2026 Competition

The Big Pitch Final took place on February 27, 2026, from 12 to 1 p.m. Congratulations to all of our finalists!

1st Place: Emily Zavala, “Before the Sirens: Emotions, Risk Appraisal, and Decision-Making in 9-1-1 Calls”

2nd Place: Emily Cauble, “Personal Care Product Use and Breast Cancer Risk”

3rd Place: Samantha Stombaugh, “Practicing Love: A Preventive Psychological Approach to Healthy Interpersonal Relationships”

Audience’s Winner: Aurora Jimenez-Guerrero, “Building Bridges, Defending Futures: The Experiences of California Foster Youth Liaisons Supporting Students with Experience in Foster Care”

Finalist: Charo Darwin, “Leading Through the Storm: How School Leaders Navigate Crisis, Emotion, and Equity”

Finalist: Heidi Kellam, “Co-Parenting with CPS“