As part of the organization’s 50th anniversary celebration, JVS Bay Area held its first ever evening gala, Envision, on May 24, 2023 at the legendary SFJAZZ Center. Hundreds of supporters attended in person and online and helped raise over $800,000 to continue JVS Bay Area’s work of connecting jobseekers with quality employment and furthering systemic change that will ensure that all Californians can thrive.

The highlights of the event were the six JVS program alumni who were featured in spotlight videos during the program. The alumni generously shared about their professional and personal journeys and how JVS impacted their paths. Watch the video spotlights below for your chance to relive some of the magic of Envision.

JVS CEO Lisa Countryman-Quiroz, one of the speakers in the Envision program, saw many reasons to celebrate at the event. “Tonight is a night to reflect on the incredible growth and impact JVS has had over 50 years,” Countryman-Quiroz said. “It’s also an opportunity to envision the future and plant seeds for all that is yet to come.”

Additional speakers at Envision included former JVS CEO Abby Snay, Board of Directors members Hakeem Oseni, Kirsten Wolberg, and Wendy Kesser, and longtime JVS supporter and owner of the San Francisco Giants Larry Baer.

“I’m proud that JVS attracts people who exhibit such a consistent commitment to impact, to quality, to doing this work with compassion and integrity,” Countryman-Quiroz said in her closing remarks. “Thank you for all that you do.”

Envision will return again in Spring 2024 as JVS Bay Area’s annual fundraising gala. Prior to 2020, JVS Bay Area held an annual award luncheon, Strictly Business, to recognize alumni achievements and provide a space for members of the community to connect with one another and the organization. The final Strictly Business event was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022 and was replaced by Envision the following year.

View our full album of Envision 2023 photos on our Facebook page.