Dr. Kim Carter-Tillman, founder of the Time for Change Foundation, has been named Nexstar’s 2025 Remarkable Woman of the Year for her transformative work in San Bernardino, California.
Carter-Tillman, a survivor of homelessness, incarceration, and addiction, established the Time for Change Foundation in 2002 to support homeless individuals regain self-sufficiency. The foundation offers emergency shelter and supportive services.
Aimee Durante, who nominated Carter-Tillman for the award, credits her with saving her life 12 years ago. Now a program administrator at the foundation, Durante said she overcame addiction and abuse with Carter-Tillman’s guidance.
“She welcomed me with open arms. I’m a completely different person today than I was when I got here,” said Durante. “I probably would be dead.”
The Time for Change Foundation also operates the Black and Brown Opportunities for Profit Center and Business Academy, providing entrepreneurial resources to women of color.
With the national recognition and a donation, Carter-Tillman is poised to further her mission of empowering individuals and transforming lives in her community. Carter-Tillman receives a check for $25,000 for being named the national winner. She was previously named KTLA’s local finalist.
Four other finalists were named and received $5,000 donations to their charities of choice. Those women were:
Brenda Robinson: Concord, North Carolina
Brenda Robinson made history as the first African American female pilot in the Navy, inspiring future generations with her groundbreaking career in aviation. Now retired, Brenda Robinson dedicates her time to teaching at Fly Right, where she inspires the next generation of aviation professionals through camps and classes. In addition to her teaching, Robinson mentors young people, offering guidance on life and career possibilities.
Holly Schwab: Holly Springs, North Carolina
Holly Schwab founded Zach’s Toy Chest to provide toys and books to children in hospitals. The charity was inspired by Schwab’s son Zach, who needed distractions during his cancer treatments. In its first year, Zach’s Toy Chest received 600 donations, and it now receives thousands annually. This growth highlights the community’s support and the impact of the charity’s mission.
Inez Russell: Waco, Texas
As the founder and executive director of Friends For Life, Russell works to help older and disabled adults live independently and safely. She started Friends For Life in 1989, and the nonprofit has since expanded its services to 82 counties across Texas. Her recognition as as a Remarkable Woman highlights her dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable populations.
Sandy Burgener: Champaign, Illinois
Sandy Burgener has dedicated 20 years to supporting Alzheimer’s patients and their families through her work with Minds in Motion. Minds in Motion, the organization through which Burgener operates, provides a safe and loving environment for those affected by Alzheimer’s, offering not only patient care but also family support.
In addition to $5,000 checks for the five finalists and an additional $25,000 for Tillman, each of the 125 local Remarkable Women winners received checks of $1,000. To date, Nexstar has donated more than $650,000 as part of the Remarkable Women initiative.
Every year in March, Nexstar celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting Remarkable Women who have made a difference on public policy, social progress, and the quality of life in their communities. The nationwide initiative includes participation across Nexstar’s more than 200 owned or partner stations in 116 U.S. markets, The CW Network, NewsNation, and The Hill. It has generated more than 46,000 nominations and showcased more than 2,200 women since its inception in 2020.
The post Southern California nonprofit founder named 2025 Remarkable Woman of the Year appeared first on KTLA.
