Hollywood, CA – October 4, 2025 – Under the bold leadership of founder Nim Stant, the International Impact Book Awards (IIBA) has become one of the most prestigious platforms in the literary world. This year, the stage is set for its most powerful celebration yet: a red carpet gala at the iconic Loews Hollywood Hotel following the Impact Conference.
On this unforgettable night, the IIBA honors a global lineup of authors who are doing more than publishing books – they're shifting culture. Each finalist selected for the 2025 awards has demonstrated not only literary excellence but personal courage, powerful storytelling, and a commitment to global change.
Celebrating the 2025 Finalists
This year’s finalists represent a diverse range of voices – from entrepreneurs and educators to healers, activists, and artists. Their stories echo across cultures and continents, addressing the challenges and triumphs that define the human experience. Whether they're writing to empower, to expose, or to elevate, these authors are using the written word to lead revolutions in thought, action, and purpose.
To be selected as a finalist at IIBA is not about popularity or sales volume. It’s about impact. It’s about writing with intention, truth, and a deep desire to serve others. This October 4th, their work takes center stage.
With Gratitude to Our Visionary Sponsors
This year’s gala wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of purpose-driven leaders who share the IIBA’s mission of using books as vehicles for impact. Our sponsors are not just funders – they are storytellers, visionaries, and change agents.
- Erica Gifford Mills, empowerment coach and founder of Balanced Symmetree, uplifts women across the globe through emotional intelligence, healing, and bold leadership.
- Joseph Giammarco, author of God’s Message to Men, brings wisdom, faith, and transformation to men seeking deeper meaning and restoration.
- Brian Kent, a global business strategist, serial entrepreneur, and philanthropist, supports visionary leaders across industries – from defense to education.
- Valerie Juillerat, author of Finding Hope When Storms Don’t Cease, leads Lessons of the Heart Ministries and stands as a beacon for faith and resilience.
- Mike Cromwell- Owner and President of a commercial contracting company and author of Black Widow, brings raw truth, justice advocacy, and real-life grit to every room he walks into.
- Debbie Widhalm, burn nurse and author of No More Silence, transforms trauma into healing through her memoir and mission.
- Alan Santana, former pro boxer turned author and entrepreneur, helps youth and leaders rise through his book Unprotected and mentorship programs.
- Kathryn Selvidge, nonprofit development executive, performing artist, and impact strategist, has raised over $50 million for causes worldwide and supports community-based storytelling.
Beyond the Stage: Building Playgrounds Around the World
This year, IIBA’s impact doesn’t stop at the red carpet.
A portion of proceeds from the gala supports the Playground Around the World Project – an initiative led by Stant to build safe, joyful, and hope-filled play spaces for children in underserved communities. The goal? To turn literary success into real-world transformation and give children a space to dream, play, and believe in possibilities.
A Movement, Not Just a Moment
As the spotlight shines on October 4, 2025, what’s clear is this: the International Impact Book Awards is not just an award, it’s a movement.
A movement for authors to rise.
A movement to redefine success through service.
A movement to transform stories into legacies.
To the 2025 finalists, congratulations! You are the voices this world needs. And your impact is just beginning.
For more information visit our website at internationalimpactbookawards.com or email us at contact@internationalimpactbookawards.com
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