Laurie Dien Named 2026 Torchbearer Award Winner by Grantmakers for Education

All of us at Pinkerton are celebrating the well-deserved selection of our Vice President and Exective Director for Programs Laurie Dien as the winner of this year’s Torchbearer Award from Grantmakers for Education. The national GFE honor “recognizes leaders whose work makes significant and lasting contributions to more equitable and just education systems.” The award citation notes that for nearly three decades, Laurie “has helped expand opportunities for young people through workforce development and career-connected learning. Her leadership supports initiatives providing mentorship, paid internships and research opportunities to thousands of learners. Laurie Dien has strengthened organizations, cultivated leaders and helped build lasting pathways to opportunity.