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This generation, more than ever, takes a holistic approach in their professional lives. Join a company, join a team that allows you to do that."
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Rashmi Menon, Vice President of Parsons, at the VICA/CSUN Extraordinary Women in Leadership event Luncheon.
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Extraordinary Women in Leadership
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| Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis |
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On Tuesday, VICA, in partnership with California State University, Northridge, held our first Extraordinary Women in Leadership Luncheon at The Garland. The luncheon kicked off with an introduction by California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis regarding the achievements by California women to advance gender equality in business and in government, and the work still left to be done. Kounalakis recognized California's current State Legislature as having the highest percentage of women in the state's history, however, she noted women only make up 30 percent. Despite ongoing challenges, Kounalakis remained optimistic, saying that "although inequities exist, we have the tools to make change." |
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Southern California Gas Company President Maryam Brown |
Following Lt. Gov. Kounalakis was keynote speaker Maryam Brown, President of Southern California Gas Company. Brown spoke about how the San Fernando Valley's economic growth outpaces that of other areas in the Los Angeles region, crediting the Valley's diversity for driving that growth. She recounted the challenges and decisions she has made that has led to her success, providing valuable advice to women in various stages of their professional careers: always be flexible, always bet on yourself, and always know how much you're worth. |
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Rashmi Menon (
Parsons), Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nury Martinez, Deanna Austin (Princess Cruises), VICA Chair Lisa Gritzner (
LG Strategies)
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The event was rounded off with a lively discussion featuring Chief Commercial Officer for
Princess Cruises Deanna Austin, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nury Martinez, and
Parsons Vice President Rashmi Menon, in a panel moderated by VICA Chair Lisa Gritzner (
LG Strategies
).
The panelists shared their experiences and perspectives fighting for greater gender equality. "Being powerful means being a leader [and] being taken seriously by colleagues," said Councilwomen Martinez, noting the significance of setting a good example to empower more women to take up positions of leadership. "We need the balance of both perspectives and different backgrounds as well," said Austin regarding women in leadership.
Panelists also spoke on the range of challenges women face in the professional world, from notions of traditional gender roles to sexual harassment.
A special thank you to
California State University, Northridge
for co-presenting this event, and thank you to our co-sponsors
Hollywood Burbank Airport
and
Southern California Gas Company
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| Click here to view photos of the event. |
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For more information, please call 818-817-0545
At VICA's 70th Annual Meeting on December 13, VICA members will elect a new Board and Executive Committee for 2020. Nominees from a diverse set of businesses, organizations and industries were carefully selected to lead VICA in the coming year.
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Click here to view the 2020 VICA Board nominees.
Click here to view the 2020 VICA Executive Committee nominees. |
Consul General Zhang Ping Discusses U.S.-Chinese Relations at VICA Newsmaker Connection
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VICA International Trade Committee Chair Jeffery Daar (Daar & Newman), Director of International Trade & Investment Christine Peterson (City of Los Angeles), Chinese Consul General Zhang Ping, VICA First Vice Chair Brad Rosenheim (Rosenheim & Associates)
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On Wednesday, VICA's International Trade Committee hosted a Newsmaker Connection with Chinese Consul General Zhang Ping. The Newsmaker Connection began with special guest Christine Peterson, Director of International Trade & Investment for the City of Los Angeles, discussing Los Angeles as a global city of the future. Peterson spoke about the significant role trade and foreign investments play in driving Los Angeles' bustling economy, and laid out the City's strategy to sustain this economic growth in the coming years.
Consul General Zhang Ping followed by exploring the strong economic ties between the U.S. and China, and how these ties benefit both countries in the long run. Zhang also commented on the impact of the ongoing trade war between both countries, stating that there is a "sense of urgency to restore this economic relationship back to normal." He also spoke on China's plan to liberalize its financial markets, easing restrictions on certain industries and expanding market access to foreign companies. Zhang called for fostering greater U.S.-Chinese cooperation, stating that "there's a vital interest for the business community to push their governments to end" the trade war.
A special thank you to presenting sponsor
State Farm Insurance.
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Sponsor or Host a VICA Board Meeting or Committee in 2020
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VICA is looking for members to host or sponsor committee meetings or a board meeting in 2020. If your company can accommodate between 20 and 40 people comfortably, we may have a committee for you. As a host you will have an opportunity to say a few words of welcome and give members the chance to visit your site. You will also be listed on each agenda as the host and table cards will be provided at the meeting. If you have the financial wherewithal, but not a site, consider sponsoring the meeting at VICA. Please see the costs of sponsorships below. Your company would still get to welcome everyone at the meeting and would have their logo on the agendas.
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For those interested, please call Jessica at (818) 817-0545 or email her at [email protected]
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VICA Speaks on Rent Control at Board of Supervisors Meeting
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On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors moved forward with two permanent rent stabilization ordinances that are expected to take effect on April 1 in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. VICA attended the hearing to voice its concerns regarding these ordinances. While VICA appreciates the Board of Supervisors working to address our homelessness and housing crisis, these types of policies fail to provide real solutions. These policies ignore the need to build more housing and place the burden on landlords who already face high costs and regulatory burdens. VICA will continue to urge the Board to reconsider adopting rent control policies and to focus instead on ways to produce more desperately needed housing units.
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VICA is currently looking for a Membership and Development Manager who will
help recruit new members, retain existing members, sell sponsorships and advertising, and develop a strong membership program and ambassador committee. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated professional who wants to facilitate participation and networking in the most influential business community in the Valley.
If you or anyone you know would like to work for the most influential business group in the Valley, email a resume and cover letter to
[email protected].
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| Click here to view the job description. |
Honorary Chair, Councilwoman Nury Martinez and The Mid Valley Family YMCA cordially invite you and your guest to join the celebration Honoring Valley Presbyterian Hospital.
PHILIP "FLIP" SMITH PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD HONOREE
RSVP by November 27th to Executive Director, Lionnel Zaragoza at
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Member Messages:
Get Your Message in VICA Weekly!
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VICA members can promote their business, events and news in VICA Weekly. Member messages are available for $50 per week or $175 for four weeks. Messages are text-based and may not contain more than 70 words. A logo may be added for an additional $5 per week. For more information or to schedule your member message, contact
[email protected]
or
call (818) 817-0545.
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