The Community Icons Awardees include from (left to right) Nefertiti Long; CEO of Alta Loma Enterprises, President of the Alliance of Black Women Accountants, and Immediate Past Board Chair of IECF, Vickie Lobo; CEO and Founder/Executive Director of Knock Knock Angels and Tammy Tumbling; President of the Orange County Community Foundation and Founder of the African American Alliance Fund.
The SGV-NCNW recognized the Albertsons Foundation as its community partner during the Gala Awards Dinner. The Albertsons Foundation presented the NCNW with a $25,000 check. Shown above from (left to right) Sheree Person; SGV-NCNW Board Member, Courtney Carranza; Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Albertsons Companies Foundation, Southern California Division, Ashley Boyd; Regional Learning Representative and AAALC Co-Chair, Albertsons Companies Foundation, Southern California Division, Denise McPheeters; SGV-NCNW President and Marie Paula Thermidor; SGV-NCNW Immediate Past President / First Vice President
The SGV-NCNW recognized Josiah Bruny with its Community Change Maker Award. Josiah Bruny; President & CEO of Music Changing Lives (right) is shown above with his father MacNeal Bruny.
Nearly 300 community leaders, partners, and supporters gathered at the stunning Pacific Palms Resort for the San Gabriel Valley Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (SGV-NCNW) 2nd Annual Gala—an unforgettable evening of celebration, purpose, and unity.
The event spotlighted extraordinary heroes from across four California counties—Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino—honoring individuals who are making meaningful, lasting contributions to their local communities through advocacy, innovation, and service. So many powerhouses and dignitaries were in attendance, adding to the excitement and significance of the evening.
This year’s gala celebrated an inspiring group of Community Icons including: Abbey Howell, Vickie Lobo, Nefertiti Long and Tammy Tumbling. SGV-NCNW also proudly recognized its dedicated community partners, Southern California Edison and Albertsons Companies Foundation.
Community Change Makers were honored for their leadership and commitment. The 2025 Change Makers include: Josiah Bruny, Founder of Music Changing Lives and Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard, faith leader and social justice advocate.
The evening included a moving tribute to those impacted by the Easton Canyon Wildfires, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to disaster relief and long-term recovery efforts. Proceeds from the gala supported both emergency assistance and SGV-NCNW’s vital scholarship and community programs.
A surprise highlight of the night came when the Albertsons Companies Foundation, through its Nourishing Neighbors program, presented SGV-NCNW with a generous $25,000 donation to support the organization’s Grocery and Meals Program. This critical initiative provides nutritious food and resources to families facing food insecurity in Altadena and Pasadena.
“This gala was more than a celebration—it was a declaration of purpose. It reminded us that when community, compassion, and commitment converge, real change takes root. We are deeply grateful for every partner and honoree who makes this work possible,” said SGV-NCNW President Denise McPheeter.
“Watching the growth of this event and the impact it fuels is incredibly fulfilling. SGV-NCNW’s work is grounded in legacy, lifted by love, and powered by people who show up—for each other, and for their communities,” added Marie Thermidor, Immediate Past President.
Founded almost 35 years ago, the San Gabriel Valley Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. is a volunteer-based organization whose mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities. Rooted in the legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, SGV-NCNW continues to serve as a force for positive change throughout the region.
