Kiesha Nix, Akil West, and Councilwoman Heather Hutt round out our BHM honorees

During Black History Month, we hosted the first of our three signature events: the BHM Pitch Competition.  

We took the opportunity to spotlight three Black leaders of the greater Los Angeles region for their contributions to their communities. Our former President and CEO, Joe Rouzan, conveyed our thanks to each of our honorees.  

Meet our honorees below:  

Kiesha Nix 

Kiesha Nix made history as the first Black woman Vice President in the Lakers Organization. Nix serves as the Vice President of Charitable Affairs for the Los Angeles Lakers and has been lauded as one of the “most powerful women in the sport of philanthropy” by Sports Illustrated Magazine. 

Akil West 

Akil West is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Sole Folks and Sole Folks Art Lab and Gallery, based in the famed Leimert Park. West is an activist who uplifts Black creatives and young Black voices through his retail co-op and community space. West is one of the business owners at the forefront of the fight against the gentrification of Leimert Park. Learn more about Sole Folks here.  

Councilwoman Heather Hutt  

Heather Hutt is the Councilwoman for L.A.’s Tenth District. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Hutt is the first woman in history and the first Black woman to be appointed as a voting member for the district. A public servant for over 30 years, Hutt has dedicated her life to activism, public service, and her community.  

Stay tuned for our next installment in our Signature Events Series: the Women’s History Month Pitch Competition! Apply for the HerStory Pitch Competition here

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