INNOVATOR
AWARDS
Celebrating the drive, passion, and spirit of innovators in our community while inspiring those who are just starting their journey.
ABOUT THE
AWARDS.
Innovation in Action: Highlights from the 2025 Innovator Awards Luncheon
The Innovator Awards Luncheon celebrates the drive, passion, and spirit of innovators in our community while inspiring those who are just starting their journey.
For 25 years, the Innovator Awards have celebrated the people, ideas, and organizations shaping the future of North Central Washington. This annual event recognizes the drive, passion, creativity, and community spirit of innovators across the region—while inspiring the next generation of leaders just beginning their journey.
During the luncheon, NCW Tech Alliance will present five Innovator Awards live on stage, honoring students, educators, entrepreneurs, technology leaders, and community champions who are making a meaningful impact through innovation.
Save the Date and Nominate for 25th Annual 2026 Innovator Awards!
Join us for the 2026 Innovator Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm at the Wenatchee Convention Center.
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K-12 FUTURE TECHNOLOGY LEADER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
presented by:
Future Technology Leader of the Year recognizes K-12 students whose innovative technology projects demonstrate leadership, learning, and hands-on experience
Brooklyn Averill
Quincy High School junior Brooklyn Averill helped develop a fully bilingual AI booking agent for a local business through the NCW Tech AI Youth Corps, combining technical skills, problem-solving, and real-world client collaboration. A leader in her school’s computer science program and Bows and Bots Tech Expo, she’s helping inspire more young women to see themselves in technology while continually challenging herself to grow as an innovator and leader.
Torrin Stone
Eastmont High School senior Torrin Stone developed an AI-powered website agent concept for Eastmont Lanes through NCW Tech Alliance’s AI Youth Corps. By applying conversational AI to common customer questions about hours, pricing, lane availability, and events, he explored how emerging technology can improve the customer experience while reducing repetitive tasks for a local small business.
Elliot Tiegel
Cascade High School senior Elliot Tiegel invented OhmLife Insoles, an energy-harvesting shoe insole designed to turn the pressure and motion of walking into usable power for electronic devices. Combining outdoor safety, sustainability, product design, and entrepreneurship, he pitched his invention at the inaugural Flywheel Student Pitch Competition, where he earned the Fan Favorite award and $500 to continue developing his idea.
STEM COLLEGE INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
presented by:
STEM College Student Innovator of the Year highlights post-secondary students who exhibit creativity, critical thinking, and leadership through innovative projects addressing real-world challenges.
Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy designed and led Shaping Winthrop, an interactive community engagement event that gathered input from 92 residents on water and sewer infrastructure, wildfire preparedness, and housing density. Working through a Sustainability Pathways fellowship with the Town of Winthrop, Emily developed hands-on activities that made complex planning topics more accessible. She then analyzed the resulting quantitative and qualitative feedback and produced a report to inform the Town's Comprehensive Plan update.
Sachiko Newell
Sachiko Newell developed the SustainableIT Workbench, a functioning browser-based prototype that translates a 767-page Sustainable IT Playbook into practical tools for technology procurement and management. As the first student in CWU's Sustainable IT specialization, she independently developed four integrated tools supporting product evaluation, supplier sustainability policies, purchasing checklists, and responsible technology disposal documentation. Her work required data integration, software design, testing, and extensive technical documentation.
Monica Oropeza Rojas
Monica Oropeza Rojas participated in applied agricultural research examining drip irrigation and X-disease management in cherry orchards. Working alongside Jacob Pitt and Edith Chamberlain at Washington State University's Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center Northfield Lab, she contributed to research exploring relationships among irrigation practices, tree health, and disease-vector management. The project addresses a significant challenge for Central Washington's tree fruit industry by investigating orchard management practices that could support healthier trees while contributing to X-disease management strategies.
STEM CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
presented by:
STEM Champion of the Year recognizes educators and community members dedicated to fostering STEM learning experiences and promoting STEM pathways for students.
Dr. Ryan Christoph
Omak School District leader Dr. Ryan Christoph expands STEM opportunities through innovative CTE programs and hands-on career pathways. By connecting students with robotics, engineering, computer science, aviation, and skilled trades, he has built a future-focused STEM ecosystem that strengthens real-world learning and career readiness across his community.
Cari Horning
Through her work with Apple STEM Network, Cari Horning connected schools, employers, and community partners to expand STEM career opportunities for students across North Central Washington. By building partnerships between education and industry and launching the NCW MVP podcast, she helped students discover local career pathways while inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals.
Dr. James Webber
Dr. James Webber has spent years making science accessible through hands-on education. As a Regional Science Elementary Specialist with North Central Educational Service District, he visited more than 70 schools annually, developed customized science materials, and delivered interactive demonstrations as “Dr. Webber Science Guy.” He also led River of Power field experiences reaching approximately 1,400 students annually. Now at Chelan County PUD's Rocky Reach Discovery Center, James continues developing educational experiences, tours, games, demonstrations, animations, and other resources connecting the public with science and engineering.
NEWCOMER IN TECHNOLOGY FINALISTS
presented by:
Newcomer in Technology / Innovative Use of Technology in Business celebrates organizations that have embraced technology innovation, transforming the work environment or developing technologies that advance production and efficiency, or differentiate their product or service.
Douglas County PUD’s finalist story spans 90 years of innovation. From the community vote to establish the PUD in 1936 to Wells Dam’s unique hydrocombine design, fish passage innovations, and fiber infrastructure, the organization has continually turned forward thinking into service for its customers. Generations of employees and commissioners have balanced new possibilities with community responsibility, building a legacy that demonstrates how thoughtful innovation can create opportunities for future generations.
RiverCom 911 has modernized critical emergency communications infrastructure serving Chelan and Douglas counties, where mountains, canyons, rural communities, and radio dead zones create unique challenges for first responders. Its technology upgrades improve how information moves from a person calling 911 through dispatch to the 23 law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies relying on RiverCom. Its finalist interview explores the technology working behind the scenes during an emergency, the importance of better mapping and communication, and what it means to innovate when the systems being upgraded have to be dependable 24/7.
Twelve is bringing a new model of advanced manufacturing into commercial-scale production at AirPlant One in Moses Lake. Its technology uses CO₂, water, and electricity to produce fuels and chemicals, with AirPlant One serving as the first node in a larger distributed manufacturing platform. Its finalist story explores the leap from proving a technology is possible to making it work at commercial scale, why Moses Lake was selected for the facility, and what the project demonstrates about the potential for advanced industrial innovation in North Central Washington.
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
FINALISTS
presented by:
Entrepreneur of the Year recognizes entrepreneurs who have displayed exceptional vision and leadership in building a new company, developing a new product or service, or creatively delivering an existing product or service to the marketplace.
Kelli and Adam Rynd
Kelli and Adam Rynd grew Woodin Enterprises from the original Lake Life storefront in downtown Chelan into a multi-brand retail business with locations across North Central Washington. Their growth has required more than opening additional stores. They developed management structures, marketing systems, e-commerce capabilities, customer loyalty programs, and operational processes that allow the company to expand while maintaining distinct brands.
Jess and Dan Pappas
Jess and Dan Pappas brought their experience in larger creative markets back to North Central Washington to establish P2X Studio, a creative business specializing in video, photography, design, and storytelling. They built the company around collaboration, strategic preparation, and helping clients communicate meaningful stories. Their entrepreneurial journey involves translating creative expertise into a sustainable independent business rooted in the region.
Bill Bruders and Laura Bruders-Torres
Bill Bruders and Laura Bruders-Torres established Neu Flessenow Cellars, a small-batch winery in the Leavenworth area rooted in family history dating back to immigration from Flessenow, Germany, in 1882. The winery combines hands-on production, sustainable practices, hospitality, and community engagement. One example of its community investment was organizing a Honky Tonk fundraiser to support Cascade High School student entrepreneur Elliot Tiegel and his OhmLife concept.
2025 Innovator Award Videos Produced by:
