Mayor Karen Bass and Supervisor Holly Mitchell join the Black Business Association at 2024 Salute To Black Women Honoring U.S. Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson, Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins and others
Celebrating 21 Years of Saluting Phenomenal Black Women in recognition of Women’s History Month
WHO: BBA CEO Sarah R. Harris, Mayor Karen Bass, Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell; honorees: Honorable Ventris C. Gibson, the United States Mint 40th Director and 1st African American; Stephanie Wiggins, CEO, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority; Southern California Edison; and Rosalind Pennington, President, Red River Enterprises, LLC and Owner, The New Townhouse; and guest speakers: Arlan Hamilton, Founder of Backstage Capital & Runner, Author, Venture Catalyst; 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; Samona Caldwell, Director, Business Connect, Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission; and Terri Batch, CEO, Global LA. Sponsored by US Bank, Morgan Stanley, Northrop Grumman, Metro, LADWP, Southern California Edison, California Water Association, Liberty Utilities, SoCalGas, Metropolitan Water District, Forgiving For Living, and Suite Life SoCal.
WHEN: Saturday, March 23, 2024
WHERE: Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles
6101 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045
TIME: 8:00 AM Guest Check-in & Vendor Faire Opens
9:00 AM General Session featuring Adult & Youth Panel Discussions – Presentation by U.S. Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson
10:00 AM Media Check-in
11:00 AM Red Carpet Begins
12:00 PM Luncheon Program Begins
2:30 PM Dessert Reception & Vendor Faire Finale
WHAT: On Saturday, March 23, 2024, the Black Business Association (BBA) is proud to host its 21st annual event celebrating phenomenal Black women at the 2024 Salute to Black Women Business Conference, Vendor Faire & Awards Luncheon in recognition of National Women’s History Month and its 2024 theme, “Celebrating Women Who Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”
Held at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles, located at 6101 West Century Blvd., this annual celebration is a source of inspiration and empowerment. Drawing in hundreds of women entrepreneurs, executives, community leaders, elected officials, mothers, daughters, and sisters, it serves as a platform for high-level networking and motivation. The BBA eagerly anticipates hosting another dynamic event, providing corporate partners, member businesses, and participants with opportunities to connect, exchange information, and honor the remarkable achievements of inspiring Black women.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions to advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion, the BBA proudly acknowledges the following women and corporate partners as exemplars of excellence in this regard:
· Honorable Ventris C. Gibson, United States Mint 40th Director and 1st African American
· Stephanie Wiggins, CEO, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
· Southern California Edison
· Rosalind Pennington, President, Red River Enterprises, LLC and Owner, The New Townhouse
And new this year, our 2024 Nomination Awardees in the categories of Excellence in Business, Excellence in Service, Unsung Excellence, and Rising Star:
· 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 (LAAAWPPI)
· Beauty & Wellness Foundation
· Antina Campbell, Miss Black USA Director for State of AZ, CA & MN
· Brittney Frazier, Founder & Executive Director, N.O.A.H.’s Foundation, Inc.
· Shawn LaRe’ Brinkley, MS, LMFT, 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 and Hawthorne City Council Board Member
· Margo Wade LaDrew, CEO, Wade & Associates Group, LLC and Founder & Executive Director, Black
· Ta Lese Morrow, Publisher & Chief Executive Officer, Inland Valley News
In addition to the Awards Luncheon, highlights of the day include an inspiring and informative “Role Models of Success” Youth Forum moderated by Dr. Sudonna Moss and a “Women, Money, and Inclusion” Symposium moderated by BBA CEO Sarah Harris featuring six dynamic panelists:
· Arlan Hamilton, Founder of Backstage Capital & Runner, Author, Venture Catalyst
· 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
· Samona Caldwell, Director, Business Connect, Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission
Prepare to be inspired on this empowering day! Experience a special tribute to the new Harriet Tubman Commemorative Coins, a “Your First Million” book signing by venture capital fund founder Arlan Hamilton, and indulge in a Beauty/Photo Studio offering complimentary makeup touch-ups and professional headshots. Engage in Red Carpet interviews streamed live from our new Media Studio, a fabulous Vendor Faire with resources and businesses, and seize the chance to win awesome prizes and more.
“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,” declares President 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.”
For additional information, visit the BBA website at bbala.org.
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About the Black Business Association
Found in 1970, the Black Business Association (BBA), headquartered in Los Angeles, is the oldest active ethnic business support organization in the state of California. For more than five decades of service, the BBA has been instrumental in the development and growth of thousands of Black-owned businesses locally and nationally. The Black Business Association’s mission is to advocate and promote the development of Black-owned businesses with the goal of creating a firm economic base that supports the self-determination and prosperity of Black and urban communities locally and nationally. The BBA assists our Corporate Partners in developing a mutually beneficial relationship with Black entrepreneurs, business owners, the community, and its customers.
About Sarah R. Harris
Sarah R. Harris, the first female President and CEO of the Black Business Association (BBA) headquartered in Los Angeles, California, brings with her over two decades of invaluable experience as a dedicated member of the BBA. Harris navigates the organization through evolving challenges while honoring its 50-year legacy. Sarah’s innovative consulting approach has earned her community’s trust, amplifying the BBA’s impact. As founder of Suite Events and publisher of Suite Life SoCal, she has served over 100 public and private entities with top-quality design/marketing services and engaging publications. Appointed as a Commissioner on the Los Angeles County Small Business Commission, Sarah advocates for small business interests. A graduate of UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Management Development for Entrepreneurs (MDE) program, she prioritizes service and empowerment, striving to leave a positive mark on her community. As a dedicated mother and proud alumna of Scripps College, Sarah is committed to creating a brighter future for all.
Contact: For MEDIA RSVP Coverage, interviews, photos, or information.
Edna Sims, Owner, ESP Public Relations
310.770.8117 ~ [email protected]
Photo Credit:
Sarah R. Harris – Karim Saafir
Photos and Bios:
Click here for photos and bios.
Documents:
Click here for Award Category Descriptions
