Los Angeles Lakers Community

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The Lakers Literacy League just wrapped up its 2023-2024 season! With over 600 enthusiastic teachers taking part, we collectively clocked in an impressive SEVEN MILLION minutes of reading. This season stands out as our most triumphant season yet!

The Lakers Literacy League is a no-cost initiative tailored for teachers, aiming to instill a love for reading among students in grades K-5. Through engaging challenges and imaginative projects with a Lakers twist, we strive to make literacy enjoyable. Running from October to April,&nbsp;the&nbsp;program endeavors to make literacy a source of joy for children, fostering a sense of community in classrooms. Plus,&nbsp;eligible&nbsp;participating teachers have the chance to win monthly prizes for their entire class!

One exceptional class had the opportunity to join a literacy-focused Youth Basketball Health & Fitness clinic. Ms. Vasquez's&nbsp;third-grade&nbsp;class at Lifeline Education Charter School in Compton, CA, honed their shooting, passing, and ball-handling skills through drills,&nbsp;literacy&nbsp;games, and fitness competitions.&nbsp;They also heard about the importance of reading, writing, and speaking from Lakers staff members.&nbsp;As a bonus, they left with some cool Lakers Literacy League gear!

To be part of the upcoming Lakers Literacy League season, visit&nbsp;https://www.nba.com/lakers/community/lakers-literacy-league.

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Lakers Literacy League Basketball and Health & Fitness Clinic 2023-24

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Another Successful Lakers Literacy League Season

Los Angeles Lakers teamed up with A Place Called Home to host a Teen Empowerment event that provides youth from the Los Angeles community special attire for their upcoming celebratory events.

A Place Called Home is a community center in South Central Los Angeles that provides a safe and nurturing environment with educational programs for youth and their families. The organization also assists its members by helping them improve their economic conditions and develop healthy and purposeful lives.

The Teen Empowerment event provided young ladies and gentlemen an opportunity to secure formal wear through a welcoming and empowering experience. With the help of Lakers staff, Lakers Girls, and Lakers Coaching staff spouses Deneitra Ham and Grace Rimmer, more than 200 teens attended and received formal attire for their upcoming proms, graduations, and job interviews.

Teens “shopped” in the boutique for FREE formal wear while Lakers volunteers offered fashion tips to help perfect the teens’ top picks. Young ladies could take home multiple free gowns, shoes, accessories, and makeup, while the young men picked out multiple suits, shoes, and accessories.

Hundreds of students who couldn’t attend will also receive dresses, suits, jewelry, shoe wear, and more in the coming weeks for their senior year milestones!

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Los Angeles Lakers TEAM UP with A Place Called Home for a Teen Empowerment Event

Lakers NBA Math Hoops, presented by Comerica Bank, challenges youth in grades 3rd-8th from Los Angeles Lakers community partners to improve their math skills. The program, powered by Learn Fresh, leverages the game of basketball and the NBA/WNBA brands to build fundamental math and social-emotional skills through a physical and digital basketball-themed board game, curriculum, and community program experience. Youths learn and practice important math skills through innovative and impactful real-life scenarios.

The Lakers Math Hoops Tournament marks the culmination of the Math Hoops season and features Boys and Girls Clubs and afterschool programs from across the Los Angeles region competing for the 2024 Lakers Math Hoops Regional Championship.

Following a 10-week curriculum, participants from these programs had the opportunity to engage in the Lakers Regional Math Hoops Tournament, a thrilling event structured around an elimination-style competition. Adding to the excitement, Lakers Legend and soon-to-be Hall of Famer Michael Cooper, the Laker Girls, and members of the Lakers staff enthusiastically joined the festivities, offering encouragement and emphasizing the value of sportsmanship throughout the matches.

The winners of this tournament will move on to the National Math Hoops Tournament this summer, where they will compete with youth from other NBA Teams’ community partners.

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Los Angeles Lakers host their NBA Math Hoops Regional Tournament, presented by Comerica Bank, at the Boys and Girls Club of Wilmington

The Comerica Bank Woman of Diversity is Michelle Sugihara. As a fourth-generation Japanese American in Honolulu, Hawaii, Michelle didn’t learn of the challenges faced by historically marginalized communities on the US continent until she took her first Asian American Studies class in Los Angeles, California. To begin her journey to fight for her communities, Michelle attended UCLA law school and practiced for over a decade where she was fortunate to practice both litigation and transactional law. For many years, Michelle volunteered for the LA Homeless Court Program, served as president of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles, and co-chair of the Multicultural Bar Alliance of Southern California. Now, Michelle currently runs CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), a premier organization that creates opportunities for Asian and Pacific Islander success in Hollywood and beyond. Michelle continues to dream of a world where what we watch on our screens reflects the world in which we live, and projects a better one.

The Comerica Bank Woman of Business is Tunua Thrash-Ntuk. For over two decades, Tunua has led racial equity initiatives and billion-dollar governmental programs to build better communities for those in greatest need. As a community development professional, she has championed equitable economic inclusion and programs centered on uplifting businesses owned by women, immigrants, and people of color to ensure the survival of diverse communities in Los Angeles. As a President and CEO of The Center by Lendistry, Tunua centers diverse and ready to be served small businesses to ensure access to the resources, technical assistance, and economic opportunities needed for success. Tunua served as Executive Director of the Los Angeles Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC LA) and West Angeles Community Development Corporation – where she led the growth of a $150 million real estate portfolio.

The Comerica Bank Woman of Philanthropy is Ana Grande. Ana Grande is a first-generation Salvadoran American with an extensive background in community organizing, policy, and nonprofit management. Ana has worked in education access, higher education, and healthcare industries, with a keen focus on empowering children of color, women, and immigrants to achieve the American Dream. Most recently, Ana served as an Academic Dean and adjunct professor at Mount St. Mary's University and as the Associate Executive Director of the P.F. Bresee Foundation. Currently, serving as the Executive Director at Program for Torture Victims, Ana and her team assist the courageous survivors of state-sponsored torture and persecution who have stood up for freedom, equality, and human dignity.

The Comerica Bank Woman of Promise is Karina Augustus. Karina is a fearless advocate for Human Rights, Mental Health & Education. Karina’s career began in Long Beach as a behavioral therapist where she worked with high school students. Karina became the first in her family to earn a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s Degree, and soon a Doctoral Degree. Karina began an education and community non-profit organization called the Luna Project that focuses on Incarcerated Youth & Adults, Community Service, Enhancing the Arts, Leadership, and Service Learning. Karina now works with college students as a Career Specialist where she mentors hundreds of students that have went on to graduate and hold careers. Born in Mexico and labeled as a dreamer, Karina has now received her green card giving her a pathway to citizenship. Karina continues to dream big as she has inspired numerous other dreamers of all ages to not give up and finish their race.

The Comerica Bank Woman of Entrepreneurship is Smita Vasant. Smita is an award-winning entrepreneur, fashion vlogger, and international bestselling author of the book, “The Confidence of Yes.” She started her entrepreneurial journey over 2 decades ago by opening Saffron Spot in Little India where she sells her own brand of Indian style ice cream. As a former Mrs. Asia USA, she has used her expertise to curate LA India Fashion Week and has choreographed over 25 fashion shows in the past decade. She is also a founder of Kitchen Queens Facebook Group, where the proceeds support culinary students at the Cerritos College and homeless people in Skid Row. Smita was past President of SABAN (South Asian Business Alliance Network) and past Program Chair of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners). Smita is also the founding member of WIN (Women’s Initiative Network) a group of accomplished professional women.

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Comerica Bank Women’s Business Awards March 2024 Honorees

The South Bay Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers, the Laker Girls and Lakers Gaming organized a reading stop for their Reading Across South Bay Team UP on March 12th at Carr Elementary School in Torrance.

The morning started with Lakers staff and players greeting students they came to the newly renovated playground to kick off the Reading Day with a ceremony. Students heard from the Los Angeles Lakers Director of Community Relations and General Manager of Lakers Gaming, Mathew Makovec, and South Bay Lakers player, Jack White, on the importance of reading and how the knowledge gained from it can be applied to multiple aspects of life.

Lakers staff and players visited different classrooms that participated in a month-long reading challenge to read. After introductions staff and players shared the value of reading inside and outside the classroom. At the end of the event, students were surprised a with South Bay Lakers swag bag. All students who completed the reading challenge also received a personalized South Bay Lakers reading certificate and a special edition South Bay Lakers comic book.

This event is part of South Bay Lakers' yearling programming with Carr Elementary that includes health and fitness clinic, beautification project, educational programming, and tickets to South Bay Lakers games during the 2023-2024 season.

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South Bay Lakers and Los Angeles Lakers Celebrate Reading Across the South Bay at Carr Elementary

Congratulations to&nbsp;P.F&nbsp;Bresee&nbsp;Foundation&nbsp;on winning the Lakers Youth Foundation&nbsp;March&nbsp;2024&nbsp;YOU Grant Contest!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mission Statement: P.F Bresee’s mission is to battle poverty by empowering youth and families in Los Angeles with the skills, resources, and relationships necessary to thrive.Funding Project: The P.F. Bresee Foundation is seeking support for its youth services, which offer essential academic and educational enrichment services to more than 1,000 low-income youth in Central Los Angeles every year. These services include tutoring and academic enrichment, techfocused programming, paid internships, college access/success support, and leadership development through sports. Empowered by our services and staff, our youth go beyond their own academic pursuits to empower other students and their communities at large. Support from the Lakers Youth Foundation will enable us to continue creating the next generation of dedicated, community leaders who understand the importance of giving back.

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March 2024 Lakers Youth Foundation YOU Grant Winner

The Comerica Bank Woman of Diversity is Jayda Imanlihen. Jayda’s impact as Founder and Executive Director of Black Girl Film School (BGFS) has not gone unnoticed. Jayda’s vision and approach to committing to diversity and inclusion have transformed the lives of young women in Los Angeles and beyond. By creating a pipeline of education, training, and mentorship opportunities for students, BGFS’s mission has seen tons of success. BGFS has garnered recognition and support from the Lakers Youth Foundation, Saban Family Foundation, Startsmall, and the Pepsi Pearl Pledge. Also, Jayda’s partnership development with industry leaders for BGFS has cemented the group as a leader in education and innovation. Placing young women in some of the top higher-education institutions, Jayda’s BGFS continues to inspire young people across Los Angeles.

The Comerica Bank Woman of Business is Jacquelyn Garcia. Jacquelyn has excelled as an attorney in law practice, her technical expertise and empathy towards families she’s served has been exceptional. Following her degree in Masters of Law, Jacquelyn went on to become a Certified Legal Specialist in Tax Law with the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Today, Jacquelyn is one of the leading Hispanic tax and estate planning experts in the Los Angeles area. Over a 13-year career Jacquelyn has been able to help resolve family disputes, IRS disputes, and technical conundrums for immigrant families of modest wealth to the ultra-high net worth families. On top of this, Jacquelyn has volunteered time to the Mexican American Bar Association and has even raised funds for the Maui fire victims.

The Comerica Bank Woman of Philanthropy is Priscilla Lizarraga. Serving as Senior Vice President of the nation’s largest Community Development Corporation (CDC), Priscilla has been improving the lives of individuals and families for nearly five decades through community development, economic empowerment, and educational advancement. Additionally, Priscilla has founded several Minority-Woman-Owned-Businesses with most recently serving as President of an enterprise dedicated to senior citizens and their health and wellness within the community. Outside of this work, Priscilla has engaged in efforts revolving around the LA Music Center’s Blue Ribbon Committee as well as the Hispanics for LA Opera.

The Comerica Bank Woman of Promise is Dr. Anjala Kanda. Dr. Kanda is the proud owner of two Southern California medical clinics focusing on foot and ankle issues. Primarily, Dr. Kanda focuses on limb preservation and diabetic care. On top of this, Dr. Kanda educates, manages, and helps prevent limb loss for her patients dealing with substantial wounds. Her clinics are facilitated by 9 employees, including 8 of which are women, and serve hundreds of patients each month. Outside of her clinics, Dr. Kanda serves as vice-chair of the Community Development Block Grant Committee which helps budget and approve funds for non-profit organizations like Homeless Shelters, Fair Housing, and Boys & Girl’s Clubs in her local area.

The Comerica Bank Woman of Entrepreneurship is Mara Garcia. Mara is the CFO at one of the leading Performance Marketing Software companies. Mara drives financial growth and future expansion, recently being nominated for the CFO of the Year Award by the Los Angeles Business Journal and was also named CFO to Watch by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. As CFO, Mara oversees the company’s finance, tax, and accounting teams which seek to spearhead financial growth and drive expansion. Currently, she sits on the board of the CSUN Nazarian College Alumni Chapter.

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Comerica Bank Women’s Business Awards February 2024 Honorees

The Comerica Bank Women of Diversity is Tasha McCaskiel. What first started out as a group chat for minority women in media, Tasha brought to life her empire of Black Girls in Media, a networking organization and DEI staffing agency for women in the media field. Tasha helps pair corporations with BGIM’s diverse talent to help begin the careers of thousands of women. In giving Black Women the support and confidence to level up their media careers, Tasha provides BGIM members with actionable resources and connections to make their goals attainable. Tasha connects and supports the LA community through organic career programs and events that allows attendees to make lifelong connections and opportunities. Tasha’s strength and determination from her own struggles of finding a job in the media industry inspired her to create her own blueprint that has helped bless other women with the opportunity to create their own.

The Comerica Bank Women of Business is Ashley Silberfeld. Following in her father’s footsteps to be in the legal profession, Ashley has been an attorney for 24 years and now serves as the “assigning partner” for Blank Rome’s West Coast Matrimonial and Family Law practice. As new clients and matters come in, Ashley matches associates with clients, legal needs, and timelines to create the perfect client service team. Ashley serves as a board member of Bet Tzedek, one of the most highly regarded pro bono legal services agencies in California, based in Los Angeles. She has been an active member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and has participated in panels hosted by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the Sorrell Trope Family Law Trial Institute Program. She was named to Lawdragon’s 2024 “500 Leading Family Lawyers,” Best Lawyers in America for Family Law in Los Angeles (2023-24).

The Comerica Bank Women of Philanthropy is Gina Elise. By combining her entrepreneurial skills with her healthcare activism, Gina created a one-of-a kind organization that raises money to support the Veteran and Military community, Pin-Ups for Vets. Pin-Ups For Vets creates yearly 1940’s style calendars, featuring female Veterans as the models to raise money to support the organization’s Veteran and Troop initiatives. Gina Elise has been the featured speaker at the American Legion, VFW, Elks Club, and numerous other Veterans’ events. Gina has received numerous accolades such as the “Volunteer of the Year” award from the LA Business Journal's Women Making a Difference Awards and the “Community Bridge Builder” award from the National Association of Women Business Owners.

The Comerica Bank Women of Promise is Jamie Tian. As the dynamic CEO and Co-Founder of RealiFi and RealiFi Realty, Jamie is transforming the real estate landscape. Serving as the 2024 & 2025 National President of AREAA, a nonprofit organization with over 18,000 members, Jaime passionately advocates for increased homeownership opportunities in underserved communities. Fluent in Chinese, Jamie's ability to navigate diverse markets and connect with a broad range of clients sets her apart in the real estate landscape. Her mission goes beyond transactional success; it is rooted in empowerment, education, and the tireless promotion of diversity and inclusion in real estate. In 2022, she secured her position in RealTrends America’s Best Real Estate Professionals, ranking among the top 1% nationwide.

The Comerica Bank Women of Entrepreneurship is Gina Harris. Gina Harris, an Italian American and a mother of three, is the Chief Financial Officer and co-owner of Southern California Gold Products, Inc., a company that provides innovative design solutions for the automotive and defense industries. Gina’s pivotal role came to the forefront in 2002 when SCGP was approached by the U.S. Marine Corp during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Gina helped lead the team to design and build a groundbreaking solution to help PROTECT OUR TROOPS: the “Gypsy Rack.” This tailgate attachment doubled the vehicle driving ranges, a testament to SCGP’s ability to innovate under pressure. Her journey within SCGP reflects a commitment to excellence, from designing groundbreaking solutions for the military to managing complex financial aspects of government contracts. Gina not only stands as a woman of entrepreneurship in the defense industry, but also as a woman of inspiration for the next generation of leaders.