SHIELDS Executive Director Kathy Icenhower attends GLAAACC 19th Annual Economic Awards Dinner

Thursday, March 22, 2012, the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Economic Awards Dinner at LA Live’s JW Marriot Los Angeles located in Downtown Los Angeles. In its 19th year of existence the acclaimed event strives to shed light on deserving individuals and corporations within the business realm of the African American community whose infrastructure has set precedence in its economic growth and development. Award categories include banking and financial institution of the year, the public service award, African American business of the year, and corporation of the year, amongst others.

Invited guests to the event included singer/songwriter Rhona Bennet, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and SHIELDS for Families Executive Director, Kathryn Icenhower. The keynote speaker was Secretary of Labor for the US Department of Labor, Hilda L. Solis. Nominated by US President Barack Obama himself, Solis has held her position since January of 2009. She is recognized across the nation as a leader in protecting the environment and escalating access to affordable healthcare. An advocate for improving the lives of working families Secretary Solis met with Dr. Kathryn Icenhower to discuss SHIELDS’ Jericho Program, which provides comprehensive vocational, educational and support services to ex-offenders returning to the community.

The ceremony held by this premiere business association was a success, and another notch in the associations esteemed and prestigious legacy. SHIELDS salutes GLAAACC, its board of directors and the night’s honorees for doing their part in the development and progression of minority-owned businesses in the Greater Los Angeles community.