The International Community Foundation A.C. (FIC), founded in 2001, is a community foundation that promotes initiatives that contribute to the social well-being and sustainable development of Baja California communities by strengthening civil society and partnering with social investors. Among the FIC’s longest-standing initiatives is the management of financial support for access to equitable, quality education at all levels. Since 2004, the FIC has participated in the management of the Kyoto Scholarships within the framework of the Kyoto Prize awards presented by the Inamori Foundation based in Kyoto, Japan.
The activities of the Inamori Foundation reflect its founder’s conviction that people have no higher calling than to strive for the good of humanity and society, and that the future of humanity can only be assured when there is a balance between scientific development and the enrichment of the human spirit. The Foundation actively seeks to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples of the Earth through the public recognition of individuals and activities that promote science, culture, and the enrichment of the human spirit.
The Kyoto Prize is an international award of Japanese origin awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions in three categories: basic sciences, advanced technology, and art and philosophy, which “contribute to the progress of the future of humanity by maintaining a balance between the development of science and civilization and the enrichment of the human spirit.” With the same purpose of contributing to the progress of the future of humanity, within the framework of these prizes, a scholarship program for high school seniors in San Diego and Tijuana has emerged in parallel. This program was established in 2002 by the Kyoto Prize Symposium Organization (KSO) and since 2004 has been managed in collaboration with the San Diego Foundation for students in San Diego and the International Community Foundation for students in Tijuana.
This past March 12, 2025, the 24th Kyoto Prize Gala Dinner took place at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in San Diego. At the Kyoto Prize Gala Dinner, the Laureates are honored and the Kyoto Prize Scholarship winners from San Diego and Tijuana are presented. The six winners presented each receive a scholarship to contribute to their university studies.
This year, the winning students from Tijuana were:
- Guillermo Anaya Ríos – Lázaro Cárdenas Federal High School
- Camila Vanessa Beltrán Ramírez – Lázaro Cárdenas Federal High School
- Estefanía Denea Hernández Payan – Cetys Universidad
The winning students from San Diego were:
- Adam Ramadan – Rancho Bernardo High School
- Kate Xu – Del Norte High School
- Sarah Gao – Canyon Crest Academy
The Kyoto Scholarships strengthen the relationship between Japan, the United States, and Mexico and contribute to youth education in the hopes of contributing to a better world future.
Special Thanks:
La Revista Binacional was honored to be part of the prestigious Kyoto Prize Gala, held in La Jolla, California. The event began with an elegant cocktail reception at the spectacular THE LOT in La Jolla, where attendees enjoyed a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere.
The celebration continued later in the majestic CONRAD Theater, where the evening’s honorees were honored. We had the opportunity to learn about their inspiring stories while enjoying exquisite music, dance performances, and delicious desserts accompanied by a heartwarming cup of coffee.
In addition to experiencing unforgettable moments, the Gala allowed us to connect with prominent figures from the San Diego-Tijuana binational region, strengthening ties and sharing experiences.
We thank the organizers for the invitation, especially Lizzette Weber Yee of Talent Connect, for her continued support and consideration.
