LBACC Women of Excellence Awards & Marathon Small Business Grant

The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce presents the “7th Annual Women of Excellence & Marathon Small Business Grant” virtual event on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, from 4-5 p.m. The program is free to attend, but registration is required at www.lbchamber.com/events.

The Chamber’s Women’s Business Council (WBC) will present the three Women of Excellence awards and the Marathon Small Business Grant with categories and recipients including:

- Outstanding Woman in Business is awarded to a businesswoman who not only strives to build a great company but also contributes to the success of other women in business.

This year’s recipient is Aimee Mandala, Chief Operating Officer, Environ Architecture, Inc.

- Outstanding Community Leader is presented to a woman who has attained a high rank and utilized her position, stature and expertise to break down gender bias and effect positive change for women in her business and in the community.

This year’s recipient is Marcelle Epley, President, Long Beach Community Foundation.

- Outstanding Woman in Education is awarded to a woman who serves as an example of hard work and effective leadership through education, and who demonstrates a powerful commitment to students and schools.

This year’s recipient is Yumi Takahashi, Chief Business and Financial Officer, Long Beach Unified School District.

- Marathon Small Business Grant is a generous $5,000 grant by Marathon that is presented to a deserving Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce member to help grow their small business.

This year’s recipient is caryn desai, Artistic Director/Producer, International City Theatre.

“It’s an honor to be able to recognize women in their respective fields who have made an impact on their industry and influenced their colleagues throughout their careers,” said Heather Summers, President of the Women’s Business Council and Senior Vice President of Marketing at LBS Financial Credit Union. “The Chamber is a staunch supporter of women in business and I am proud to lead the council this year.”

Sue Snead, Director of Marketing and Communications at Long Beach YMCA, is the 2021-2022 incoming president for the Women’s Business Council, “I look forward to working with the WBC members and building on the great legacy and leadership that Heather, the Chamber and all the recipients have brought to Long Beach and the business community.”

Sponsors for the “7th Annual Women of Excellence & Marathon Small Business Grant” virtual event are Boeing, Bryson, LBS Financial Credit Union, Marathon, and the Port of Long Beach.

For more information, please contact Judy Nelson at 562-432-8128 or jnelson@lbchamber.com.

The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (LBACC) is one of the largest membership chambers of commerce in Los Angeles County. The Chamber serves as the catalyst for business growth, a Convener of leaders and influencers, and a Champion for a stronger community. For additional information, visit www.lbchamber.com or follow on Twitter @thelbchamber, Facebook @lbchamber and Instagram @longbeachchamber.