, all of whom represent just a selection of those who are today contributing to the betterment of Long Beach.

Unquestionably, the success of a city as well as an organization depends on the individuals that comprise them—and Ina has been essential in making Green Long Beach one of the most dynamic and effective green advocacy groups in the city. In addition to directing its large festival since 2009, Ina has also remained active in her neighborhood of Willmore/Drake Park and recently facilitated the installation of a free playground at Edison Elementary School’s Child Development Center.