Congratulations to Our 2026 Changemakers!

The Josef Cooper Changemaker Award honors the legacy of Joe Cooper and his wife, Tracy Kirkham, who founded CDS as a nonprofit school dedicated to justice and respect for all people. Joe's deep commitment to the CDS community lives on through this award, which recognizes alums who embody his changemaking spirit. By celebrating their efforts, we aim to inspire future generations to carry forward Joe’s mission of making a difference in the world.

Here is a bit more about each of these outstanding CDS alums:

Oliver, currently a sophomore at Washington University in St. Louis, beautifully bridges community service with cutting-edge space exploration. In addition to leading local service projects with Alpha Phi Omega, he serves as the Chief Mechanical Engineer for WashU Satellite (WUSAT). There, Oliver co-developed the award-winning AIRIS telescope, designed to capture Gamma Ray Bursts 100 times faster than current technology and set to launch on a NASA research balloon next year. He is also working on SCALAR, a revolutionary fuel-free satellite mission. This summer, he will continue his journey at a NASA program, carrying forward the foundational values of his Dolores Street roots.

"Oliver was really born and raised here with all of the teachers and staff, and that community of friends is still really, really strong," said Oliver's mother, Rachel, who accepted the award on his behalf while Oliver is on location at NASA. "Whatever your dreams are, go chase them. You can do it," she advised.

Sarah has dedicated her career to pursuing justice in her home city of San Francisco. After completing her undergraduate studies at USC, she earned her Juris Doctor from UC Berkeley School of Law. Today, Sarah serves as a Deputy District Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco, managing a demanding caseload to protect public safety and maintain legal integrity. As a Spanish-speaking professional, she serves as a vital bridge for diverse populations, inspiring others to see how foundational community values can evolve into a career of significant public impact. 

"CDS was some of the best times. I met some of my best friends," Sarah shared at our awards assembly. "If you ever get a jury summons for the Hall of Justice, come see me. It's fun, I promise!"

Lorren is a dedicated public health professional and social justice advocate. After earning her degree in Sociology and American Multicultural Studies from Sonoma State University, she is currently pursuing her MSW at San Francisco State University. Lorren serves as the Pathways Coordinator at the San Francisco Department of Public Health, where she has spent years expanding access to health care and coordinating critical services for vulnerable populations, including launching pioneering injectable PrEP programs. From organizing grassroots campaigns like "Free MUNI for Youth" to her current health equity work, Lorren embodies a lifelong commitment to building a more inclusive San Francisco.

"I really appreciate all the energy that was poured into me so that I can use it to change the future," Lorren shared at our awards assembly.

Join us in congratulating this year’s Josef Cooper Changemaker awardees! They truly live the CDS mission and values every day.