Celebrating Legacy and Leadership: The Inaugural Susan Wojcicki Legacy Empowerment Award Debuts at TGIF

At the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, surrounded by innovators, educators, creators, philanthropists, and future leaders from across the country, a historic moment unfolded at The Global Impact Forum (TGIF). For the first time ever, the Susan Wojcicki Legacy Empowerment Award was presented – an honor created to celebrate visionary leadership, inclusive innovation, and the power of technology to uplift and empower communities.

This prestigious award, named in honor of the late Susan Wojcicki, trailblazing tech executive and former CEO of YouTube, recognizes individuals whose work embodies Susan’s lifelong commitment to empowerment, equity, education, and access.

And in a moment rich with emotion, purpose, and legacy, the award was presented by Susan’s mother, Esther Wojcicki, a renowned American educator, journalist, and global thought leader who has shaped generations through her work and wisdom.

Honoring Susan’s Legacy through Leadership Principles for a Changing World

Before presenting the award, Esther delivered a moving and deeply personal keynote that reflected on the extraordinary career and life of her daughter. Drawing from Susan’s 56 years of leadership, courage, and impact, Esther reminded the TGIF audience that leadership in times of turmoil, disruption, and uncertainty must be rooted in purpose, empathy, resilience, and boldness. She uplifted six guiding principles that defined Susan’s leadership, principles that continue to inspire leaders across every sector:

1. Lead with Purpose, Not Position

Leadership is not about titles; it is about impact. Susan taught us to guide others through the unknown with clarity, conviction, and moral purpose.

2. Champion Diversity and Empowerment

Equity and inclusion were central to Susan’s vision—because diverse voices fuel innovation, creativity, and resilience. She worked tirelessly to amplify underrepresented creators and women in tech.

3. Balance Data with Empathy

Susan combined analytical thinking with affiliative leadership—listening deeply, building relationships, and leading with both head and heart.

4. Practice Resilience and Transparency

From global crises to regulatory scrutiny, Susan demonstrated calm, transparent leadership built on rapid adaptation and accountability—embodied in YouTube’s celebrated Four Rs of Responsibility:

• Remove harmful content
• Raise Up authoritative, trustworthy voices
• Reduce the spread of misinformation
• Reward creators who strengthen the platform

5. Model Ethical Leadership

She built systems that empowered others to thrive, centering transparency, fairness, and responsibility.

6. Prioritize Well-Being, Legacy, and Humanity

Above all, Susan believed that leadership must be sustainable. Success is measured not just in metrics but in the growth, well-being, and humanity of the people around us.

"These principles," Esther shared, "are needed now more than ever in our families, communities, classrooms, companies, and institutions. Real leadership is guiding with vision, listening deeply, and adapting with resilience. If we lead like this, we not only weather the storms—we create new opportunities for hope and positive change."

Introducing the First Recipient: Dr. Amy Loyd, CEO of All4Ed

The inaugural Susan Wojcicki Legacy Empowerment Award was presented to Dr. Amy Loyd, Chief Executive Officer of All4Ed – an extraordinary national leader whose work mirrors Susan’s values of equity, opportunity, empowerment, and innovation.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Loyd has dedicated herself to building systems where every learner has meaningful choices, pathways to thrive, and opportunities for rewarding, purposeful futures. Her leadership in the U.S. Department of Education, where she launched the groundbreaking Unlocking Career Success initiative, reshaped what it means to prepare students for real-world careers and postsecondary success.

Esther praised Dr. Loyd as “an exceptional leader… and a wonderful example of the leadership talents that Susan so aptly promoted.”

Dr. Loyd’s influence on education and workforce development continues to strengthen communities nationwide, and now becomes the first chapter in the legacy of this important new award.

A Moment of Honor for TGIF and Penn State

Reflecting on the significance of this award and the privilege of hosting it, Justin Aglio, Associate Vice President for Penn State Outreach and Executive Director of the Readiness Institute at Penn State, shared:

"This award represents everything The Global Impact Forum stands for: empowerment, innovation, access, and purpose-driven leadership. We are deeply honored that Esther Wojcicki entrusted TGIF with the inaugural presentation of an award that carries Susan’s spirit and legacy. Dr. Amy Loyd’s leadership embodies the very best of what this award celebrates, and we are grateful to uplift her transformative work."
–Justin Aglio, Penn State Outreach

Continuing a Legacy That Builds the Future

The launch of the Susan Wojcicki Legacy Empowerment Award marks a defining moment for The Global Impact Forum and a meaningful tribute to the enduring power of leadership that lifts others.

Susan Wojcicki helped shape the digital world, empower creators, and redefine what inclusive innovation looks like. Through this award, presented with wisdom, grace, and love by Esther Wojcicki, her legacy continues to inspire leaders who are shaping education, technology, policy, and opportunity.

Congratulations to Dr. Amy Loyd, a leader whose work truly embodies Susan’s vision, values, and commitment to empowering future generations.

The Global Impact Forum is honored to be the home of this distinguished award, and looks forward to celebrating many more leaders who continue to build a more equitable, inclusive, and empowered world.