THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011 CITY CLUB ON BUNKER HILL 333 S. GRAND AVE. 4TH FLOOR

6:00 P.M - 9:00 P.M.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE

Event Chair

Welcome to the Los Angeles African American Women’s Public Policy Institute’s 6th Annual “Women In Action Awards” event. A very special thank you for your continual support of LAAAWPPI and its leadership training program.

Each year we recognize distinguished women who are leaders in their industry and are indeed role models for the current and future LAAAWPPI alumnae. We have also recognized two men, one in corporate America and one in public service, who each recognized the qualifications of and promoted women to leadership positions. A total of 138 outstanding ladies have graduated from LAAAWPPI. We are so proud of our graduates and their personal achievements that range from corporate elevation, enhanced entrepreneurial skills, returning to college, working in government including a board member and alum working for President Barack Obama’s administration. None of this would have been possible without your support and generosity. To ensure the future success of our leadership training, each one of the founders gives unselfishly of her time. After this event, we will gear-up for the class of 2012. I am grateful to the wonderful committee members and volunteers who gave unselfishly of their time to make the “Women In Action Awards” a successful event. A humble thank you does not seem sufficient yet, I thank you! Melrita Evans Fortson LAAAWPPI Vice Chair

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MESSAGE FROM Angela

Dear LAAAWPPI Family & Supporters:

Thanks to each of you for sharing in our Annual “Women in Action” Awards Ceremony. This year we have the pleasure of honoring five dynamic women – Samona Caldwell, Charisse Bremond-Weaver, The Honorable Gloria Gray, Commander Regina Scott, Brenda Sutton-Wills and Beverly Todd. Each of these women are leaders in their respective fields and represent the spirit of LAAAWPPI in the work they do each day.

Additionally, we are particularly grateful for our corporate sponsors - State Farm Insurance, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, Verizon, The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, AT&T, GeM Communication Group and the University of Southern California. Our program could not exist without the dedicated leadership and support of these companies and organizations.

In 2012, LAAAWPPI will celebrate its 10th year anniversary. As we prepare to celebrate our 10th year, we look forward to expanding and taking our program to new levels. We look forward to honing in even more so on our mission of creating a pipeline of well-trained, qualified women to serve as leaders in the government, public policy and public affairs arenas.

Recent statistics remind us that the work of ensuring that women’s voices are heard and that women are seated at the tables of power is not over. Hence, we must continue to fill the pipeline and create a path of leadership for women everywhere. As we approach our 10th year Anniversary, we look forward to continuing to partner with each of you to fulfill our mission of “Empowering Women to Lead”.

In closing, I remind each of us of the words of The Honorable Shirley Chisholm: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

Many, many thanks for your continued support of LAAAWPPI.

Sincerely, Angela J. Reddock LAAAWPPI Board Chair

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HISTORY OF LAAWPPI T he Los Angeles African American Women's Public Policy Institute

(LAAAWPPI) is the brainchild of the Los Angeles African American Women Political Action Committee (LAAAWPAC), and was introduced at LAAAWPAC ' s Ten t h Anni v er s a ry C e leb r a t i o n i n April of 2002. Although conceived by LAAAWPAC, LAAAWPPI is a separately organized, non-partisan, non-profit organization with the goal of preparing women for leadership in business, government and the community. Hosted on the campus of the University of Southern California, LAAAWPPI offers a 10-week comprehensive educational institute for women interested in becoming more engaged in the public policy process and in pursuing careers and opportunities as government, civic, corporate and non-profit leaders and members of boards and commissions. The instructors for the classes include individuals who have distinguished themselves in the corporate, public policy and, government arenas. LAAAWPPI graduated its inaugural class of 11 dynamic women in April 2004. LAAAWPPI now is proud to have more than 130 distinguished alumnae, each of who are making a difference and impacting and influencing the public affairs and governmental process at all levels. LAAAWPPI receives generous support from various corporations and organizations, including, AT&T, GEM Communication Group, State Farm Insurance, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company, the Metropolitan Water District, University of Southern California and Verizon.

WOMEN IN ACTION AWARDS

Honorary Chairpersons

ASSEMBLYWOMAN HOLLY MITCHELL

CONGRESSWOMAN DIANE WATSON

CONGRESSWOMAN KAREN BASS

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Our Master of Ceremony BRODERICK E. RICE – THE EMPOWERTAINER Broderick E. Rice has been a comedic entertainer for 24 years. His first album “Alive Alive Alive” jumped to the #2 spot on the National Gospel Billboard Charts and re-mained in the Top 40 for over 50 consecutive weeks. His second and follow up albums were also Billboard charting albums.

Broderick has appeared on Lou Rawls Parade of Stars, The Tavis Smiley Show, The Bobby Jones Gospel Hour, TBN, The Word Network and The Gospel Music Channel. He has performed for, with and among such personalities as Pattie LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Oscar Award nominee actress Kerry Washington, Brian Mc Knight, R&B artist Neyo, Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Comedian Steve Harvey, the late Bernie Mac, Cedric 'The' Entertainer and Actor Tommy Ford from “Martin”. He also has performed with gospel phenoms, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, Donnie Mc Clurkin, Tye Tribbett, CeCe Winans, super model & talk Show host Tyra Banks and Grammy Award winning soul singer John Legend.

Broderick is energetic, spontaneous, articulately quick and witty! He is known for his uncanny impressions of Luther Vandross, Cameo, Bernie Mac, Gospel legends Rev. James Cleveland, Marvin Winans, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Hip Hop artist Snoop D-O-double Gizzle!!!

Broderick keeps it clean, but makes it irresistibly hilarious and fun for everybody! He is....Broderick “The Empower—Tainer!!!!”

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Program Welcome Angela Reddock Chair of Board Introduction Barbara Perkins Founder Master of Ceremony Broderick E. Rice Empowertainer Alumnae Remarks Dawn Comer Class of 2011 Leadership Training Joy Atkinson Executive Director Acknowledgements Melrita Evans Fortson Vice Chair of the Board

Awards Presentations State Farm Insurance

Represented by Samona Caldwell

Charisse Bremond Weaver Brotherhood Crusade

Gloria Gray

West Basin Municipal Water District

Commander Regina Scott Los Angeles Police Department

Brenda Sutton Wills

California Teachers Association, Counsel

Beverly Todd Actress

Raffle Kristina Dixon Class of 2007 Closing Angela Reddock

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Our Honorees...

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CORPORATE HONOREE

State Farm

Represented by: Samona Caldwell Samona Caldwell is a Public Affairs Specialist with State Farm Insurance Companies® in the California Zone. As a Public Affairs Specialist, Samona’s primary goal is to build relationships with community organizations, the media and to educate the public and State Farm associates

on public policy issues that relate to the insurance industry. Samona is affiliated with the following organizations: Board Member: Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA), Los Angeles Afri-can-American Women’s Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI), Forgiv-ing for Living,  Kids Progress, Inc. (KPI) Advisory  Board  Member: Greater Los Angeles African-American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC), Asian Pacific Legal Center (APALC), Los Angeles Ur-ban Education Partnership, Research & Policy Institute of California. Samona is also a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and serves as a State Farm representative for the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Urban League. STATE FARM “In 1922, motivated by his philosophy of fairness and doing right by the customer, the founder, G.J. Mecherle sold his first auto policy for $11.17, and State Farm was born. State Farm is a family of insurance and financial services companies that together serve tens of millions of customers in the U.S. and Canada. Our many lines of business together offer over 100 products.

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Charisse Bremond-Weaver BROTHERHOOD CRUSADE In January 2006, Charisse Bremond-Weaver assumed the Presidency of the Brotherhood Crusade, the community service and development organization founded by her late father, Walter Bremond, in 1968. She is the first woman to ever hold this post in the organization. As a forward sociopolitical

thinking prodigy and nonprofit advocate, she has set out to maintain the Brotherhood Crusade’s reputation as a powerful, established voice for a community that has periodically erupted under the pressures of socioeconomic inequality and institutionalized injustice. Charisse’s ability to build corporate and community partnerships has been her distinguishing trademark throughout her years of service. She’s built long-term relationships with government officials, corporate executives and community leaders. Through these relationships she has generated over $20 Million to support nonprofit institutions in the areas of health, education and social services. Her latest partnering efforts with The California Endowment to develop and implement a ten-year plan to comprehensively transform South Los Angeles embodies and represents the depth of her commitment and dedication to improved quality of life, social justice, and social equity for all people. She is approaching 23 years of community service and still genuinely feels a great passion for the community. Bremond-Weaver is a Board Member of Green Dot Public Schools, sits on the Community Advisory Council for The Gas Company, serves on the South Los Angeles Initiatives Community Advisory Committee and the Mayor’s Community Development Committee as a special selectee of the Mayor. Charisse is a graduate of Utah State University, where she was recently honored as Alumna of the Year; becoming the first African American woman ever selected for this honor. She attended the institution on a women’s basketball scholarship and received her degree in Communications.

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Beverly Todd ACTRESS Beverly Todd, actress and producer, has built a career on unforgettable performances. She has won a PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD and been nominated for four NAACP Image Awards. Mentored by the master artisan, Sidney Poitier, she has compiled an impressive list of Broadway, television and film achievements.

Highlights include acting opposite Whoopi Goldberg in “CLARA’S HEART,” Richard Pryor in “MOVING” and Morgan Freeman in the film classic, “LEAN ON ME.” Roles in Poitier’s “THE LOST MAN” “THEY CALL ME MR. TIBBS, and “BROTHER JOHN” her first leading role, lead to other distinguished work. Beverly’s television appearances include the Lifetime Movie, “TAKEN FROM ME; THE TIFFANY RUBIN STORY” opposite Taraji P. Henson and, the long running series, “LINCOLN HEIGHTS” “SIX FEET UNDER” “ROOTS” “THE CLOSER” “HOUSE” “CRIMINAL MINDS” and this last season’s finale of “GREY’S ANATOMY.” This spring, Beverly starred in the hit film, “I WILL FOLLOW” that played in theatres across the country and was rated “two thumbs up” by film critic, Roger Ebert. He singled out Ms. Todd’s stirring performance. Beverly is one of the founders and producers of, “KWANZA FOUNDATION PRESENTS FRIENDS THREE, A CELEBRATION OF THE SPOKEN WORD,” which will celebrate its 10th Season in March of 2012. Ms Todd has firmly established herself as a stalwart figure among strong black women in the Hollywood community.

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Brenda Sutton-Wills CALIFORNIA TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION Brenda Sutton-Wills is Staff Counsel for the California Teachers’ Association where she provides legal advice and representation to CTA staff, its locals, and members in labor and employment matters. She conducts staff and member training on various issues

including arbitration skills, social media, education law and advocacy, and sexual harassment avoidance. She serves as Chair of the Los Angeles Hotel Industry Diversity Taskforce charged with working with union and community stakeholders, hotel general managers, and human resource managers to develop and implement a diversity program within the Los Angeles hotel industry. This program, through the investment and rigorous support of all of the stakeholders, has resulted in a significant increase in African American workers in well-paying union jobs, and the establishment of a hotel industry training boot camp. Currently, Brenda serves as the Vice President of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, where she has served in prior office and on the section’s Executive Committee. Brenda is a mentor whose service is grounded in the belief that a genuine and personal commitment to mentoring is essential to the African American community. Brenda received a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications, and Minor in Business Management from Drake University. She attended UCLA School of Law where she was one of four selected for a multi-disciplinary certificate program in Child Welfare along with her JD. Brenda is married to Blayne Sutton Wills, and they have two really great kids, Blayne and Bryce.

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Gloria D. Gray METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT Gloria D. Gray dedicated her 36-year career to the Los Angeles County Departments of Human Services and Health Services in the areas of community relations, administration, health care management and human resources. In 2009, Gray was appointed to the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Board of

Directors and the L.A. County Board of Supervisors to serve on a water quality Community Task Force. She is currently a Vice Chair of the MWD Board and serves on the Executive Committee, Organization, Personnel and Technology Committee, Legislative Committee, Communication and Education Committee, and Special Committee on Bay-Delta. In April 2010, former Assembly Speaker Karen Bass appointed Gray to the Delta Stewardship Council. For her devoted years of community service, Gray has received several awards and commendations from several organizations, including the 2009 Power Pac Award from the Los Angeles African American Political Action Committee and the 2009 Female Democrat of the Year for the 51st Assembly District as well as recognition from numerous elected officials. Gloria earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Redlands, a Health Services Management Certificate from the University of California Los Angeles, a Louis Allen Management Certificate from the LA County Department of Health Services and a Masters in Governance Certificate from the California School Boards Association. In 2003, Gray retired from the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. She is a proud mother of two daughters, grandmother of five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

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Commander Regina Scott LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT Commander Regina Ann Scott was appointed to the Department in July 1987. During her tenure, she has held numerous positions and worked various assignments within the Department as a Police Officer, Field Training Officer, Senior Lead Officer and Sergeant, and all advance pay grades in the Detective and Lieutenant ranks.

On April 16, 2006, Commander Scott was promoted to Captain I as the Patrol Captain at Southwest where she was responsible for the patrol functions of sworn and civilian personnel in an area of South Los Angeles. In May of 2007, she was promoted to Captain II Central Traffic Division and was later reassigned to Gang and Operations Support Division. Two years later Commander Scott was promoted to Captain III and assigned to Communications Division, which is the largest division of the Department with 570 sworn and civilian personnel and includes both the Metropolitan and Valley Dispatch Centers. On October 10, 2010, Scott became the first African American female appointed to the rank of Commander in the Department’s history. She is currently assigned as the Assistant Commanding Officer of Information Technology Bureau. After graduating from high school, she joined the United States Army as a combat medic and pharmacy technician. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management/Criminal Justice from Ashford University. She is a graduate of West Point Leadership School, and the 216th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, in Quantico, Virginia.

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2006 Presiding Elder Carolyn Tyler Guidry Ms. Phyllis Currie, General Manager, Pasadena Water & Power Honorable Joya DeFoor, City Treasurer, City of Los Angeles Ms. Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte , School Board Member District 1, LAUSD 2007 Ms. Carolyn McIntyre, Regional V.P., State & Gov. Affairs, Sempra Energy Ms. Shawn Farrar , Director, Corporate & Diversity Affairs, Sempra Energy Honorable Jeanette Ndhlov, Consul General, South African Consulate Ms. Faith Culbreath, President, Security Officers United in Los Angeles Ms. Holly Mitchell, Executive Director, Crystal Stairs Ms. Bettye Dixon, Chief Executive Officer, Concourse Concessions, Inc. Ms. Kimberly Freeman, Director of Community Relations, The Gas Company 2008 Ms. Nolice Edwards, Chief of Staff, Office of Speaker Karen Bass Ms. Alice Goff, President, ACEA Local 3090 AFSCME Ms. Julia Cooksey, Public Affairs Director, Verizon Mrs. Cynthia McClain-Hill , Managing Partner, Strategic Counsel, PLC Ms. Tim McCallion, Western Region President, Verizon Ms. Tyree Wieder, Retired President, Los Angeles Valley College Ms. Ida Yarbrough, Accounting Careers Awareness Program 2009 Mrs. Sheila Escovedo, Elevate Hope Foundation/Heaven Productions Honorable William Bratton, Former Chief, LAPD Ms. Jan Perry, LA City Council, District 9 Ms. Martha Saucedo, VP of Public Affairs, AEG Ms. Aura McCracken, Supplier Diversity Manager, AEG Ms. Sandy Banks, Columnist - LA Times Honorable Penny Toler, VP/GM - LA Sparks 2010 Ms. Diane Watson, 33rd Congressional District Dr. Velma Butler, AFT Staff Guild, 1521A Mrs. Barbara Young, Young Enterprises Ms. Kitty Black Perkins, Former Mattel Designer Ms. Tammy Tumbling, Southern CA Edison Mr. John Kennedy, Southern CA Edison Ms. Lisa Cagnolatti, Southern CA Edison

WOMEN IN ACTION AWARDS

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The Urban Issues Breakfast Forum is a program activity of:

A 501(c)3 not for profit corporation

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CONGRATULATIONS Melrita Evans-Fortson

& Committee On Another Successful WOMEN IN ACTION

Many Blessings

Elizabeth Badger Candidate for

L.A. City Council 3rd District LAAAWPPI (Class of 2008)

COUNCILMEMBER JACQUE ROBINSON

CONGRATULATIONS

LAAAWPPI 2011 Women in Action Honorees

With Special Recognition to

Sister-friends

Brenda Sutton-Wills &

Charisse Bremond-Weaver

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OFFICERS Angela Reddock, Esq. Chair Melina Abdullah, Vice Chair Melrita Evans Fortson, Vice Chair Angela Gibson, Secretary Tina McKinnor, Treasurer Kristina Dixon, Financial Secretary Gwen Moore, Parlamentarian BOARD of DIRECTORS Dr. Jodie Armour, USC Samona Caldwell, State Farm *Dr. Michael Preston, USC Valerie Shaw, Commissioner Los Angeles Board of Public Works Michelle Smith-Ballard, Turner Construction *Carolyn Webb de Macias, President Obama’s Administration *Board member emeritus FOUNDERS Joy Atkinson Melrita Evans Fortson Gwen Moore Celestine Palmer Barbara Perkins Angela Reddock Joy Atkinson, Executive Director

Women In Action Committee Melrita Evans Fortson, Event Chair Joy Atkinson Samona Caldwell Kristina Dixon, Raffle Chair Arnetta Mack, Souvenir Journal Chair Patrice Marshall Angela Reddock Nicole Watkins Todd Hawkins, The Todd Group Event Management Volunteers Eboney Anderson Elizabeth Badger Andrea Campbell Kim Coopage Kristina Dixon Angela Gibson Jackie Horton Toni Jones Ebony Lewis Eugenia Marshall Tina McKinnor Wilma Pinder Diane Robertson Monique Watts Penni Wilson Music by: Marvin Lee Jones of Marvelous Music & The Experience Trio Jazz Band

Our Sponsors PLATINUM:

Southern California Edison State Farm

The Gas Company

GOLD: Verizon

SILVER:

Metropolitan Water District

Supporters: Assemblymember Steve Bradford

Nestle PIFC

Angela Reddock Celestine Palmer

SEIU-ULTCW Michelle Smith-Ballard contributed a

$1,500 LAAAWPPI scholarship in honor of her recently deceased mother, Mrs. Thelma L. Smith.

A very special thank you to all of

our individual supporters.

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RAFFLE PRIZES PROVIDED BY

Ahmanson Theatre Another Phase by Karen Roache B&B Automotive in Canoga Park Buffalo Wild Wings, Crenshaw Location Cabrillo Marine Aquarium City Council Woman Jacque Robinson Darla Claypool Debbie Lumkin (Southern California Edison) Dr. Phil (CBS Studios) Grand Lux Café Healthy Spot Jimmy Kimmel Live, ABC Malia Talanoa Molly Maids (Michelle Barton) NCIS LA (CBS Studios) Neutrogena Peterson Automotive Museum Scarlett Flower Designs Skirball Cultural Center Sportsmen’s Lodge The Doctors (CBS Studios) The Warehouse Restaurants Triple H Experience UCLA Universal Studios Zimmerman Children's Museum 90210 (CBS Studios)

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Los Angeles African American Women's Public Policy Institute (LAAAWPPI) 4201 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 615

Los Angeles, CA 90016 Phone: 323-954-3777 Fax: 323-936-7355

Email: info@laaawppi.org

www.laaawppi.org