Quick look: County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean was honored Thursday at the OC Influencers for Good Celebration. He also earned accolades this month from the Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the California Association of Asian and Pasifika Leaders in Education.
Orange County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean was recognized as the 2025 Community Pillar of Influence for Education on Thursday night, joining a select group of local leaders honored at the 10th Annual OC Influencers for Good Celebration.
Hosted by the Institute for Community Impact, a program of the Passkeys Foundation, the event was held at Hotel Zessa in Santa Ana, where four influential figures were lauded for their contributions in the arts, business, education, and family and social services.
Now in its 10th year, the program annually spotlights individuals whose work aligns with seven pillars of influence to strengthen communities. Along with the four pillars represented Thursday, the others are faith, government and healthcare.
Bean, who was named county superintendent in July 2024, was selected for his leadership in expanding educational opportunities, championing students with disabilities, and fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments throughout Orange County. In accepting the award, he reflected on those who shaped his life and inspired his work.
“When we are given things, we must give back,” he said, underscoring the influence of teachers and mentors who “inspired us and helped us believe in things that we had yet to see in ourselves.”
Bean closed by sharing a deeply personal tribute to his late wife, Janet, recalling her compassion and courage during cancer treatments, and noting that her final request — to take care of their children — became a broader promise to care for all students in Orange County.
“She had such wisdom,” he said. “She meant, as you take care of our kids, you need to take care of all of our kids in our county.”
The Institute for Community Impact was established by the Passkeys Foundation, which was founded in 1996 to promote character development, ethical leadership and service across Orange County. The institute engages local leaders and businesses in identifying community needs and fostering collaboration to address them.
Other honorees on Thursday included Yanet Gonzalez of Templo Calvario Community Development, recognized in the Family and Social Services category; Charles Antis, founder and CEO of Antis Roofing & Waterproofing, honored in the Business category; and Charlie Zhang, founder of Pick Up Stix and OC Music & Dance, who was celebrated in the Arts category.
The evening also featured additional recognitions, including the founder’s honoree and volunteer of the year awards, along with a musical performance by The All-American Boys Chorus.
Additional honors
Bean’s selection as a Community Pillar of Influence followed two other major recognitions announced this month.
On Nov. 15, he received the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award from the Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which held its “We Change Lives” gala at the Disneyland Hotel. That award recognizes educators — regardless of their scouting background — who embody scouting values like ethical decision-making, leadership and service to others.
Bean was also recently named the 2026 Superintendent of the Year by the California Association of Asian and Pasifika Leaders in Education, or CAAPLE. The statewide honor recognizes an AAPI or Native Hawaiian superintendent who demonstrates exemplary leadership, advances equity-centered practices and uplifts Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander educators and students.
The CAAPLE Awards Gala will be held March 3 at the US Grant Hotel in San Diego.