The 2025 Enrique Camarena Award recognizes two inspiring leaders in prevention and recovery. This year, we are proud to honor Dr. Matthew Lee as the Award Recipient and Donna Meyers as the Award Honoree for their meaningful impact in the communities they serve.

2025 Enrique Camarena Award Recipient:

Dr. Matthew Lee, Ph.D., ICADC

This year’s Enrique Camarena Award Recipient is Dr. Matthew Lee, Ph.D., ICADC, Lead Substance Abuse Counselor at East Mississippi Correctional Facility.

Since 2009, Dr. Lee has dedicated his career to substance abuse counseling, recovery support, and rehabilitation. In his role, he oversees the Therapeutic Alcohol and Drug Program and has helped create a stronger path forward for individuals working to rebuild their lives. His leadership has included the integration of evidence-based practices, dynamic therapeutic interventions, and innovative digital tools that support long-term recovery and personal growth.

Dr. Lee’s impact is both measurable and lasting. Under his guidance, the program has seen a 15% increase in resident retention, a 98% rule-violation-free rate, and approximately 50 successful paroles annually. These outcomes reflect more than numbers. They represent restored hope, renewed direction, and lives changed through compassionate and structured support.

Beyond his daily leadership, Dr. Lee has made Red Ribbon awareness a core part of his service. Since 2014, he has led annual facility-wide Red Ribbon campaigns that bring staff and residents together in support of prevention, healing, and drug-free living. His work demonstrates the kind of sustained leadership and broad institutional impact that this award was created to recognize.

2025 Enrique Camarena Award Honoree:

Donna Meyers

We are also proud to recognize Donna Meyers, TEAP Specialist at Sierra Nevada Job Corps, as this year’s Enrique Camarena Award Honoree.

Donna’s work reflects the power of prevention through mentorship, personal connection, and lived experience. At Sierra Nevada Job Corps, she led the Red Ribbon Campaign on campus, creating opportunities for students to engage with prevention in a meaningful and memorable way. Her efforts inspired more than 80 students to sign a commitment pledge to remain substance-free, representing more than 75% participation on campus.

Among the most touching parts of her campaign was the planting of 50 red tulip bulbs throughout the campus in honor of Enrique Camarena. This symbolic tribute served as a lasting reminder of his courage, sacrifice, and the mission behind Red Ribbon. Donna’s leadership helped turn prevention into something students could see, understand, and carry with them.

With 15 years of experience as a Substance Abuse and Gambling Counselor and more than 20 years in personal recovery, Donna brings both professional expertise and personal testimony to her role. Her story is one of resilience, healing, and hope. That combination has made her a trusted mentor and a powerful example for the students she serves each day.

Two Powerful Stories of Prevention and Leadership

While both honorees are deeply deserving of recognition, their stories reflect different kinds of impact.

Dr. Matthew Lee’s work represents long-term institutional leadership, measurable program outcomes, and systemic influence across a correctional setting. Donna Meyers’ work highlights the importance of campus-based prevention, student mentorship, and the inspiring role of lived experience in helping young people make healthy choices.

Together, their work shows that prevention leadership can take many forms. Whether through large-scale program leadership or one-on-one encouragement, both individuals embody the spirit of the Enrique Camarena Award.

Celebrating the 2025 Honorees

We proudly celebrate Dr. Matthew Lee as the 2025 Enrique Camarena Award Recipient and Donna Meyers as the 2025 Enrique Camarena Award Honoree.

Their dedication to prevention, recovery, mentorship, and service continues to leave a lasting mark on the communities they serve. We thank them both for carrying forward the legacy of Enrique Camarena and for reminding us of the powerful difference one person can make.

Learn More!

To learn more about Red Ribbon leadership and prevention efforts, follow along with our latest campaigns and community highlights, visit Redribbon.org