Honors a medical doctor who has significantly advanced breastfeeding practices through patient care, education, advocacy or research. Nominees incorporate lactation support into their clinical approach, participate in community outreach or professional education, and contribute to meaningful improvements in breastfeeding outcomes in their practice or community.

Celebrates a regional breastfeeding coalition making measurable impact through leadership, advocacy and community partnership. Nominees demonstrate strong efforts to address disparities, cultivate meaningful collaboration and implement innovative programs with clear, demonstrated outcomes. CBC membership is required for this category.

Honors cultural coalitions or organizations advancing equity in breastfeeding and lactation. Nominees work to remove systemic barriers, design culturally competent programs and demonstrate measurable improvements in lactation outcomes for marginalized communities.

Recognizes workplaces across California that provide exemplary support for lactating employees. Nominees offer comprehensive accommodations, foster a culture that normalizes lactation and demonstrate measurable improvements in employee satisfaction or breastfeeding duration. This category includes Corporate, Higher Education and Nonprofit distinctions.

Honors a California hospital with outstanding work and sustained success in breastfeeding exclusivity, clinical support and innovation. Nominees show strong breastfeeding data, measurable improvements in staff training and policy implementation, commitment to Baby Friendly or similar initiatives, and programs that support diverse populations in achieving breastfeeding success.

Recognizes an emerging leader who is actively shaping lactation support within their local community. This award is for individuals nominated by coalitions, community based organizations or public health programs. Self nominations are not accepted.

Honors a mid-career professional whose leadership is transforming lactation and human milk access in historically under-resourced and marginalized communities. Nominees demonstrate a deep commitment to racial equity, cultural responsiveness and community-driven change.

Recognizes a mid-career professional whose exceptional leadership has advanced lactation support, breastfeeding equity and human milk access across systems, sectors or regions. Nominees show sustained innovation, strong collaboration and measurable improvements in maternal-child health outcomes.

Honors a mid-career professional whose leadership is transforming lactation and human milk access in historically under-resourced and marginalized communities. Nominees demonstrate a deep commitment to racial equity, cultural responsiveness and community-driven change.