Dr. Tristaca McCray, an esteemed author, community leader, and global advocate, serves as the Ambassador of San Diego, CA, and the Secretary General of the World Kindness Movement. She is the author of My Butterfly Wings, a poignant poetry collection that inspires self-discovery, healing, and faith. Her remarkable ability to transform vision into impactful reality shines through her strategic development skills, capacity for identifying opportunities, and talent for seamlessly integrating innovative solutions into communities worldwide.

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As a passionate advocate for behavioral health, Dr. McCray’s work combines the power of storytelling with evidence-based strategies to create lasting change. Her influential leadership and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in addressing the needs of underserved communities and fostering meaningful international partnerships.

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Dr. McCray’s extraordinary contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including proclamations for mental health and youth programs, as well as acknowledgments from Presidents Obama and Biden for her community leadership. With a mission to inspire kindness, inclusivity, and progress, she continues to be a trailblazer, empowering others to build a brighter, more compassionate world.

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Awards and Recognitions of Dr. Tristaca McCray

2024

• 26 October: Certificate of Recognition from California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber.

• 26 October: Certificate of Mayoral Recognition presented by Mayor Todd Gloria for NERDS RULE INC., City of San Diego.

• 22 October: American CEO of the Year Nomination at the 7th Edition of The Burj CEO Awards, Istanbul, Türkiye.

• 20 October: 2024 Gesomino Giallo International Kindness Award, Palermo, Italy.

• 19 September: Leadership Award Finalist by ABC 10 News and SD LEAD San Diego.

• 11 September: Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Award Finalist by the San Diego Business Journal (NERDS RULE INC.).

• 14 May: YPAL (Young Professionals Association of Louisville) Community Impact Award Nomination.

• 03 May: ABC 10 News and SD LEAD San Diego Leadership Award Recipient for NERDS RULE INC.'s STEM Program.

• 06 February: CFO of the Year Finalist by the San Diego Business Journal.

2023

• 13 November: Kindness Champion Award from the World Kindness Movement.

• 28 October: Exemplary Women Leadership Award from Humanitarian Awards Global (HAG).

• 09 September: Inclusive Leadership in Action (ILIA) Award Nominee (Tristaca McCray and NERDS RULE INC.), RISE San Diego.

• 22 July: South Africa Olympus International HERA Award.

• 16 July: Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

• 29 June: Britain’s Multicultural Business & Community Champion Award Nomination: Community Unsung Hero.

• 07 June: Consultative Status with ECOSOC United Nations for NERDS RULE INC.

• 01 June: Globant Women That Build Rising Star Nomination.

2022

• 27 February: Founded A BRAVE SPACE Community Outreach Center.

• 26 February: Empowering Black Families Community Award from the Therapeutic Play Foundation/Black Mental Health Task Force.

• 31 December 2021: California Mentoring Partnership "Golden Bear Mentoring Award."

2021

• 16 June: Featured in Forbes Business List Next 1000.

• 05 September: Best Nonprofit Award by Best of Black SD Magazine.

• 15 April: LONI Sisterhood Global Award.

• 26 March: 100 Successful Women in Business Award.

2020

• 30 September: Advisory Board Member with Rain on Me Organization, United Kingdom.

• 10 August: Featured in Gap Warriors spotlighting women leaders in nonprofit.

• 17 April: Launched NERDS RULE INC. Academy for Social Justice and Empowerment.

 

2019 and Earlier Highlights

• 10 June 2019: Certificate of Incorporation in Virginia for NERDS RULE INC.

• 14 March 2017: Proclaimed NERDS RULE INC. Day in San Diego, CA.

• 16 July 2016: Tristaca McCray Day proclaimed in San Diego, CA for her work in suicide prevention.

• 14 June 2016: White House Global "Change Maker" Award by First Lady Michelle Obama and President Obama.

• 18 October 2012: California Senate Certificate of Recognition as Urban Leader Under 40 by the Urban League of San Diego County.

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Dr. Tristaca McCray’s accolades reflect her unwavering commitment to community service, leadership, and global advocacy for kindness, equity, and social justice.

 

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