In 1991, the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce began with a simple premise: to educate, equip, engage and empower Black business owners. At GLAAACC’s 30th Awards Gala on April 19, corporations, public servants and business owners were recognized for their contribution to these pillars and being champions of Black enterprise.
“For 30 years, GLAAACC has stood at the forefront of creating strategic partnerships and relationships that have impacted the African American business community,” GLAAACC Chairman Gene Hale said.
“I’m honored to spend an evening acknowledging the role that our partners and corporate allies have played in the growth of Black leadership and entrepreneurship.”
Wireless network operator T-Mobile was the 2024 Dinner sponsor for GLAAACC’s 30th Economic Awards Dinner.
Related Stories
SoCalGas Hosts U.S. Department of Energy’s Minority Business Summit
Washington High School Class of ’69 Celebrates 55th Reunion
Awards were presented to deserving business owners, corporations and elected officials. Communications giant Verizon was awarded the Telecom Company of the Year for its commitment to the business community. Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program supports small businesses by not only offering grant funding, but also provides invaluable free resources to help them grow and succeed in a digital economy.
The Corporation of the Year Award was presented to AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. AEG’s Supplier Diversity Manager Christina Tulfo accepted the award.
“Through persistent outreach, internally and externally, AEG continues to partner with these amazing businesses,” said Scott Bosarge, SVP, Business Services, for AEG.
“It starts with the AEG internal stakeholders and their dedication to ensure we’re positioned properly and transparently, while intentionally engaging our community partners when opportunities arise.”
The prestigious Banking & Financial Institution of the Year Award was accepted by Senior Community Relations Vice President Jack Olree on behalf of Wells Fargo Bank.
“Wells Fargo has worked diligently in collaboration with GLAAACC to help grow their Business Evolution Program helping to advise and empower small business owners,” Olree said.
“Wells Fargo firmly believes that by fostering equity and creating opportunities for growth, we can drive positive change within the Brown and Black communities of Los Angeles. With a key element being in support of the entrepreneur.”
JP Morgan Chase Managing Director and National Head of Community & Business Development Diedra Porché received the GLAAACC Banking Executive of the Year Award. A 30-year company veteran, Porché is responsible for driving the business growth and strategic priorities for community banking, which includes a network of 300 community branches.
Los Angeles World Airport’s CEO John Ackerman was named the Aviation Executive of the year award. Ackerman has over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry.
“John’s proven executive leadership experience at two of the top airports in the world and an entire career’s worth of expertise in the aviation industry will be invaluable to us in Los Angeles,” Mayor Karen Bass said.
Bass presented the Public Service Award to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has championed initiatives to empower and uplift Black-owned businesses across California. Although unable to accept in person, Governor Newsom expressed his gratitude through a video message, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to creating economic opportunities and fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial landscape for the African American community.
For their commitment to diversity and efforts to include minority contractors while improving transportation systems in Southern California—particularly on the LAX Automated People Mover project – the Public Works Contractor of the Year Award was presented to Balfour Beatty.
California Small Business Champion of the Year was presented to Malia Cohen, who serves as a member of the California State Board of Equalization, California’s elected tax commission. She was the first African American woman to serve on the Board and as Chair of the Board in its 141-year history.
Michelle Keyser, Carla Perkins, and Breana Weaver received the GLAAACC Minority Business Advocate Awards.
Keyser, manager of Supplier Diversity, Hensel Phelps, is a 12-year construction-industry veteran in estimating and operations. She has worked on projects for the county of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airports and Los Angeles Unified School District. Perkins, senior advisor for Supplier Diversity, Southern California Edison, is a leading figure in supplier diversity, procurement and business development. Weaver, construction assistant manager of Diversity & Inclusion at PCL Construction, leads and manages Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy for PCL’s $1 billion California Buildings District, including supplier diversity, workforce development, and community engagement.
For his three decades of turning creative visions into impactful realities, Kelcey Newman, creative director, Attain Design and Marketing Communications, received the GLAAACC Member of the Year Award. Newman specializes in cross-cultural marketing.
Community Services awards were presented to Aja Elyce Baker, relations manager with Bank of America and African American art collectors and philanthropists Bernard and Shirley Kinsey.
For more photos and a complete list of honorees, visit GLAAACC.org.
