LACAAEA Members Gather for an Inspiring Conference on Equity and Opportunity

In what was described as an energized and inspiring gathering, the Los Angeles County African American Employees Association’s (LACAAEA) Annual General Membership Conference highlighted the organization’s commitment to equity, professional development, and community youth.

With the theme “The State of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in the County of Los Angeles: A Call to Action,” association members gathered on October 25 in Torrance for networking, panel discussions, equity initiatives, and information on career development.

“From start to finish, the engagement was exceptional,” said LACAAEA President DeLlora Ellis-Gant, a manager with the Aging & Disabilities’ Adult Protective Services (APS) Branch. “Attendees participated actively in discussions and networking spaces that fostered meaningful connections and strengthened LACAAEA’s commitment to equity, professional development, and community advancement.”

Inspirational messages were delivered by Compton Councilman Andre Spicer; Dr. Natasha Baker, Superintendent of the La Mirada–Norwalk Unified School District; and Dr. D’Artagnan Scorza, Executive Director of the County’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) Initiative.

The conference featured two panel discussions: “DEI or EDIA: What Is It and Why Is It Important?” which focused on equity issues, and “New Departments, New Opportunities to Serve,” which included the Aging & Disabilities Department’s Interim Director Maral Karaccusian, MSW as a panelist.

Karaccusian’s panel included three leaders of newly formed departments: Kelly LoBianco, the first Director of the L.A. County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO); David Carroll of the Department of Youth Development (DYD); and Robert Robinson, Justice Program Director of the Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD).

“Our focus was to explore opportunities for promotion and hiring, understand the intent of these departments, and learn what their managers or directors are looking for,” Ellis-Gant said. “We strive to ensure our members are prepared to transfer into different departments and advance their careers.”

During her panel, Karaccusian told the audience LACAAEA’s mission aligns closely with that of the Aging & Disabilities Department (AD). Both are working to build a county workforce and service system rooted in equity, dignity, and inclusion.

As a new department, AD is actively hiring and knows that diverse talent builds stronger systems. Equity is at the heart of the department’s work.

“We called on county employees to keep an eye on internal job bulletins, including transfer and promotional opportunities,” Karaccusian said. “If you’re passionate about aging, disability rights, or equity in public service, there’s a place for you at AD.”

Karaccusian encouraged association members to share their perspectives, elevate community needs, and hold the department accountable to the equity goals it has committed to, especially when it comes to serving Black older adults and individuals with disabilities who have historically been marginalized.

The conference also included the awarding of scholarships to three members and a financial literacy workshop for youth ages 14–18.

Representatives from First City Credit Union (firstcitycu.org) led the financial literacy workshop, where participating youth received gift certificates to open their own accounts.