A capacity crowd gathered in the Crystal Room at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles to celebrate the contributions and achievements of four outstanding women at the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute’s (LAAAWPPI) Women in Action Gala Awards Reception on October 13.
Since 2002, LAAAWPPI’s executive committee has made it a priority to salute women in action who are committed to giving back to the community and always looking to lend a hand to create more African American leaders. Each recipient received proclamations and commendations from elected officials and a special LAAAWPPI gift bag.
Mistress of Ceremonies KTWV 94.7 FM the WAVE Morning Show radio host Pat Prescott introduced the evening’s honorees.
Jackie Dupont-Walker, president of Ward Economic Development Corporation and METRO Board Member was recognized for leading Ward EDC for over 25 years. Most notably, she was the driving force behind the development of: the Ward Villas, a 60-unit apartment complex for low and very low-income seniors, aged 62 and over, who can live independently; the acquisition of Tuelyn Terrace, an intergenerational community building effort; and Chesterfield Square, a neighborhood of mixed-use commercial, industrial and residential development.
Sydney Kamlager-Dove is a member of the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees and District Director for Senator Holly J. Mitchell of the 30th District. During her acceptance speech, Kamlager-Dove remarked on the need for organizations such as LAAAWPPI and for more African American women to have a role in shaping the future. “I’m here to do the work and change the world,” she remarked.
Prior to her retirement earlier this year, Tumani Moore-Leatherwood, Physician-in-Charge at Kaiser Permanente South Los Angeles Medical Office, was recognized nationally for her work specializing in treating patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Her current efforts are now focused on increasing the number of minority health providers and advocating for the healthcare of people of color. Moore-Leatherwood looks forward to Kaiser’s first medical school opening in 2019 which will be committed to diversity in staffing and patient care.
Newly appointed Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Brenda Shockley stated that she was proud to take charge of the city’s “poverty portfolio.” Prior to her appointment, Shockley founded and was president of Community Build, Incorporated. The non-profit organization oversaw the development of 16,000 square feet of commercial space in Leimert Park which serves as a center for African American culture and commerce. Shockley noted that it was an honor to be a part of the “relay” of African American women passing on the baton to the next generation.
“It is a privilege to recognize the work of these women in action,” said LAAAWPPI President Angela Gibson-Shaw. “Each one has worked tirelessly in service of their community to make it a better place to live.”
The Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute is the premiere leadership organization offering development to African American women. LAAAWPPI is a non-partisan, non-profit organization whose mission is to prepare women for leadership roles in the public policy, community, civic and political arenas in both the public and private sectors.
For more information on LAAAWPPI’s upcoming class and the Women in Action Gala Awards Reception, visit www.laaawppi.org, or call (323) 954-3777.