In the bright lights of downtown Los Angeles, The Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) gathered at City Club LA with some of the top women leaders in the city to celebrate its 7th Annual Women in the C-Suite: Women Leading In Energy & Sustainability. Women In The C-Suite was designed to spotlight and empower women executives, entrepreneurs and experts, creating a space that uplifts and inspires the world around them.
“This theme is more than an industry buzzword – it reflects the essence of what women bring to leadership.” GLAAACC President Angela Gibson Shaw opened up the sold-out event. “We generate energy: the drive to innovate, the courage to disrupt, and the passion to lead change. We also embody sustainability: building strong organizations, nurturing diverse teams, and ensuring that our success is not fleeting, but enduring and impactful.”
As the ever-changing global landscape requires visionary leaders to step forward to guide and shape the future, this 7th Annual Women In The C-Suite was proud to honor those women who are paving the way forward and extending a hand behind. Panelists included Denita Willoughby, CEO of Big Energy Group, Lily Otieno, Director, Supply Chain & DBE, Southern California Gas, Maria Dowd, Founder & CEO of Dowd Solar Group, and Patricia Watts, President and CEO of FCI Management.
Kecia M. Washington, Head of the Community Investment Group at Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, was recognized with the Community Impact Award, presented by GLAAACC Member Christine Keith of Elite Auto Network. Kecia leads with meaningful leadership and service, championing supplier diversity and sustainability, and helping transform the community she serves. “Service is my love language. I don’t need the spotlight…but I want to know that I helped someone.”
An intimate fireside chat was led by moderator Celeste Alleyne Carr of Celestial Soirees, highlighting the four women leaders excelling in energy and sustainability as they gave their industry insights to the room. Alleyne skillfully guided the conversation, touching on key trends in energy and sustainability, breaking barriers, and opening doors.
Building something new requires a level of tenacity that must be cultivated, Maria Dowd of Dowd Energy Group reminisced as she described going door to door at the beginning of her journey. Patrica Watts with FCI Management also emphasized the importance of tenacity leading to longevity. Her journey has spanned twenty-seven years with offices nationwide.
Panelist Lily Otieno, of Southern California Gas, highlighted the importance of diverse suppliers having a seat at the table. “My team’s role is to make sure there’s diversity, opening doors for suppliers, and making sure the diverse suppliers can come in the same way other suppliers are coming in through the supply chain.
Collaboration was emphasized throughout the evening, and the importance of cultivating relationships and partnerships that can take root and grow by working together. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” encouraged Panelist Denita Willoughby. “Sometimes we as women, and especially as black women, think we can do it all by ourselves. Do not go that route – ask for help!”
At the close of the night, Women In The C-Suite guests were treated to exclusive swag bags, made possible by GLAAACC’s generous In-Kind Sponsors: Avene, Ayuna, Black Girl Sunscreen, Everen, Juvia’s Place, Kendra Scott, Longchamp, Pink Mahoghany, RevealU Skincare, SKIN/Tervention, Stellar Snacks, Step & Repeat, Wisepause Teas, and Western States Petroleum Association.
Carla Perkins of Southern California Edison acknowledged her company, along with the rest of the evening’s sponsors: Southern California Gas, City National Bank, the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, AT&T Inc., California Water Association, Valero, and Western States Petroleum Association.
GLAAACC is proud to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of these leaders and the changes they are making, both at the highest level and in the communities around them.
About the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce
Our mission is to advocate and promote the economic growth and development of entrepreneurs by focusing on legislative advocacy, as well as identifying and developing business opportunities and strategic business alliances
For more information, visit www.glaaacc.org.
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