1. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011
CITY CLUB ON BUNKER HILL
333 S. GRAND AVE. 4TH FLOOR
6:00 P.M - 9:00 P.M.

3. 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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4. 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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5. 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
LAA A WPAC 's Tenth A nni v er sary Celebration in
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.
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6. WOMEN IN ACTION AWARDS
Honorary Chairpersons
CONGRESSWOMAN
DIANE WATSON
CONGRESSWOMAN
KAREN BASS
ASSEMBLYWOMAN
HOLLY MITCHELL
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7. 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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8. Welcome
Program 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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9. Our Honorees...
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10. 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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11. 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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12. 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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13. 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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14. 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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15. 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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16. WOMEN IN ACTION AWARDS
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
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24. The Urban Issues Breakfast
Forum is a program activity of:
A 501(c)3 not for profit corporation
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29. CONGRATULATIONS COUNCILMEMBER
JACQUE ROBINSON
Melrita Evans-Fortson
& Committee
On Another Successful
WOMEN IN ACTION
Many Blessings
CONGRATULATIONS
LAAAWPPI 2011
Women in Action Honorees
With Special Recognition to
Sister-friends
Elizabeth Badger
Candidate for Brenda Sutton-Wills
L.A. City Council 3rd District &
LAAAWPPI (Class of 2008) Charisse Bremond-Weaver
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30. OFFICERS Women In Action Committee
Angela Reddock, Esq. Chair Melrita Evans Fortson, Event Chair
Melina Abdullah, Vice Chair Joy Atkinson
Melrita Evans Fortson, Vice Chair Samona Caldwell
Angela Gibson, Secretary Kristina Dixon, Raffle Chair
Tina McKinnor, Treasurer Arnetta Mack, Souvenir Journal Chair
Kristina Dixon, Financial Secretary Patrice Marshall
Gwen Moore, Parlamentarian Angela Reddock
Nicole Watkins
Todd Hawkins, The Todd Group
BOARD of DIRECTORS Event Management
Dr. Jodie Armour, USC
Samona Caldwell, State Farm Volunteers
*Dr. Michael Preston, USC Eboney Anderson
Valerie Shaw, Commissioner Elizabeth Badger
Los Angeles Board of Public Works Andrea Campbell
Michelle Smith-Ballard, Kim Coopage
Turner Construction Kristina Dixon
*Carolyn Webb de Macias, Angela Gibson
President Obama’s Administration Jackie Horton
Toni Jones
*Board member emeritus Ebony Lewis
Eugenia Marshall
FOUNDERS Tina McKinnor
Joy Atkinson Wilma Pinder
Melrita Evans Fortson Diane Robertson
Gwen Moore Monique Watts
Celestine Palmer Penni Wilson
Barbara Perkins
Angela Reddock Music by: Marvin Lee Jones of
Marvelous Music & The Experience
Joy Atkinson, Executive Director Trio Jazz Band
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31. 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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32. 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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35. 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