2023 HONOREES
Corporate Excellence Award
Crystal D. Crawford
Executive Director
Western Center on Law and Poverty
Crystal D. Crawford is a seasoned leader with more than 20 years of senior management experience in the legal, philanthropic and non -profit sectors. She has played a pivotal role in advancing the health and economic security of low-income Californians, women of color and communities of color. Her passion for these issues has ordered her career path and speaks to her commitment to community progress. Before her current position, she was program director of The California Wellness Foundation and prior to that, CEO of the California Black Women’s Health Project. She leads numerous civic and community organizations.
Excellence in Law Award
Amber Finch
Office Managing Partner
Reed Smith LLP
As managing partner of Reed Smith’s Los Angeles offices, Amber Finch is at the helm of an international law firm with offices worldwide. Her firm is dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. She has an impressive litigation background as she has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in insurance proceeds for commercial policy holders and currently represents a litany of clients from start-up businesses to middle market and Fortune 500 companies. She remains committed to and involved in her community. As a former president of Black Women Lawyers, Inc., she leads by example and is an inspiration to young black women attorneys.
Excellence in the Arts Award
Tabitha Brown
Author, Actress, Entrepreneur, Social Media Influencer
Ms. Brown is an American actress and social media phenomenon. She creates content incorporating veganism, humor, spirituality and motivational speaking. She has over 4.2 million followers on Instagram and 5 million followers on TikTok. She’s creator of the YouTube children’s show, Tab Time. She recently partnered with Target to sell 4 collections including food and clothing. She has a haircare line, Donna’s Recipe, currently sold at Ulta Beauty. She is also the author of three books: Feeding the Soul, Cooking from the Spirit and Tabitha Brown Seen Loved & Heard. In 2021 and 2023, she was awarded a NAACP Image award for Outstanding Social Media Personality. She has created communities on and off social media that spread the message of health and well -being. For more on Tabitha Brown go to https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/tabitha-brown-target/ or https://www.foodnetwork.com/profiles/talent/tabitha-brown.
Community Service Award
Social Justice Learning Institute
The Social Justice Learning Institute is committed to improving the education, health and well- being of youth and communities of colors. They envision communities where education empowers individuals to use their agency for the purpose of improving each other’s lives. They deliver programs, resources and support in line with this vision. Their work is instrumental in producing, training and building community leaders.