OCTOBER 24, 2026 presented by
In celebration of Ignited Light’s 2026 Service for Humanity honorees, Renee Bell-Harbour, Wilbur Washington and Sallia Wilkins.
“Carry one another’s burdens so that we will follow the laws of Christ.”
Centering Message Dr. Cassandra L. Bailey Ignited Light
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elcome to Ignited Light’s fourth annual Service for Humanity Gala. It is an honor to share this moment with you to acknowledge our honorees Rene Bell-Harbour, Wilbur Washington, and Sallia Wilkins, Esq. His Holiness Dalai Lama eloquently stated, “The genuine joyfulness is helping others. You get more satisfaction to build a more happy, peaceful society…Firstly, create inner peace; joyfulness, then share with family members. That way, change will bring a happier society. A happier community.”
This quote was an excerpt from a documentary conversation with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, entitled Mission: Joy-Finding Happiness in Troubled Times. Depicting His Holiness, both honorees have tirelessly given of themselves, contributing to the spread of joy in the community and ultimately resulting in a happier society. Ignited Light’s mission of service for humanity is reinforced by the contributions of these quiet giants being honored today. Over the years, Ignited Light’s reach to the community has extended from the Crenshaw district solely to the aggregate South Los Angeles community. Its growth has been made possible through a shared mission of supporters who seek joy by giving joy. We all have to hold up our piece of the sky. In tandem, as we reach for joy and inner peace, there is always an opportunity to share one’s light with those whose rays may circumstantially glow dim in the moment. Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s recitation of a South African saying renders, “A person is a person through other persons.” The support we give to others strengthens the community’s foundation and ultimately extends its longevity. May peace and happiness live with you, through you, and extend from you.
Warmly, Dr. Cassandra L. Bailey Founder and CEO
Honoree
Hazel C. Storey Educator Award
Rene Bell-Harbour
Advocate, Mentor, Leader, and Source of Hope
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ene’s journey of service spans nearly four decades. She began her professional career as a Social Worker and Dependency Investigator with the Department of Children and Family Services and went on to dedicate 30 years to the Los Angeles Unified School District, serving in numerous roles, including Administrator. Throughout her career, Rene was more than a professional; she was an advocate, mentor, leader, and source of hope for children, families, and communities. Her work was rooted in one simple belief: every person deserves to be seen, heard, supported, and given an opportunity to thrive.
On July 1, 2026, Rene retired from LAUSD, closing one chapter of an extraordinary career while opening another one filled with even greater opportunities to serve, love, and pour into others. Her commitment to service continues through her beloved organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter and First African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she continues to hold positions of service. On September 12, 2026, Rene was honored as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter’s, Chairperson of the Year for her outstanding service as Social Action Chairperson. Through her leadership, she brought Congresspersons, City representatives, pastors, LAUSD School Board members and others into the community, creating forums that opened doors to information, resources, civic engagement, and greater political awareness. Her work gave community members a voice and helped connect them to the people and resources that could make a difference in their lives. Rene’s faith has been the foundation beneath her journey, and her willingness to serve has been one of the greatest expressions of that faith. Yet, among all of her accomplishments, Rene treasures her greatest blessings: her two children, Nia Harbour, Esq. and Reggie Harbour, who are a cherished part of her heart and her legacy. Rene’s story is not simply about the positions she has held or the honors she has received. It is about the lives she has touched, the people she has encouraged, the families she has strengthened, and the love she has given so freely. Today, we celebrate a woman who has spent her life answering the call to serve. Rene Bell-Harbour is a testament to what happens when faith meets purpose, compassion meets action, and a willing heart says, “Yes.” Her career may have reached retirement, but her calling to love, serve, and make a difference continues.
Rev. James M. Lawson, Jr. Community Service Award
Dr. Wilbur L. Washington
Honoree
Information Systems Analyst, Mentor, and Community Leader ilbur L. Washington was born and raised in the great town of Newellton, Louisiana and was reared in the historic city of Cleveland, Mississippi. He is the proud father of one beautiful, radiant, intelligent daughter, Anika Washington.
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Wilbur matriculated and graduated from the renowned Grambling State University (GSU) in Grambling, Louisiana, in the spring of 1988. At GSU, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. After graduating from GSU, Wilbur moved to the innovative city of Los Angeles, California, where he received a job offer from Hughes Aircraft Corporation as an Application Programmer. Recently, Dr. Washington obtained a PhD in Theology and Christian Counseling from Bible Believers College and Seminary, where he was the Valedictorian and class president, and was recently appointed as an Adjunct Professor. Currently, Wilbur is an Information Systems Analyst at the County of Los Angeles with 30-plus years of corporate experience, including work as a Software Engineer at Continental Data Graphics, a subsidiary of Boeing Aircraft. Furthermore, Wilbur was re-elected to a second term in the prominent role of National Financial Secretary (2024-2026 and 2026-2028) for the Grambling University National Alumni Association (GUNAA). As the National Financial Secretary, he is responsible for managing and maintaining records of all revenue received by the Association from all sources. In addition, Wilbur has served in several positions with the Grambling University Alumni Association – Los Angeles Chapter, including president for four years, co-chair of the RWE Jones Scholarship Breakfast, and a member of the Recruitment Team, just to name a few. As a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Wilbur has served in the Los Angeles Alumni Chapter in several preeminent positions, including Keeper of Exchequer (Treasurer), Strategus, Kappa League, and Black and White Committees. Moreover, as a faithful member of New Mount Calvary MBC, under the leadership of Pastor Sonja Dawson, Esq., Wilbur has served as co-chair of the Deacon Board Ministry, assistant church clerk, teacher, and has assisted in several Outreach endeavors. Most recently, he was appointed as the Coordinator for the Yokemen ministry, which prepares younger men to take on more prominent roles in the church, e.g., Deacon Ministry. Most recently, Wilbur was elected as a board member for the Missionaries for Christ Ministries, where he is a past recipient of the Red Award. Missionaries for Christ Ministries is a faith-based, volunteer-led organization with over four decades of service to Los Angeles’ homeless and vulnerable populations, combining practical aid with spiritual encouragement. His hobbies include playing chess, dominoes, spades, traveling, and going out to the beach. Dr. Washington believes that hard work, honesty, and humility are essential qualities for achieving success in life. Additionally, helping and encouraging others throughout life’s journey is a meaningful way to give back. His motto is “… when you do it to the least of them, you do it to me...” (Matthew 25:40)
Honoree S
Humanity Rising Star Award Sallia Wilkins, Esq. Attorney, Advocate, Mentor, and Community Leader
allia Wilkins is an attorney, advocate, mentor, and community leader whose life embodies resilience, determination, and the transformative power of opportunity.
A native of Watts and South Central Los Angeles, Sallia’s journey is a testament to what is possible when perseverance meets vision. As a former foster youth, she experienced circumstances that could have defined the trajectory of her life—but instead, she chose to redefine them. Her experiences navigating foster care, family hardship, housing insecurity, and significant personal obstacles became the foundation for her commitment to helping others recognize that their circumstances do not determine their future. Sallia earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in English Literature and Political Science from Loyola Marymount University and her Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Her academic journey was marked by determination and perseverance, ultimately leading her to a career advocating for others through the practice of law. Today, Sallia is a labor and employment attorney representing employers in complex workplace matters, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, disability accommodation, wage and hour, PAGA, workplace investigations, and employment litigation. She brings to her legal practice a strong sense of advocacy, strategic thinking, and a commitment to helping her clients navigate challenging workplace issues. Beyond her legal career, Sallia is deeply committed to serving and inspiring young people. She mentors current and former foster youth and first-generation students pursuing higher education and professional careers, often providing guidance and encouragement at no cost. She regularly speaks to students about resilience, education, purpose, and the importance of envisioning a future beyond their present circumstances. Sallia has been recognized for both her professional accomplishments and commitment to her community, including being named a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch Honoree in Labor and Employment Law for multiple consecutive years. She has also been recognized among the National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, reflecting her growing impact as a young legal professional and community advocate. Sallia’s story is ultimately one of transformation—from surviving circumstances she did not choose to become an attorney, advocate, mentor, and role model for others. She is passionate about reminding the next generation that they are not a product of their circumstances and that they have the power to envision and pursue a life beyond what the statistics say is possible. She is, in her own words, “resilience in the flesh.”
Mistress of Ceremony Madison Olivia Mayho
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adison Olivia Mayho is a Master of Public Health graduate of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, where she earned her degree in Urban Health Disparities and graduated summa cum laude. She currently serves as a Clinical Research Coordinator in interventional cardiology at PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, supporting clinical research that advances cardiovascular care for medically underserved residents of Los Angeles. An aspiring physician preparing to begin medical school in 2027, Madison is passionate about cardiology, preventive medicine, and health equity. She hopes to bridge clinical medicine, community-engaged research, and public health to improve health outcomes in underserved communities. She is also committed to mentoring future healthcare professionals and advancing community-centered health policy. A dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and Holman United Methodist Church, Madison remains passionate about service, leadership, and empowering the communities she serves. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, good food and live music.
Pianist Mateo Arce
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ateo is currently a senior at Hamilton High, part of the Hamilton High Jazz Band. The band has earned accolades wherever they have performed. Mateo is a band mate in the Tre’ Cyrus Franklin Trio. They have won many awards for their performances. Mateo also leads his own trio. Those who have had the pleasure of playing with Mateo have declared his command of the keyboards/piano outstanding.
Program Mistress of Ceremony................................Miss. Madison Mayho Greetings/Purpose.........Dr. Cassandra L. Bailey, Founder & CEO Invocation..........................................................Rev. Louis Chase Introduction of Honoree.............................Miss. Madison Mayho Sallia Wilkins, Esq. Humanity Rising Star Award Entertainment...........................................Mr. Mateo Arce, Pianist Lunch Served Entertainment...........................................Mr. Mateo Arce, Pianist Introduction of Honorees...........................Miss. Madison Mayho Dr. Wilbur L. Washington Rev. James M. Lawson, Jr., Community Service Award Ms. Rene Bell-Harbour Hazel C. Storey, Educator Award Silent Auction Winners......................................Mr. Gary Stinnett Acknowledgements..................................Dr. Cassandra L. Bailey Closing.......................................................Miss. Madison Mayho
Service for Humanity Acknowledgments Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin Rev. Louis Chase Ms. Bettye Fontenot Mr. Jules Green Mr. Keith McGruder Holman Security Sharon Jackson - Staff Top Ladies of Distinction Trayvon Stinnett Mary Baker Creative Ignited Light Board of Directors
Congratulations! DR. WILBUR WASHINGTON
Congratulations on being awarded the Rev. James M. Lawson Community Service Award! My entire life, I’ve been inspired by how you’ve served your church, alma mater, and the greater community. Today, it’s a blessing to be publicly acknowledged for your hard work and dedication! Love, Your Daughter, Anika Washington
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