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The Tzedek Social Justice Fund (Tzedek) is excited to announce that Sophie Dixon and Julio Tordoya are this year’s Brilliance Award winners.
The Tzedek Brilliance Awards are a one-time, no-strings-attached grant of $50,000 honoring Asheville leaders who have engaged in impactful, intersectional efforts to further racial justice, promote LGBTQ equality, and dismantle antisemitism. As opposed to the majority of Tzedek’s grantmaking that funds organizational work, Brilliance Awards are designed to cultivate the well-being of individual brilliant community leaders by recognizing and rewarding their past work to make Asheville a place where everyone can thrive.
Ms. Sophie Dixon received the Ella Baker Brilliance Award, which honors a Black community leader in Asheville who has empowered and organized others to address systemic oppression.
Julio Tordoya received the Pauli Murray Brilliance Award, which honors a community leader who, like Pauli Murray, has been involved in a wide variety of social justice efforts and who leads with the wisdom that all struggles for liberation are connected.
Inspired by transformative grantmaking models that shift power dynamics between funders and grantees, the Tzedek Brilliance Awards invest in innovative individuals driving meaningful social transformation in our region. While the Brilliance Awards spotlight two exceptional social change catalysts, we recognize the depth of talent, dedication, and passion within our Asheville communities. Our financial resources may be finite, but our gratitude and admiration are boundless. Every individual who steps up to make a difference is invaluable, and this is undoubtedly true for all the nominees who shared their stories and impacts with us. Thanks to all who participated in this process.
The Brilliance Awards are a meaningful way to honor individuals who dedicate their efforts to uplifting their communities. Recognizing honorees like Ms. Sophie and Julio, who embody the values of Ella Baker and Pauli Murray, highlights the importance of behind-the-scenes work and the interconnectedness of social justice issues,” states Tzedek Executive Director Libby Kyles. “Ms. Sophie’s commitment to supporting her community reflects Ella Baker’s belief in grassroots organizing and collective action, while Julio’s role as a connector aligns with Pauli Murray’s advocacy for intersectionality. Their contributions are vital in fostering a more equitable society. It’s inspiring to see such dedication and sacrifice for the greater good happening in our community!
About the Awardees
Ms. Sophie Dixon
Born and raised in Asheville’s historically Black Stumptown neighborhood, Ms. Sophie Dixon has devoted her life to community development and empowerment. After graduating from Shaw University in 1985 with a Business Management and Accounting degree, she enjoyed a 35-year career as a Customer Service Manager at Tycos/Welch Allyn, Inc. Retiring to focus full-time on community social justice, she hasn’t slowed down since.
A dedicated member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church for over 65 years, she served as Treasurer of its Community Development Corporation, empowering impacted people of color to address social health disparities through multi-sector collaborations. Additionally, Ms. Sophie was the first female president of the Asheville-Buncombe County National Organization for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter, played an instrumental part in preserving the YMI Cultural Center, and co-founded the Empowerment Resource Center of Asheville & Buncombe County Inc., home to WRES 100.7 FM radio station, which uplifts communities of color through tailored programming.
At 87, this “community mother” remains a tireless advocate, volunteer, and mentor with a solution-driven approach. Her accolades include the 2019 Asheville City Council Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2022 Rosa Parks Award. Ms. Sophie is the president of the Shiloh Community Association, a WNC Bridge Foundation grantee, and volunteers full-time at the Empowerment Resource Center/WRES, ensuring future generations receive the inspiration and information needed to inherit a thriving community.
In my work, I am guided by 1st Peter 4:10: ‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s Grace in its various forms,'” explains Dixon. “In this light, I try to serve mankind for the improvement of my community, state, and nation by sharing my time, energy, and resources.
Julio Tordoya
Julio Tordoya, a native of Peru, pursued studies in education, graphic design, photography, and journalism. He started teaching in a rural community near Lima in 2006 and worked there for four years before moving to Charlotte, NC as a visiting Spanish teacher at an elementary school. In 2010, he moved to Asheville, immersing himself in immigrant communities and capturing their stories as a photographer across Western North Carolina.
Motivated by the US Social Forum, Julio, in collaboration with Magaly Urdiales, co-founded JMPRO Community Media to empower the Latinx community through comprehensive training in photography, reporting, editing, and broadcasting. Their mission is to amplify the voices of this vibrant community in local media. In 2018, Julio launched a radio show on Asheville FM that showcased segments produced, recorded, and edited by members of the Latinx community, featuring content in Spanish, English, Mam, and K’iche’, two indigenous Mayan languages. Currently, Julio is focused on making innovative contributions to the social justice movement through media, leveraging a decade of experience in education to foster positive change.
I am deeply honored to receive the Pauli Murray Brilliance Award from Tzedek,” says Tordoya. “This acknowledgment strengthens my belief that as an immigrant, person of color, and digital storyteller, I have a place within our mountains. I hope this award inspires a new generation of media creators, motivating them to share the stories of our community, cultivate understanding, and establish a legacy that honors the contributions of those who came before us while empowering the voices of the future.
About the Grantmaking Process
A total of 28 nominations were submitted for consideration. After in-depth consideration and conversation, Brilliance Award recipients were selected by a 5-person committee of Tzedek staff and board members.
Learn more about Tzedek’s approach to social justice philanthropy here: