Jesa Townsend is a servant leader and senior executive whose career exemplifies the transformative power of empathy, stewardship, and strategic development. With a proven ability to lead high-performing teams and a track record of raising over seven figures to advance vital causes, Jesa is a trusted voice in philanthropy, education, and the arts. As the Executive Director of Angels for Sight, she is committed to expanding access to critical vision care for underserved and marginalized populations, embodying her dedication to equity and community growth.  Jesa’s professional journey is defined by her ability to create meaningful change through strategic philanthropy. Among her notable accomplishments is her success in securing six- and seven-figure grants at the highest levels of government. The latter includes the federal Affordable Connectivity Program and significant funding from the Department of Justice—accomplishments that underscore her foresight, strategic vision, and persuasive leadership.   A passionate advocate for the arts as a vehicle for social justice, Jesa’s creativity transcends traditional boundaries. As a public artist, she has partnered with over 30 organizations and secured five-figure city art commissions, using her talents to raise awareness and inspire action on critical social issues. Her artistic contributions have been nationally recognized by institutions such as the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, Neveda State University, The National Charity League, and many more.  Jesa’s leadership also extends deeply into education, mentorship, and workforce development. She has developed community ambassador programs and internship pipelines in collaboration with senior executives at leading animation studios such as Skydance Animation, fostering opportunities for emerging talent. As a mentor, Jesa actively invests in the growth of individuals, inspiring the next generation of leaders with her guidance and support. Her dedication is evident in her work with educational institutions such as Whittier College, The Orange County School of the Arts, Aspire Public Schools and nonprofits such as Meals on Wheels, Emile Chol Atelier, and Goodwill SF Bay, where she has driven initiatives to enhance community engagement and expand access to essential resources.  As a former K-12 educator and professor, Jesa has taught at grade levels, from third grade all the way to undergraduate, nurturing growth and inspiring future leaders. Her own academic journey includes studying at Lorenzo de’ Medici University and beginning her graduate studies at the University of Edinburgh before earning distinction and two consecutive academic fellowships at Johns Hopkins University. Her master’s thesis explored the arts as a tool to address issues of social justice, reflecting her lifelong commitment to creativity and equity.   Jesa serves as a founding board member at Nevada State University’s Arts & Culture Advisory Council, a position she has held for over a decade. Additionally, she is currently a foundation board member at Aspire Public Schools, a K-12 charter system established by leaders from the Bill Gates Foundation and Netflix founder Reed Hastings. She is also a government facilitator for the National Center to Reframe Aging, a certified advocate for the Epilepsy Foundation, and member of The Long Beach Rotary Club. Her accolades include being named a 2023 Success Magazine “50 Women of Influence” nominee [Top Trailblazers Issue, 2024] and a 2023 L.A. Works Civic Leadership & Impact Award nominee.  Jesa has addressed global challenges such as climate change and social equity through thought-provoking speeches at prominent events, including the Pop Culture Association, the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs (AGLSP) conference, and the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C where she was selected to share her work. Her lightning talk at Johns Hopkins University’s Earth Day 50 celebration offered a unique perspective on how the arts can serve as a powerful communicative tool amongst policymakers, earning widespread praise.  A farm girl at heart who has had the joy of exploring the world through travel (39 countries), Jesa finds balance and inspiration in her love for her family and animals.

Dr. Anderson is a distinguished optometrist with over 25 years of private practice experience, celebrated for his exceptional skill and dedication to patient care. Throughout his career, Dr. Anderson has demonstrated a remarkable passion for serving diverse populations, including individuals with ASL and those facing language barriers. His ability to provide compassionate, personalized care has left an indelible mark on countless lives, earning him widespread respect and admiration in the field.  In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Anderson is a lifelong musician who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music with a concentration in piano performance from Cal State Fullerton. Music has been a central part of his life since childhood, and he has served as a church musician since he was 12. Currently, Dr. Anderson performs in a community handbell choir and is an active member of Handbell Musicians of America, bringing joy and inspiration through his artistry.  Now retired, Dr. Anderson devotes much of his time to assisting those in need. As Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Angels for Sight, he works tirelessly to expand access to vision care for underserved populations, including children, seniors, veterans, the uninsured, and those unhoused. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission and enhancing the lives of many within the community.  Dr. Anderson’s commitment to service extends beyond his professional and musical contributions. In his free time, he enjoys practicing yoga, embracing wellness and balance as part of a holistic approach to life.  With a legacy defined by expertise, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others, Dr. Anderson continues to inspire through his unwavering dedication to making the world a better place—one act of kindness at a time.

Barbara Sullivan is an unwavering advocate for small businesses and a dynamic builder of community consensus. With a vision fixed on championing minority, women-owned, veteran, and LGBTQ businesses, her commitment is both steadfast and inspiring.  Her passion for equality was forged early in life. Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, during the era of segregation, Barbara became a front-line participant in the civil rights movement. As a student at Tuskegee University—where she earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees—she was a founding leader of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Her dedication to justice took her to Montgomery, Alabama, where she joined fellow students in the historic Selma march.  Beyond her advocacy for equality, Barbara is deeply committed to empowering women. Drawing from her own upbringing in a single-mother household, she understands the challenges faced by single mothers and works tirelessly to support this underserved group. Together with her colleague Robbie Butler, author of Ms. Single Mom, Barbara co-hosted a groundbreaking forum to educate and honor single mothers, amplifying their voices and fostering community.  In 1984, Barbara founded Sullivan International, Inc. (SI), a firm specializing in supplier development programs, business solutions, workforce development, and learning initiatives. Her leadership extends further as co-founder of Fifty Nifty and More, a lifestyle platform for Black women over 50, and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Group (DEIG).  Barbara’s impressive roster of clients includes the City of Long Beach, Southern California Edison, PG&E, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, LA Metro, Herbalife, AEG, Goodwill Industries, and the U.S. Department of Treasury, among others. Prior to founding SI, she held pivotal roles with the City of Los Angeles, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital. Notably, she served as Assistant Vice President in Human Resources for the 1984 Greater Los Angeles Olympic Games, managing the placement and training of over 70,000 volunteers.  Barbara’s influence extends to numerous boards and organizations. Her leadership includes roles with the National Association of Women Business Owners, the Black Business Association of Los Angeles, and the Long Beach Economic Development Commission, among many others. She has also chaired the Board of Angels for Sight, underscoring her dedication to community service.  Barbara’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including the NAACP Legal Defense Fund’s Black Woman of Achievement Award, recognition from the White House for small business success, and induction into the National Association of Women Business Owners Hall of Fame. She is also a recipient of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Theta Omega Chapter Pearl Award, the SCE Advancing Diversity Award, and multiple congressional commendations.  A lifelong learner, Barbara holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Education from Tuskegee University. She has also completed executive programs at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and Atlanta University.  Residing in Long Beach with her husband, Louis George, Barbara Sullivan continues to inspire as a leader, mentor, and trailblazer in business and advocacy.

Barbara Cocks exemplifies dedication to service and innovation, seamlessly blending her professional success with her unwavering commitment to helping others. As the primary shareholder and President of Huerta Quorum (H.Q.), an advertising communications firm founded in 1962, Barbara has elevated the company to new heights since assuming full leadership in 2000. Under her guidance, H.Q. has become synonymous with creative excellence, delivering innovative branding, packaging, print, and digital campaigns for an impressive roster of clients, including Mattel, Nestlé USA, Warner Bros., Disney, ESPN, IHOP, and the City of Los Angeles, among others.  ​ Barbara’s ability to expand H.Q.’s services and client base reflects her forward-thinking leadership and commitment to excellence. Her work has not only earned the firm a stellar reputation but also numerous accolades, including ADDY Awards and recognition for design and creative excellence.  ​ In addition to her professional achievements, Barbara is a passionate advocate for community service. As a founding member of Angels for Sight, she has supported the organization since its inception in 2004. Working alongside founder Shea Hamilton, Barbara has been instrumental in advancing Angels for Sight’s mission to improve vision care for children, the uninsured, seniors, veterans, and unhoused across Los Angeles County. The establishment of the new state-of-the-art Angels for Sight Vision Clinic marks a significant milestone in fulfilling this mission, and Barbara remains deeply committed to expanding its impact.  ​ Barbara’s remarkable achievements have earned her widespread recognition and numerous prestigious commendations, including acknowledgments from President Bill Clinton, the State of California Senate, and the California State Assembly. She has also been honored by the City of Glendale Redevelopment Agency, the City of Glendale with a Proclamation, Governor Pete Wilson, and Mayor Richard Riordan of Los Angeles. Additionally, her contributions have been celebrated with proclamations from both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, underscoring the significant impact of her work and leadership.  ​ She has also received recognition from the White House and CDC Foundation for the creation of the Sunshine for All Cities™ program, hosted in Boys & Girls Clubs across multiple states, exemplifying her dedication to fostering community health and well-being.  ​ Barbara’s professional affiliations and accolades further underscore her dedication to excellence and service. She is a founding board member of the Los Angeles County chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), where her contributions earned her the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award. Her creative achievements have been recognized with the prestigious LULU Award for Creative Excellence and Print’s Regional Design Annual Award.  ​ With a career defined by innovation and a heart devoted to uplifting others, Barbara Cocks continues to leave an indelible mark on the industries she serves and the communities she supports. Her legacy is a testament to the transformative power of leadership, creativity, and service.