Government & Legislative Recognition

Federal Recognition

The Congressional Award – Bronze and Silver Certificates

The Congressional Award is a federally chartered, non-partisan program created by the United States Congress to recognize youth who demonstrate sustained commitment to community service, leadership development, personal growth, and physical fitness over an extended period of time.

Ella Shahbazian is a recipient of the Congressional Award at both the Bronze and Silver levels. She earned these distinctions through multi-year service and leadership initiatives, including founding and leading Ella’s Angels, organizing large-scale community service projects, and maintaining long-term commitments to civic engagement and youth advocacy.

Gold Level in

State Recognition

Ella Shahbazian was formally recognized by the California State Assembly for her leadership in organizing the Valentine’s for Veterans event, honoring those who have served with courage and dedication. Presented on February 11, 2026 by Assemblymember Nick Schultz of the 44th Assembly District, this Certificate of Recognition highlights her commitment to civic engagement and community service

Institutional Recognition & Civic Leadership

Ella Shahbazian’s leadership through Ella’s Angels Foundation has received formal recognition from multiple Southern California municipalities, reflecting the tangible community impact of her work.

On November 26, 2025, the City of Long Beach, under Mayor Rex Richardson, presented Ella’s Angels Foundation with a Certificate of Recognition for its Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway initiative. The program addressed food insecurity among local families through coordinated volunteer mobilization and community partnerships, demonstrating how youth-led initiatives can meaningfully strengthen local civic infrastructure.

On February 11, 2026, the City of Glendale awarded Ella’s Angels Foundation a Mayor’s Commendation for its Valentine’s for Veterans event at Veterans Village, where 81 veterans were served. The recognition honored the foundation’s commitment to service, dignity, and intergenerational engagement within the community.

Together, these municipal honors reflect more than ceremonial acknowledgment. They affirm Ella Shahbazian’s ability to translate initiative into organized action, build collaborative relationships, and deliver measurable outcomes that resonate beyond a single event. Her work represents a sustained model of youth-driven civic engagement rooted in responsibility, structure, and long-term community impact.