The Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce at its 30th Awards Gala on April 19, at the JW Marriot LA LIVE will honor California Governor Gavin Newsom along with leaders in business, technology, and transportation that have supported African American businesses.
“The GLAAACC Awards Gala will recognize companies and individuals who have provided pathways and opportunities to stimulate economic opportunities for Black businesses. It’s a networking and information business affair, wrapped up in one black-tie extravaganza, said Chairman Gene Hale.
Newsom will be honored with the Public Service Award for his national leadership in putting people first, climate change and creating economic opportunity for California small and minority businesses.
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GLAAACC’S Transportation Executive Award will be presented to Toks Omishakin, Secretary of Transportation for the state of California. Omishakin was appointed by Governor Newsom in February of 2022. Omishikan has oversight of eight State Departments, Boards and Commissions that combined have more than 42,000 people and a budget that exceeds $30 billion annually. Safety, equity, climate action, and economic prosperity — the core four — are the top transportation priorities established for the state.
“Transportation at its best is a uniter. Transportation at its worst is a barrier. We must strive to always unite & never divide,” Omishakin said.
KJLH Vice President/General Manager Karen Slade will receive GLAAACC’s President’s Award for over 30 years of overseeing one of the country’s top R & B stations. During Slade’s tenure, she has led an expansion of multimedia and social media efforts to enhance the interactive listener experience.
“It is my honor to present Karen Slade with the GLAAACC President’s Award. She has provided a trusted communication vehicle for the community for over three decades. KJJLH is the soundtrack for our lives and is truly a Southern Californian treasure,” GLAAACC President Angela Gibson-Shaw said.
Edwige A. Robinson, senior vice president of Network Engineering, Operations & Transformation at T-Mobile, will receive GLAAACC’s Chairman’s Award. Robinson is responsible for 23 states, leading more than 5000 employees and contractors who design, build, and maintain T-Mobile’s cutting-edge 5GNetwork. The West Africa Native, from Cote d’ Ivoire, has become one the nation’s top Women in Tech.
“Instead of saying there is no one here in this room that looks like me, I prefer to say what a privilege it is to be here standing out from the rest,” Robinson said.
“I believe we could all benefit from adopting Edwige Robinson’s attitude. I am proud to present her with the GLAAACC Chairman’s Award,” Hale said.
The dinner sponsor for the 30th GLAAACC Awards Gala is the award-winning wireless network operator T-Mobile. T-Mobile a leader in the wireless communication industry and was recently recognized in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Wireless Customer Care Study for delivering top-tier customer service.
“T-Mobile is committed to investing in new programs and continuing to expand opportunities to further drive positive change in underserved communities,” said Clint Odom, vice president of Strategic Alliances and External Affairs, T-Mobile.
“We’re proud to once again partner with GLAAACC to recognize individuals and corporations that champion African American businesses,” he said.
For more information on the 30th GLAAACC Awards Gala, visit GLAAACC.org/awards-dinner.
