Trust Network
Honoring the 2023 Awardees
At Peace in Education, we believe that building a network of trust begins with celebrating leaders who inspire peace, dialogue, and transformative community engagement. In this spirit, we are thrilled to spotlight the David Brandon Community Mediation Movement Catalyst Award 2023 honorees—two remarkable individuals advocating for conflict resolution both nationally and locally.
2023 Awardees
The David Brandon Community Mediation Movement Catalyst Award, presented by the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM), recognizes visionaries who strengthen and expand the reach of community mediation. Each year, two awards honor one national leader and one local champion, paying tribute to their steadfast commitment and creative potential in the world of conflict resolution.
National Honoree: Prabha Sankaranarayan
As President and CEO of Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI), Prabha Sankaranarayan epitomizes a global approach to peacebuilding—advancing dialogue and conflict transformation across continents. She has overseen initiatives that empower local teams to cultivate stronger mediation capabilities, fostering an environment where communities can navigate disputes with empathy and pragmatic skill.
With extensive experience in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the United States, Prabha has mediated and facilitated in diverse settings, including public-private partnerships and multinational corporations. Beyond her executive role, she remains an active voice in supporting survivors of trauma, advocating for inclusive solutions, and championing women’s contributions to sustainable peace. Her passion for bridging differences underscores the profound impact mediation can have when deployed on a national and international scale.
Local Honoree: Renata Valree
A dedicated professor at California State University–Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) and the visionary Director of Peace in Education (PIE), Renata Valree has devoted over twenty-five years to reshaping how communities resolve conflict. Through PIE, she mobilizes volunteers, educators, and local groups to engage in mediation, youth circles, restorative dialogues, and leadership training—always championing a collaborative approach that honors every participant’s voice.
Renata’s focus on fostering equitable, resilient neighborhoods has seen her mediate sensitive disputes and design conflict management programs for schools, healthcare institutions, and governmental agencies. The 2023 local award acknowledges her unwavering commitment to harnessing hope, curiosity, and creative potential to usher communities toward deeper connection and positive transformation.
Award Significance
By honoring both a national and a local leader, the David Brandon Community Mediation Movement Catalyst Award highlights how the seeds of mediation can flourish at every level—from grassroots dialogues in underserved areas to broader policy debates that shape international relations. This year’s honorees illustrate how dedicated peacebuilders sow possibility and synergy in the face of conflict.
Here at Peace in Education, we salute Prabha Sankaranarayan and Renata Valree for their pivotal roles in nurturing understanding, justice, and goodwill across diverse communities. They remind us that the power of mediation lies in listening deeply and guiding conversations toward resolution—one shared story at a time.
