With Regional Director Brenda D. Vasser at the helm, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. Western Region will host its Public Meeting, recognizing Tacoma’s Unsung Heroes, during its ninth biennial Western Regional Conference. The NPHC ninth biennial Western Regional Conference is being hosted by the Tacoma, Washington Council. The National Pan-Hellenic Council the umbrella organization representing nine International African-American Greek Letter Fraternities and Sororities, who are primarily community service oriented.

The illustrious Barbara A. McKinzie, International Vice President of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., will be the Keynote Speaker, at the National Pan Hellenic Council’s, 2004 Western Region Conference. Ms. McKinzie is one of several high-profile African-American women in the Cook County Forest Preserve District. She is a certified public accountant, and has held Investment Advisor licenses in most states. She has worked as a financial advisor for government, for corporations and worked in an executive position for Salomon Smith Barney. Ms. McKinzie is currently Comptroller of the Chicago Public Housing Authority. The NPHC Western Region’s conference theme is “NPHC: Working Together to Achieve Educational, Social, Economic, and Political Empowerment”.The public is invited to attend the Public Meeting, at the Marriott Sea-Tac Airport Hotel, on Friday, October 29th, 2004, at 7:00 pm. The Public Meeting will recognize seven outstanding community service leaders.Community Service Awards will be presented to Dr. Maxine Buie Mimms, of the Maxine Mimms Academy, for her leadership, and commitment to the community. She helped bring The Evergreen State College’s Tacoma campus to fruition as a Founder and Administrator, and is also currently Director of Education at CBA Academy in Tacoma, and an Associate Professor at Antioch University in Seattle. And a Community Service Award will also be presented to The Tacoma/Pierce County Black Collective (Co-Chairs, Ella May Crawford and Lyle Quasim), for their steadfast commitment in providing a forum for advocacy and action in educational advancements, political awareness, economic development, employment accessibility/sustainability and fair and equitable race relations for African Americans and other minorities residing in the greater Tacoma/Pierce county communities. Receiving an Education Award, will be Dr. W. Joye Hardiman of Evergreen State College. A Dr. Joye Hardeman is an internationally known scholar, educator, and consultant. She is currently the Director of the Evergreen State College’s urban campus in Tacoma. She produced and co-directed the national and international award-winning video, “The Yard People – An Intergenerational Love Story,” which was awarded “Best Video of a Marginalized People,” and was featured at the International Black Cinema Festival in Berlin, Germany, and the Silver Age Film Festival in Chicago, Illinois. Also receiving an Education Award is Mr. Willie Stewart. Mr. Stewart is currently the President of the Tacoma Public School Board and a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter. He also served as a classroom teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent for the Tacoma Public Schools. Mr. Stewart is serving in a leadership capacity in several community organizations, such as, the Tacoma Urban League, Division Chairman-American Cancer Society, Boys and Girls Clubs Board Member, Tacoma Housing Authority Commissioner, Downtown Kiwanis Club, and The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. . The Business Award will be presented to Ms. Deborah Tuggle, proprietor of Friday’s Cookies. Ms. Tuggle is the developer of a special recipe for cookies that she spent more than six years perfecting. Corporate customers, such as Pepsi, Nike, Safeco, and Nordstrom, have enthusiastically received her product. Ms. Tuggle has expanded her business to now include two prosperous locations, one near the UW Tacoma business district and one which stands out as a shining jewel of community revitalization on the Hilltop. Ms. Tuggle has also taught business classes for the Neighborhood Academy. Receiving the Political Award is Senator Rosa Franklin, of Washington State. Senator Franklin is the first African -American female elected to the Washington State Senate. She began her political service in Tacoma’s 29th District where she was elected to the House of Representatives in 1990. She has served as President Pro Tem of the Senate, Vice-President Pro Tem and as Majority Whip of the Senate. She is currently serving as Democratic Assistant Floor Leader. She introduced legislation to reform our states tax structure and introduced a host of bills to protect and improve the lives of Washingtonians. She is the prime sponsor of the bills that were directed toward investigating and stopping Racial Profiling, stopping genetic discrimination, restoring the right to vote to ex-felons, and creating a Joint Select Committee on Health Disparities. Her service to the community is depicted by her many civic activities and affiliations. The Regional Director’s Award will go to the Tacoma Hospitality Kitchen. The Hospitality Kitchen serves approximately 800 hot meals, daily, to vulnerable low-income and homeless people while acting as a one stop shop in providing other valuable social services. Mr. Jim Anderson, Director of the Tacoma Hospitality Kitchen will be accepting the award on behalf of the Agency. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor and recognize those who quietly serve our community.