Welcome

2023 Scholarship Fundraiser and Awards Luncheon, Chair

Crystal Hayes Fields

I am excited to welcome you to the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation’s (“BWLF”) 47th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser and Awards Luncheon! This year’s theme, “Rooted in the Community: Empowering the Collective,” recognizes the importance of community as a collective means of support and growth of the individual and the group. The individuals that we are honoring this year have contributed their time, energy, talent and resources to enhance and strengthen the community. In particular, this year’s honorees have played a pivotal role in improving the health, well-being and economic security of communities of color. They have led by example and provided tools, education and platforms to empower the collective to thrive, excel and achieve. They have inspired us to do better and be better. The honorees are as follows:

Excellence in Advocacy, Crystal D. Crawford, Executive Director of the Western Center on Law and Poverty Crystal Crawford plays 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 orders her career path and exemplifies her commitment to community progress and community organizations. Before being Western Center’s Executive Director, she was program director at the California Wellness Foundation and CEO at the Black Women’s Health Project. She is active in the leadership of many numerous civic and community organizations.

Excellence in the Law, Amber Finch, Managing Partner of Reed Smith’s Los Angeles Office

As Managing Partner of Reed Smith’s Los Angeles office, Amber Finch leads by example. She is an impressive litigator who has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in insurance proceeds for her clients, and currently represents a litany of clients from start-up businesses to middle market and Fortune 500 companies. She is a force to be reckoned with in her field, a remarkable attorney and yet remains grounded in her community.

Excellence in the Arts, Tabitha Brown, Actress, Entrepreneur, Social Media Influencer

Ms. Brown is a social media phenomenon and as such creates communities online and off. She has over 4.2 million followers on Instagram and 5 million followers on TikTok. She’s the creator of the YouTube children’s show, Tab Time. She is also an entrepreneur and recently partnered with Target and Ulta Beauty to sell several collections including a food, clothing and hair care line. She is also the author of three books: Feeding the Soul, Cooking from the Spirit and Tabitha Brown Seen Loved & Heard.

Community Service Award, The Social Justice Learning Institute

The Social Justice Learning Institute (“SJLI”) is dedicated to empowering others to improve the community. SJLI is committed to improving the education, health and well-being of youth and communities of color. The organization’s work is instrumental in producing, training and building community leaders. This year, SJLI culminated 104 high school graduates from their flagship Urban Scholars program. To date, SJLI has supported the college and career paths of 3,379 students in Los Angeles and Houston.

We applaud each of our honorees, and their dedication to and efforts in advancing the community. Their contributions are instrumental to our success as a whole.

I would like to thank our Sponsors and Scholarship Underwriters for your continued support. Without you we would not have the ability to assist the next generation of law students. I would also like to thank the Scholarship Fundraiser and Selection Committees, including chairs, Brittany Engleman Hicks and Kathiana Aurelien, for your time and commitment. Your work is appreciated and has been instrumental. I would like to sincerely thank BWLF President Alma Graham for your leadership, encouragement and support. As for the Foundation Board Membersyour commitment to BWLF is unparalleled, and we look forward to working with you to build on our 47 year legacy of excellence in service. A special thanks to our Event Planner, Terrina Scott, for her patience and hard work. And finally, to our members, friends, and guests - thank you for your continued support of BWLF. We hope you enjoy and are inspired by this afternoon’s program.

Warmly,

Crystal Hayes Fields, Chair

BWLF 47th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser and Awards Luncheon