The 10th Council District Women’s Steering Committee hosted their 42nd Annual Scholarship and Awards Luncheon recently at the newly remodeled The Proud Bird Food Bazaar & Events Center. The theme for the luncheon was “Embracing the Future.” Community leaders and elected officials present included former Senator Diane Watson, former Congressmembers, David Cunningham, Rita Walters, Nate Holden, Jan Perry, Commissioners Mike Davis and Rosa Russell.
Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, Ph.D was a special guest and was given a Certificate of Excellence in Personal Achievement. Iris Gordy, who introduced her daughter Karla Gordy Bristol, is the niece of Motown founder, Berry Gordy. Ms. Gordy is a former vice president of Motown Records and a pioneering record producer. Ms. Gordy’s music credits included recording projects with, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross and the Four Tops. She is credited with being instrumental in launching the artists Rick James, Teena Marie, DeBrage and Tata Vega. Ms. Gordy shared that 10th Council District W.S.C. President and CEO, Jackie Nunn, worked with her while at Motown. Ms. Gordy surprised everyone when she started introducing Jacqueline Nunn as one of the most dynamic and most powerful people at Motown Record Corp.
Mistress of ceremony, Bristol, is the daughter of producer and writer Johnny Bristol and the great-niece of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Bristol is the CEO of Bristol Entertainment Group, co-founder and vice president of Friends of Fuller B. Gordy. She co-hosts a weekly live talk show called “Karla & Rainelle Show.” The dynamic mother and daughter team kicked off the luncheon on an upbeat note. Bristol introduced keynote speaker Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery, PhD., superintendent/ president of Santa Monica College. Dr. Jeffery enlightened and informed the audience about all of the wonderful programs and events taking place at SMC.
Ana Guerrero, Mayor Garcetti’s chief of staff, was one of the honorees. Ana directs all aspects of the office of the mayor. She is the primary driver of his agenda to make Los Angeles safer, livable, prosperous and well-run. She has worked with Garcetti since he was elected to the City Council in 2001. Guerrero brings extensive community organizing experience to her role as the Mayor’s chief strategist. Guerrero is an elected member of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party (AD43) and is the president of the Advanced Democrat Club of Los Angeles County.
Additionally honored was Emily Wang, president of East West Bank Foundation and senior vice president, director of marketing & community development for East West Bank. East West Bank has been in the top 15 of “America’s 100 Best Banks” by Forbes for six consecutive years (2010-2015). Wang also serves as president of East West Bank Foundation. The Bank and the Foundation have been supporting and partnering with community organizations to provide affordable housing, to improve financial literacy, to assist small businesses and to promote diversity.
Jacqueline Nunn Courtesy Photo
Both honorees accepted their Certificate of Congratulations for their Outstanding Leadership, Excellence in personal Achievement and Community Involvement from City Council President Herb J Wesson, Jr., Mayor Eric Garcetti, Congresswomen Karen Bass, Assemblymember, 47th District Eloise Gomez Reyes and award plaque from 10th Council District W.S.C.
There were ten outstanding high school students who were recognized and honored. Our 2017 scholarship recipients received a Certificate of Special Recognition from Congresswomen Karen Bass and the 10thCDWSC.
In a partnership with East West Bank Foundation, each student will receive $1,500 in scholarship dollars 10th Council District W.S.C. Wang announcedt that East West Foundation is going to set up an Internship program for the students who graduate from a four-year university, majoring in Business Administration or Business Finance.
Entertainment for the afternoon was provided by Elaine Gibbs and Nu Soul Band. There was a special appearance by vocalist and pianist Shelea Frazier, who just came off tour with Quincy Jones and David Frost. She has performed twice at the White House for former President Obama and has toured with Stevie Wonder and so many others.
The 10th Council District (WSC) was founded in October 1973, by Congresswoman Maxine Waters, retired Councilman David Cunningham, and retired senior field deputy of the 10th District Geneva Cox; along with other women who were political trailblazers in the city of Los Angeles. The members of the WSC are dedicated, compassionate women who have been at the forefront as advocates for family, youth, children and seniors to resolve economic, educational, health and safety issues in the our community. Annual membership is $50.00 or $200.00 for a lifetime membership.
Visit our website at www.10thcdwsc.org.
