Ventris C. Gibson, the first African American director of the U.S. Mint, will be among the honorees at the 2024 Salute to Black Women Business Conference, Vendor Faire and Awards.
The event, sponsored by the Black Business Association on Saturday, March 23, will be held at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles, 6101 W. Century Blvd., in L.A. The theme is “Celebrating Women Who Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”
According to BBA CEO Sarah R. Harris, the other honorees are Stephanie Wiggins, CEO, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority; Rosalind Pennington, president, Red River Enterprises, LLC and owner, The New Townhouse; and Southern California Edison. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass will also participate.
“This event will uplift and strengthen us, especially during challenging times. We believe that Black women are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future,” said Harris.
“In alignment with this year’s theme, we’re privileged to spotlight a remarkable group of women who consistently advocate and lead in their own unique ways. Everyone is welcome to join us for this extraordinary celebration.”
Other highlights include the Role Models of Success Youth Forum moderated by Dr. Sudonna Moss and Women, Money, and Inclusion Symposium facilitated by Harris. The panelists are Arlan Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital; Stasia Washington, managing director, senior wealth manager at Lido; Delphine Pruitt, vice president, business access advisor, US Bank; Nicole Sams, executive director, market manager, Irvine Branch, Morgan Stanley; Terri Batch, CEO, Global LA; and Samona Caldwell, director, Business Connect, Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission.
In addition, several local women will be recognized with the Excellence in Business, Excellence in Service, Unsung Excellence, and Rising Star Awards. The recipients are Autumn Burke, principal, Axiom Advisors, LLC; Viviana Nell Harvey, president/CEO, Sparkling Clean Cleaning Services and Carpet Care, Inc.; Bianca Vobecky, CEO, Vobecky Enterprises, Inc.; Joy Atkinson, executive director, Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute; Antina Campbell, Miss Black USA Director for AZ, CA & MN; Brittney Frazier, founder and executive director, N.O.A.H.’s Foundation, Inc.; Shawn LaRe’ Brinkley, MS, licensed marriage family therapist;
Jaimie Anese Lewis, MPA, founder/principal consultant, Anese & Associates, LLC;
Caprice L. Collins, Esq., founder/managing attorney, Collins Law Group; Katrina Manning, MPA, realtor/probate specialist, Hawthorne City Councilmember; Margo Wade LaDrew, CEO, Wade & Associates Group; Ta Lese Morrow, publisher/CEO, Inland Valley News; and Beauty & Wellness Foundation.
Activities kick-off with the vendor faire opening at 8 a.m., and continuing throughout the event. The general session begins at 9 a.m., the red carpet at 11 a.m., and the luncheon awards program at 12 p.m. The program concludes with a dessert reception at 2:30 p.m.
To learn more, visit bbala.org.
