Bay Area

American Business Women’s Association Celebrates Annual Regional Conference

The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) held its Annual Regional Recognition Conference at TPC Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco on July 20. The event, hosted by the Cities by the Bay and Enterprising Women Networking chapters, brought together members from ABWA chapters of California, Montana, Hawaii and Arizona.

Published

4 months ago

August 17, 2024

Oakland Post

The American Businesswomen's Association (ABWA) celebrate at the Annual Regional Recognition Conference at TPC Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) held its Annual Regional Recognition Conference at TPC Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco on July 20.

The event, hosted by the Cities by the Bay and Enterprising Women Networking chapters, brought together members from ABWA chapters of California, Montana, Hawaii and Arizona.

Titled “Crown Jewels,” the program featured Dee Kirtley, who provided a warm welcome and introduced the ABWA national board members and special guests.

The organization’s mission was shared by Shameka Bolds and the history was read by Anassa Stewart. A raffle was conducted by Adrienne Jackson Wright and Jo’Vel Jones. Winners received candles, cash, jewelry, and gift cards.

Honorees included protégé Rosalyn Farmer and Shonette Jones. Person of the Year accolades went to Breanne Carioto, Shameka Bolds, Frances Cohen, Patti Ann Hokama, Marianne Calibrese, Sharon Smith, and Janet Anderson.

“This is such an honor and I’m so grateful,” said Realtor Frances Cohen.

Leveling Up Inner Circle recognitions went to Sandra Overstreet, LaRonda Smith, Velma Landers, Kerrie Underhill, Edwin Dirk, and Dee Kirtley. Elaine Redus was named the Top 10 nominee, the highest honor awarded annually to 10 businesswomen recognizing them for their career accomplishments, community involvement, and their contribution to ABWA.

Chapters that won the “Best Practices” award included Pathfinder and Windsong.

The Stephen Bufton Grant recipient LaJeanne Shelton, a UC Hastings School of Law student, received a standing ovation for her educational achievements. She was further commended for her poise and professionalism by ABWA national president, Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes.

“Her confidence and personable attitude came through when we met, said Jamerson-Holmes. “The sky is the limit for this young lady.”

ABWA’s National Board of Directors is a volunteer group that governs the organization’s bylaws and serves as trustee for the Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund (SBMEF).

District 6 Vice President Velma Landers received long applause for her leadership and natural ability to recruit new members and galvanize current members.

“I love to see people reach their goals and full potential,” said Landers. “That happens more often when we include and support each other.”

“We believe in helping each other grow personally and professionally,” said ABWA leader, Dee Kirtley.

Tables were decorated with jewels and a note bearing the words, “You are a Crown Jewel.”

The ABWA national board members include Debra Weilbacher, vice president, District 3, Dynamic Connections Chapter in Blue Springs, Missouri; Barbara Pedersen, vice president, District 5, Heart of the Piedmont Chapter in Greensboro, North Carolina; Anne O’Neill, national vice president, Harris County Charter Chapter of Cataula, Georgia; Venice Hall-Fowler, national secretary-treasurer, Women Connecting Women Chapter of Newberry, South Carolina; Sonya Lowe, vice president, District 1 of the Golden Dome Chapter in Atlanta, Georgia; Kim Stengel, vice president, District 2, Women of Vision Express Network in Kingwood, Texas; Cheryl Schmandt, vice president, District 4, Women of Magnitude Express Network in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Velma Landers, vice president, District 6,

Enterprising Women Networking Chapter in San Francisco, California.

The mission of the ABWA is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.

For more information, visit: ABWA.org.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

WestCAT to Replace Old Diesel Buses with New Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses

Don't Miss

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Addresses Hate in Schools Following Racist Incident in Culver City

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024, 2024

Published

3 days ago

November 30, 2024

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

OCCUR Hosts “Faith Forward” Conference in Oakland

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.
Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership.

Published

1 week ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

President and CEO of OCCUR addresses the audience at OCCUR Faith Forward 2024 Conference at Resurrection Church. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

The Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR) hosted its Faith Forward 2024 Conference on Nov. 8 at Resurrection Church in Oakland.

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12^th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.

Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership. During her remarks, She commended nonprofits making a difference, and shared how she looked forward to representing Oakland and surrounding areas.

Simon also encouraged attendees to continue fighting despite their concerns about the presidential election results. She also cautioned that there may be resources that are discontinued as a result.

“We know the assignment. We have many of the resources right within our own community, and we will be ok,” Simon assured the audience.

The conference led by OCCUR president, Dr. David B. Franklin, also featured panels on funding opportunities, case studies, economic development, sustainable housing solutions, and organizing for action.

“In order for organizations serving the community to thrive, everyone must collaborate, share resources, and not operate in silos,” said Franklin.

Speakers included San Francisco Foundation CEO, Fred Blackwell, San Francisco Foundation FAITHS Program Director Dr. Michelle Chambers, and Kingmakers of Oakland Founder, Chris Chatmon. Guests were briefed on how Kingmakers of Oakland has gone from a budget of zero to several million and is set to acquire 200 acres of property to expand their programs serving young boys. The leadership at the San Francisco Foundation encouraged nonprofits, churches, and community leaders to work together, especially when donations and funding numbers are lower.

Ben Bartlett of Berkeley City Council; Trevor Parham, CEO of Oakstop; and CEO of the Lao Family Community Development, Inc., Kathy Chao Rothberg, inspired attendees with stories about their journeys in the nonprofit sector.

Additional speakers included Deka Dike, CEO of Omatachi; Landis Green, CEO of DGS Strategies; Sasha Werblin, Director of Economic Development, LISC Bay Area; Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid; Faith and Justice Organizer of East Bay Housing Organizations, Ronnie Boyd; and Todd Bendon, Executive Director of Faith in Action East Bay; among others.

The event allowed community leaders, faith-based leaders, and nonprofits to gain Insight on how to strengthen their profits financially, and communally.

OCCUR has served the community for over 70 years supporting the wellbeing of historically marginalized communities with collaborative strategies. For more information visit occurnow.org

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Bay Area

Richmond’s New Fire Chief Sworn In

“Chief Osorio rose up through the ranks in the Richmond Fire Department over the last 21 years before being elevated to chief,” noted Harpreet Sandhu, field representative for Congressmember John Garamendi,. “He joined the department in 2002 and has served in multiple roles including firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, training director and deputy fire chief.”

Published

1 week ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

Chief Osorio (far left) was sworn in at a well-attended ceremony at Richmond City Hall on Nov. 15. All photos by Mike Kinney.

By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard

Richmond Fire Chief Aaron Osorio was sworn into his new role in a well-attended ceremony at Richmond City Council Chambers on Friday, Nov. 15.

The crowd included Osorio’s family and friends, rank-and-file Richmond firefighters, fellow fire chiefs from Bay Area agencies, elected officials and community members.

Richmond City Manager Shasa Curl provided an introduction and acknowledged Chief Osorio’s “heroic service to Richmond.”

Harpreet Sandhu, field representative for Congressmember John Garamendi, presented the chief with a Congressional Commendation, citing his 23 years of serving in the fire service in Richmond in numerous positions.

“Chief Osorio rose up through the ranks in the Richmond Fire Department over the last 21 years before being elevated to chief,” Sandhu noted. “He joined the department in 2002 and has served in multiple roles including firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, training director and deputy fire chief.”

The chief’s wife, Maria, and two sons Roman and Mateo helped perform the badge-pinning.

Richmond City Clerk Pamela Christian then conducted the swearing-in ceremony.

Chief Osorio thanked his family, colleagues, and city for their support, calling it “very humbling” to take on leadership of an “amazing organization.”

Once the ceremony was done, the chief stated, “I’m ready to get to work.”