The annual event will feature American Airlines Boeing 737 First Officer, Tammy Binns 

RIVERSIDE, CA—“Imagine Me” is the theme for the 21^st Annual Empowering Young Women’s Conference, a collaborative effort of the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation and Howmet Aerospace. Last year, due to the Corona Virus, the conference was only held virtually. This year, attendees will have the option to attend in-person or virtually.

The Empowering Young Women’s Conference will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the RCC Digital Library located at 4800 Magnolia Avenue in Riverside, California; attendees can also tune in virtually around that time. The event is FREE to attendees, but registration is required. For those that cannot attend or watch virtually between the hours listed above, they can tune in, virtually only, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Each year the Empowering Young Women’s Conference consists of activities for young women along with special guests that speak inspiration into them. This year’s keynote speaker is Tammy Binns, a Boeing 737 First Officer at American Airlines. Ms. Binns began her career as a Commercial Airline Pilot flying for American Eagle Airlines. During her nearly 12 years at the company, she flew three different types of airplanes, serving as Captain on the Embraer 145 and the CRJ-700. She became the first African American woman in the company’s history to achieve the rank of Check Airman.

The Empowering Young Women’s Conference is catered to young women 12 to 21. Students can register at https://forms.gle/mTsfghwJBg1aSNv7A and adults may register at https://forms.gle/JCSNDsBuoyYfrycS7.

If you want to donate to support the Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation a 501 (C) 3; Non-profit Organization, visit www.adcrfoundation.org.

PASADENA, CA— Last week, Pasadena resident, Raymond Ealy was recognized by Assemblymember Chris Holden and the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) as the 41st Assembly District’s Unsung Heroes for his positive impact in the community. An Unsung Hero is defined as a person who makes a substantive yet unrecognized contribution — a person whose bravery is unknown or unacknowledged. The California Legislative Black Caucus established the Black History Month Unsung Hero Award to recognize individuals who have contributed selflessly to their respective districts.

“Ray is an example of leadership — by putting the work in today, for generations to come,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Through his dedication to empowering youth, he has worked with over 50,000 students – giving them toolkits for success and self-confidence to enter and excel in their careers. I commend him and STEAM:Coders.”

Ealy is the Executive Director/Founder of STEAM:CODERS, a nonprofit that inspires underserved and underrepresented students and their families through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM), in preparation for academic and career opportunities. He has over 28 years of management experience in the nonprofit, financial services and retail sectors with Bank of America, Countrywide Financial Services, Security Pacific Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank.

“At STEAM:CODERS, our  goal is to provide underserved and underrepresented K-12 students with the resources that they need to be competitive,” said Ray Ealy. “We tell students that their competition is not the student next to them in class, but students from across the country and around the world. This is why we want to equip them with the essential tools for future academic and career success – logic, critical thinking, and problem-solving.”

Don Filippi and Arnold Hackett named to COO and CFO positions; Paul Hubler joins as chief strategy officer

LOS ANGELES, CA— Metrolink CEO Darren Kettle announced the appointments of Don Filippi as chief operations officer and Arnold Hackett as chief financial officer, and the addition of Paul Hubler as chief strategy officer. The appointments follow Kettle’s selection as CEO of the region’s premier passenger rail service in September 2021.

“We have ambitious plans to transform Metrolink into the backbone of the region’s transportation system – one that enables people to connect to opportunity, family and fun across all six counties,” Kettle said. “Achieving our vision as we emerge from the pandemic will require a strong leadership team that brings both focus and innovation. We are thrilled with Don’s and Arnold’s vital contributions to the team from their previous interim roles and look forward to the fresh perspectives, ideas and connections that Paul will bring as he joins our dynamic team.”

As the interim Metrolink COO since February 2021, Filippi has led the operations team through the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those challenges included ensuring the continuity of operations, implementing enhanced cleaning and sanitizing practices and optimizing train schedules to meet the evolving needs of essential workers.

Filippi brings nearly 27 years of freight and passenger rail experience from both the public and private sectors, and an extensive background in safety and operations. Before assuming the interim chief operations role, he was overseeing Metrolink’s safety, security and compliance program since December 2018. Filippi joined Metrolink in 2018 from the North County Transit District (NCTD), where he served as chief operations officer and chief safety officer. Prior to NCTD, Filippi served for five years at the California Public Utilities Commission, rising to the position of superintendent, rail transit safety section, and 14 years with Union Pacific Railroad, where he served as a switchman, a locomotive engineer, and ultimately rose to a manager of operating practices.

Hackett joined the agency as a technology consultant in May 2019. He subsequently proved to be a strong leader and held several interim executive roles throughout the pandemic including chief financial officer from March 2020 through May 2021. Hackett is credited with implementing process and policy enhancements that improved Metrolink’s financials and transparency. In May 2021, Hackett was selected by the Metrolink Board of Directors as its interim CEO following the departure of Stephanie Wiggins. When Kettle assumed the CEO position in September 2021, Hackett was tapped as interim chief strategy officer.

Hackett has more than 30 years of experience in the private technology industry at the Xerox Corporation where he served as vice president and general manager of Alliance and Partnership Management. His career experiences have made him an expert in research, strategy development, technical project/program management, business development and global process improvement initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science from UCLA, a Master of Science in computer science from California State University, Long Beach, and an MBA from the University of Southern California.

Hubler will join Metrolink on Feb. 28 as the chief strategy officer, providing executive oversight and leadership for planning, government and community relations, sustainability initiatives and railroad services. Hubler has more than 25 years of experience in transportation policy and legislative and public affairs. Prior to joining Metrolink, Hubler was the director of government and community relations for the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments for 14 years, responsible for securing grant funding for the Alameda Corridor-East rail infrastructure construction program in Los Angeles County. He previously served as deputy chief of staff to a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and as legislative aide to a California state senator. Hubler has a bachelor’s degree from Pitzer College and an MPA from the University of La Verne. He is a member of the Advisory Board of Mobility 21, southern California’s regional transportation advocacy coalition.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Last week, to mark Black History Month, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) held a virtual ceremony honoring people with the group’s Unsung Heroes award.

The 11 CLBC lawmakers nominated an individual from their respective districts – people who exemplify selflessness, courage and service, and whose work to lift others often goes unrecognized.

“From our earliest days in the United States, the course of this country’s history has been influenced by African American heroes and pioneers that go far beyond slavery and fighting for our freedom,” said Bradford.

“We have contributed to science, medicine, business, education, government, industry and social leadership,” he continued.

Bradford said he hopes the CLBC tradition of honoring a wide variety of people doing extraordinary work serves as a reminder that “no matter who you are you can create long-lasting change.”

Here is a list of the CLBC’s 2022 Unsung Heroes:

35^th Senate District (Los Angeles County)

Bradford nominated Dr. Keith Curry, President of Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District (CCCD). Curry is responsible for overseeing all departments and functions of Compton College and serves as secretary for the CCCD Board of Trustees. He helped raise $11.3 million to help the school transition to an independent college.

30^th Senate District (Los Angeles)

Sen. Sydney Kamlager (D-Los Angeles), Co-chair of the CLBC, nominated Charles “Bear” Sprately. Sprately founded Brothers Against Banging Youth (BABY) in 2008. The community-based nonprofit provides gang prevention and crisis intervention for young men and women in underserved neighborhoods. BABY has been key to opening up new opportunities to thousands of Los Angeles area youth.

7^th Assembly District (Sacramento and Yolo Counties)

Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) nominated Sharron Chandler, Founder and Executive Director of Yes2Kollege Education Resources, Inc. The Sacramento non-profit provides African American students with “real time” educational tools and resources to live healthy and productive lives, while helping them aim for academic excellence and prepare for high-skill jobs.

9^th Assembly District (Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties)

Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) nominated Dr. Janine Bera, Chief Medical Officer at WellSpace Health. The non-profit community health center system provides medical, dental, behavioral health, and supportive services to more than 100,000 people each year at 31 greater Sacramento area locations.

18^th Assembly District (Alameda County)

Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) nominated Nancy Harvey, owner of Lil Nancy’s Primary Schoolhouse, a home-based family childcare program in Oakland. The school serves children 4 years old and younger, teaching them language, arts, math, science, and social skills. The program prides itself on its low staff-to-child ratio designed to increase interactions with adults, promote learning, and prevent education gaps — so children enter school “kinder-ready.”

41^st Assembly District (Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties)

Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) nominated Ray Ealy, founder of STEAM:CODERS. Founded in 2014, STEAM:CODERS enhances the education of  K-12 students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM), preparing them for educational or professional opportunities. STEAM:CODERS recruits students who reside in communities served by Title I schools. Through the program, thousands of students have been introduced to skill-building training.

54^th District (Los Angeles County)

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) nominated Cassandra Steptoe-Sampson, founder of A Child’s Dream-CA. The non-profit is dedicated to helping children in South Central Los Angeles — and their families — access resources they need for school and to stay healthy. Under her leadership, the organization has distributed backpacks, school supplies, shoes, clothing, hygiene kits and toys to the families in Los Angeles, and beyond, with the help of sponsors and partners.

59^th District (Los Angeles County)

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) nominated Dr. John Griffith. Griffith began his career at Los Angeles’ Kedren Community Health Center in 1981, serving as the Chief Operating Officer-Mental Health Services until 2002, when he became the President/CEO. During his tenure at the health facility, he has instituted several changes to help meet the health needs of residents in the surrounding community. Griffith was instrumental in setting up a relationship between Kedren and Charles Drew University, California’s only HBCU. Medical students participate in the project as part of their residency requirements.

64^th Assembly District (Los Angeles County)

Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) nominated Dr. Ayanna E. Davis, an advocate for education, political empowerment and social justice. She lives in Compton. Over her 27 years of service in education, Davis’s has touched the hearts and helped to shape the minds of thousands of children. Currently, Davis is the Vice President and Political Action Council member of the Association of Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA). In her role as President-elect of the Southern California Chapter of the California Association of Early Young Children, she advocates for disadvantaged children (from birth to 8 years old).

79^th District (San Diego County)

Assemblymember Akilah Webber (D-San Diego) nominated William Jones, President, CEO and Director of CityLink Investment Corporation, a commercial real estate company. A civic leader and advocate for African Americans and other minorities, Jones is also the lead independent director of Sempra Energy. Earlier in his career, Jones served in San Diego city government as a City Councilmember, Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff to City Councilmember Leon Williams.

62^nd Assembly District (Los Angeles County)

Earlier this month, Assemblymember Autumn Burke (D-Inglewood), who was a member of the CLBC, resigned from the Legislature, citing personal reasons.

The CLBC honored a nominee from the Burke’s district: Derek Steele, a Morgan State University graduate who started his professional career as an electrical engineer at Northrop Grumman. Later, he began serving his community as a volunteer with the Social Justice Learning Institute (SJLI). His work focused on figuring out how to recreate local food access systems to solve health disparities and food insecurity in Inglewood and nearby communities. Finding service to others more fulfilling than corporate pursuits, Steele was recently appointed SJLI’s Executive Director.

You can watch the ceremony here.

By Darwin Lam, Officer Training Command Newport Public Affairs

NEWPORT, R.I. – The first woman warrant officer to complete Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Officer Training Command, Newport (OTCN) was selected to be part of the Navy’s first Aerial Vehicle Operators (AVO) with designator 737X, Feb. 18.

Warrant Officer 1 Josia Pagler, a native Rancho Cucamonga, California, enlisted in the Navy in 2019 and previously served as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

“I was originally interested in being an aviation electrician’s mate for the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) during A-school,” said Pagler. “Lt. Daniel Robinson, my division officer and assistant maintenance officer at HSM 70, really pushed me to apply for the AVO program when he knew I already had a college degree.”

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration from California State University Long Beach in 2016.

In December 2020, the Navy announced a new warrant officer specialty designator whose job will be to operate carrier-based MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial vehicles, which are expected to start appearing in fleet carrier air wings in 2024, according to a Navy news release.

In order for warrant officers to operate the MQ-25 Stingray, the first carrier based unmanned aerial vehicle in the Navy, the Secretary of the Navy approved the establishment of the AVO warrant officer designator in NAVADMIN 315/20.

“It’s awesome any time a woman can blaze a new trail in any new program or community,” said Lt. Kyrie Slade, MH-60S Seahawk pilot and the OCS lead class officer. “It proves that we can be as resilient, smart, and tough as our men counterparts.”

Slade said she was the only female during her primary selection class out of 22 students.

“My last squadron was 30 pilots and we had anywhere from two-six female pilots onboard during my three years there,” said Slade.

The gravity of being the first woman warrant officer to complete OCS is still solidifying for Pagler.

“I honestly haven’t wrapped my mind around being the first of anything, however, I want to tell others to not hold yourselves back for going for something you want. Don’t be intimidated in a community where the majority are men,” emphasized Pagler.

Headquartered in Newport, Rhode Island, OTCN oversees Officer Candidate School, Officer Development School and the Limited Duty Officer/Chief Warrant Officer Academy.

OTCN morally, mentally and physically develops future leaders of character and competence – imbuing them with the highest ideals of honor, courage and commitment in order to serve as professional naval officers worthy of special trust and confidence.

For more information about OTCN, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/NSTC/OTCN.

By Dr. Keith Magee 

What is it about this 22-year-old music star, whose career has seen a vertiginous rise over the last few years, that has some people so very upset that he has been nominated for an NAACP Image Awards?  It has come to my attention that his inclusion among the nominees at this prestigious celebration of Black excellence has reignited outrage about Lil Nas X’s body of work in a certain portion of our community.

On Saturday February 26, the ceremony is scheduled to grace our screens again. This year the Grammy-award winning rapper Lil Nas X has been nominated in three categories – Entertainer of the Year, Outstanding Male Artist, and Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song.

Lil Nas X, born Montero Lamar Hill, who publicly declared his homosexuality in 2019, clearly takes some delight in hitting a nerve. His music videos feature scenes that some have found shocking, often depicting an array of gyrating, naked or semi-naked male dancers. One scene in the video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” shows the singer defiantly pole-dancing his way to hell, where he performs a lap dance for Satan, then kills him and steals his horns before sprouting his own wings. Cue furious backlash, accusations of “devil worshipping,” and demands that Black pastors voice their disapproval to “protect our children.”

Instead of reacting to these award nominations with anger, it might be more helpful for us to wonder why Lil Nas X chooses to use such imagery in his videos. He has described how difficult he found it, as a teenager, to reconcile his queer identity with what he heard in church about homosexuality being a vile sin and all gay people being destined to spend eternity in hell. Same gender loving young Black people like him often find themselves demonized by the very Christian pastors and brothers and sisters who should be embracing them understanding that the primary mission of Jesus was the promise of eternal life through the sacrifice of love.

I cannot speak for Lil Nas X, but I think it’s a fair assumption that the depiction of his descent into hell in the “Montero” video is meant to represent his frustration at being told he would never be allowed to enter heaven. The fact that he is shown seducing the devil in order to murder him surely suggests the singer feels he has had to defeat his own demons – those negative messages planted in his brain by the church – in order to liberate himself from fear and prejudice and be comfortable in his own skin as a gay Black man.

Isn’t the truly shocking thing here is that some of our young people are growing up not only having to deal with racial inequality and hatred but also being made to feel that they don’t even belong in certain Black churches because of their sexuality? That they are supposedly so unlovable in the eyes of God that they can never be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven? That they are destined to burn in hell as a punishment simply for being themselves? Now, as a Black pastor myself, this harmful treatment of children is something I would be happy to protest about.

I’ll be honest, I won’t be letting my 7-year-old son watch Lil Nas X’s “Montero” video, because the sexual imagery it includes is clearly not appropriate for young children. I won’t be letting my little boy watch any of Megan Thee Stallion’s extremely raunchy videos either, and she is also nominated for the 2022 NAACP Image Entertainer of the Year award. (Although, after centuries of the hyper-sexualization of Black bodies by others, part of me cannot help but admire young Black performers who are now seizing control of how their bodies and their sexuality are portrayed.) I certainly don’t allow my son to listen to rap songs that appear to glamorize violence, misogyny, or drugs, indeed I pray for a world in which no Black music stars feel the need to write such lyrics. I wish I didn’t have to work quite so hard to shield my child from what I see as unsuitable material. But I accept that, as a father, protecting him is my job. One day my boy will be old enough to decide for himself, and if, among the messages I don’t much like, he also hears some messages about racial equality, female empowerment, body positivity, and the acceptance of homosexuality and gender difference, then I’ll see that as a bonus.

Let’s be clear here – the NAACP’s role is not to parent our children or to sanitize pop culture in order to avoid shocking a particular demographic. Nor is it to police adherence to a conservative version of Christianity or any other religion. The NAACP operates under the same separation of church and state as the rest of American society. Like us all, they cannot oppose any individual’s right under the First Amendment to free speech – and that extends to song lyrics.

Its historical roots may go deep, but the NAACP is also – happily – adept at moving with the times. It can see the considerable value in nominating high-flyers like Lil Nas X – it’s good PR to embrace the stars that today’s Black youths idolize. What does it matter if the great civil rights organization occasionally hitches a ride on the coattails of young Black stars’ success? The NAACP is perfectly aware, I’m sure, that it can only have a positive impact on America if it continues to mean something to every generation. Our young people are our future. If the NAACP fails to reflect their idea of Black culture, engage with them, and galvanize them to continue the fight for Black people’s advancement, then where will we be?

Goodness knows we have some fights on our hands right now – against attacks on our voting rights, gerrymandering, police brutality, attempts to deny our painful history and prevent our children from learning about how we overcame oppression. Is this really the moment to be bickering amongst ourselves instead of uniting in our collective struggle, along with our allies, against racial injustice?

On Saturday evening, I for one will be enjoying the 53^rd annual NAACP Image Awards’ festival of amazing Black talent without reservation, and I wish all the nominees in every category the very best of luck.

Keith Magee is Senior Fellow and Visiting Professor of Practice in Cultural Justice at UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, a Fellow at UCL Centre on U.S. Politics, and Professor of Practice in Social Justice at Newcastle University. He serves as Commissioner on United States – United Kingdom Fulbright Commission and was appointed to the Mayor of London’s Commission on Diversity in the Public Realm. He is the author of Prophetic Justice: Race, Religion and Politics, January 2021

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- On Friday, March 4, 2022, the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire will be hosting the First Friday’s Business and Social Mixer at 6:30 p.m. at Fourth Sector Innovations located at 404 N. Euclid Avenue in Ontario. There will be appetizers, raffles, and the admission is FREE. Business sponsors include: Fourth Sector Innovations, EVOLV, San Bernardino County, and Startempire WIRE. For more information, please visit www.bccinlandempire.com.

By Lou Yeboah

The World is Now on the Eve of Destruction, and near the great deception that was foretold in the Bible. The Great Tribulation with the Antichrist is almost upon us. The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. The stage is being set for the Final, the Great, Apostasy. [Revelation 13]. Listen to me like you’ve never listened to me ever in your life!

When the Lord tells you to run don’t hesitate, don’t argue, and don’t look back. As the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished. [Genesis 19:15-26]. Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains; for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon the people. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.  [Luke 21:21-23]. Listen to me like you’ve never listened to me ever in your life!

Jesus warned that just prior to His Second Coming, an all-encompassing World War would threaten the very survival of mankind. We are living in those times today. There are four prophetic developments occurring right now that demonstrate how close we are to the Euphrates River War, otherwise known as World War III. I can’t tell you exactly when this is going to happen, but the Bible tells us where World War III will originate. [Revelation 9:14-15]. According to Bible prophecy, it will be the Battle of Armageddon which destroys all things. It will be when Israel is attacked by Russia and Iran [Gog and Magog]. I tell you, when the Lord tells you to run don’t hesitate, don’t argue, and don’t look back because the setting up of the Abomination of Desolation will mark a time of danger that will come so swiftly that in [Luke 21:34-35] Jesus said it would be like a snare—catching us completely off guard. Isaiah compared it to the collapse of a high, swelling wall “whose breaking comes suddenly at an instant.” [Isaiah 30:13]. Do not be deceived. Take heed, be alert, watch and pray because current events right now, show this day rapidly approaching.

Jesus spoke of these major world events to come before His return in what is called His Olivet Prophecy. [Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21]. His disciples began by asking Him, “What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” Christ’s reply included this warning of an unprecedented time of trouble: “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” [Matthew 3; 21-24]. When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled… For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon the people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. [Luke 21:20-24; see Revelation 11:2; emphasis mine]. Listen to me like you have never listened to me ever in your life. The weapons will be used. The world will be destroyed. Cities will disappear. No nation will be spared.

The apocalyptic revelations are a warning to all mankind. The end is coming – sooner than we think!  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch! This is not only a commandment, it is a warning. [Mark 13:37]. The Day is real, and the hour is set … [Zephaniah 1:14-18]. The Antichrist will rise and conquer … [Revelation 6:1-2]. A Great War will ignite the Earth … [Revelation 6:3-4]. Global famine will follow… [Revelation 6:5-6]. One-fourth of Mankind will be destroyed … [Revelation 6:7-8; Revelation 9:13-15; Revelation 9:16-19]. One-third of all trees on Earth will burn [Revelation 8:7] One-third of all life in the sea will die … [Revelation 8:8-9; Revelation 16:3]. One-third of all fresh water on Earth will be poison … [Revelation 8:10-11]. One-third of the light of the Sun, Moon, and Stars will be blocked … [Revelation 8:12-13). Rivers and springs will turn to blood … [Revelation 16:4-7]. A great heat will scorch the Earth … [Revelation 16:8-9]. A thick, darkness will cover the Earth … [Revelation 16:10-11]. Millions who come to the Lord will be executed … [Revelation 14:13; Revelation 20:4; Revelation 6:9-11]. A massive Earthquake unlike any other in the history will convulse and change the face of the Earth … [Revelation 16:18-20; Isaiah 24:19-20].

Listen to me like you’ve never listened to me ever in your life. God leaves us with an ominous warning . . .”Search from the book of the LORD and read: Not one of these prophecies shall fail…”[Isaiah 34:16]. “Indeed, I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it…” [Isaiah 46:11-12]. Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand!

“To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Indeed, their ear is uncircumcised, And they cannot give heed. Behold, the word of the Lord is a reproach to them; They have no delight in it.” [Jeremiah 6:10].

“Also, I set watchmen over you saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen. ” [Jeremiah 6:17].

RIVERSIDE, CA— The Society of Extraordinary Women [SOEW] is hosting their Second Annual Leadership Awards Gala.  This spectacular event will recognize and honor community members who have displayed stellar leadership and excellence within the community of Riverside.

Through years of philanthropic and humanitarian advocacy, Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds, Ph.D will receive the Humanitarian of the Year award.   Recipients of the Community Involvement award will be given to Rose Mays, Esther Portillo, Yvette Hickman Wilkerson, who will also receive the Entrepreneurship award.  Additionally, April Sanders is the recipient of both Community Involvement and the Technology award.

Other recipients include, Michael Moore, Fire Chief of Riverside, who will receive the Community Leadership award along with Dr. Deborah Deas, who will also receive the Education award.  Special Guest, Gigi Coleman, who is the great-niece of Bessie Coleman, the first African American aviator.  Coleman will be presenting a special presentation and reenactment of the Bessie Coleman Experience.

The Keynote speaker for this special event is Dr. Tim Gramling, Dean of the School of Business and Assistant Professor at California Baptist University.  Recording artists Terri Mayes will be featured as the Entertainment for the event.

Shirley Coates, founder of Society Of Extraordinary Women, is committed to mentoring young women and girls, helping them to achieve their goals in every aspect of their lives.

SOEW’s premier program is the Ignite Leadership & STEM Academy for girls and young women. This program provides specific skills that support personal and academic success. The skills taught in the program enhances the development of the total person. Their leadership module focuses on esteem building, team building, goal setting, social and cyber etiquette, financial literacy, community engagement, and preparation for college and careers. Through a collaboration with the Mapping Black California Initiative, and Esri, (a leader in GIS technology worldwide), the Ignite Leadership & Stem Academy, are able to provide a comprehensive program in coding, community mapping and spatial analytics. Extra curriculum activities include performing arts, film, and aviation. This comprehensive curriculum is designed to encourage and ignite the passion for lifelong learning and personal growth.

The theme is Achievement, Empowerment, and Giving Back. The event will take place at the Victoria Country Club, located at 2521 Arroyo Drive, Riverside, California, 92506, on Sunday, March 6th, 2022, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Register for the event or to make a donation at www.soew.org.

Society of Extraordinary Women, a non-profit organization, is a group of dedicated professionals committed to making a difference in the lives of young girls and making a positive impact in our community.