The 2025 LA Executive Awards ceremony brought together a wide array of leaders from across Los Angeles’ diverse business ecosystem. With nominees representing a rich spectrum of ages, races, genders, and belief systems, the event celebrated those who exemplify grace, growth, and grit. Finalists were evaluated on their resilience, impact, and the wisdom they’ve shown over the past two years—qualities that resonated deeply in Gatena’s leadership story.

Award officials noted that Gatena's selection reflects not just his business success but also the mission-driven ethos behind PRAY.COM, which blends faith, technology, and community in a powerful way.

📰 View the full list of LA Times Executive Leadership Award recipients

A Mission-Driven Entrepreneur at the Intersection of Faith and Innovation

Founded by Gatena after a transformative personal experience, PRAY.COM has grown to become the world’s leading app for daily prayer and faith-based audio content. His vision: to create a platform that fosters spiritual growth, builds community, and leaves a lasting legacy of helping others.

But PRAY.COM’s impact is not limited to the spiritual realm. Under Gatena’s leadership, the platform has become the only religious app to complete clinical research on the mental health benefits of digitally enabled prayer. These studies have validated the app’s positive influence on user well-being—an especially timely benefit in a world where nearly 25% of Americans are grappling with mental health challenges.

“I am humbled by the LA Times Studios’ recognition, as it points to the impact PRAY.COM is having in our community and our world,” said Gatena. “This acknowledgement is a credit to our entire team and the amazing work they do helping people not only make prayer a priority but also realize the mental health benefits of engaging with the app.”

Faith-Based Tech for the Greater Good

Gatena’s innovative leadership continues to position PRAY.COM as a trailblazer at the intersection of faith and technology. Most recently, the company partnered with Palantir Technologies, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the operational efficiency and reach of nonprofit ministries—a move that amplifies their community service capabilities.

Through this partnership and others, PRAY.COM is redefining what faith-based organizations can achieve in the digital age.

Industry Recognition and Enduring Influence

The LA Times award adds to a growing list of accolades earned by Gatena and PRAY.COM. Highlights include:

• Best Place to Work by the Los Angeles Business Journal
• Fastest-growing mental health app, according to SensorTower
• Named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing faith-based media and tech companies in the U.S.
• Gatena’s recognition as a “40 Under 40 Visionary” by CSQ Magazine
• Appointment by the President of the United States as a non-partisan advisor to the White House on cybersecurity

With two decades of industry experience, including nine years devoted to building PRAY.COM, Gatena also lends his expertise to the USC Digital Media Management Board of Advisors and Beyond the Brotherhood, a nonprofit supporting Navy SEALs transitioning to civilian life.

A Moment Worth Celebrating

Steve Gatena’s recognition by the LA Times is not just a personal accolade—it’s a reflection of the values and mission driving PRAY.COM. In a world where spiritual support and mental health resources are more essential than ever, this award serves as a reminder that faith-based leadership can have a transformative impact on both individuals and communities.

As PRAY.COM continues to grow and innovate, Gatena’s example serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs who believe in building technology that not only succeeds—but also serves.