Decade of deeds Award Recipients
Contact:
Crystal Zamarron,
Communications Director,
TEXAS - Deeds Not Words is proud to announce the award recipients for the Alumni of the Year, Advocacy Champion, and the Artist in Action awards. Three recipients are to be honored during the Decade of Deeds - 10-year celebration event at RichesArt Gallery on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The Alumni of the Year award goes to the individual who began with a Deeds Not Words university chapter. They have shown great dedication to their chapter growth and activism. The award goes to Parnia Razi. Parnia is a communications strategist, community advocate, and proud alumna of the Deeds Not Words Campus Organizer Program. After founding the Deeds chapter at the University of Houston while earning her degrees in political science and public relations, she has dedicated her career to advancing reproductive freedom and civic engagement.
The Advocacy Champion award goes to the individual who prioritizes through organizing, policy, coalition-building, and sustained political work. These are the people who help turn vision into real power and then turn that power into actionable change. The award goes to Ariana Rodriguez. Ariana is an award-winning activist and the Youth Policy & Organizing Senior Manager at Jane’s Due Process, where she builds youth power and drives meaningful change. From shaping local and state policy to creating bold advocacy campaigns, Ariana is passionate about ensuring young people have the tools, opportunities, and platform to lead.
The Artist in Action award goes to the individual who has shaped the movement through culture: artists, storytellers, and creative collaborators who have shifted narratives, built connections, and made our struggles and futures visible to the public. The award goes to Miriam “Mimi” Aguirre. Mimi, a former Deeds Not Words intern, believes that storytelling can break stigmas, empower young people, and strengthen communities. These values guide every post, campaign, and digital conversation she creates.
“We are excited to highlight the accomplishments of these three young professionals who truly live out our values every day and work to make Texas a better place,” said Alyssa Canty, Executive Director. “Ten years of youth organizing, advocacy, and creative action have built an incredible base of young people, and I can’t wait to see what all we accomplish together within the next decade. We are proud to celebrate and uplift the accomplishments of young Texans at our Decade of Deeds event.”
Learn more about the event here
Press interested in attending the Decade of Deeds celebration on Thursday, August 27, email crystal@deedstx.org.
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Deeds Not Words is a youth organizing non-profit, rooted in gender justice, that galvanizes the power of young leaders across Texas to champion a just future through leadership development, advocacy, and cultural organizing. Deeds aims to build a new generation of leaders across Texas who will advance the fight for justice, equality, and opportunity for all and are fighting for a Texas that values Reproductive Justice, Fair and Just Representation, Freedom from Violence, and the Freedom to Thrive.