WASHINGTON, April 16,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of
America concluded its Igniting Change Gala on Friday evening
at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill,
Maryland. The flagship event celebrated Women veterans,
influencers, and innovators who strive to create an inclusive world
in the areas of accessibility, employment, and medical care.
The black-tie affair featured entertainment by award-winning
country music artist Martina
McBride and brought together industry, government,
and public sector guests to honor those leading the fight for
disability civil rights. Sports broadcasting icon Hannah Storm served as event emcee, with
former NASA Astronaut Wendy
Lawrence as keynote speaker. Adding to the excitement of
the evening was country music artist/U.S. Army Veteran
Jenny Grace, who performed at
a pre-Gala reception.
Countless other special guest speakers were also onsite,
including sports industry pioneer, actress, and author
Bonnie-Jill Laflin; Executive
Vice President of Penske Walt
Czarnecki; and Deputy Administrator for the U.S. Small
Business Administration Dilawar
Syed.
"Despite being the fastest-growing U.S. Veteran population,
women Veterans often grapple with feeling forgotten and overlooked
when seeking support for their unmet needs," said Robert Thomas, PVA National President. "PVA not
only recognizes this disparity but is committed to empowering and
helping women Veterans navigate their unique challenges and
flourish in their everyday lives. PVA's Igniting Change Gala was
created to do just that."
The evening's honorees included Senator Elizabeth Dole, who was presented with the
prestigious 2024 Gordon H. Mansfield Congressional Leadership
Award. Senator Dole was selected for her extensive history of
advocacy and support for the healthcare of Veterans and their
caregivers. Her dedication to the well-being of the nation's heroes
and their families has left an indelible mark on the community,
embodying the spirit of the Mansfield Award.
The Target Corporation received PVA's 2024 Inclusivity
Award. The award was bestowed to Target for their commitment to
creating a welcoming culture for all guests and its commitment to
inclusivity. The retailer supports diverse populations in a number
of ways, including business councils for employees and product
offerings for Veterans and other people with disabilities.
"Target is committed to building a sense of belonging for
all our team members and guests -- including our Veterans,
women and people with disabilities," said Justin Burns, Senior Vice President of Assets
Protection and Executive Sponsor of the Military Business Council
for the Target Corporation. "Collectively, we're inspired by
incredible organizations like PVA, which share so many fundamental
values with Target. We are grateful to have you beside us as we
work to make sure belonging is felt by all."
Similarly, PVA presented its 2024 Innovation Award
to L'Oréal USA - the
largest subsidiary of the L'Oréal Groupe. A leader, not only in
beauty, L'Oréal's engineers have kick-started a revolution in
technology aimed at helping many with limited fine motor skills get
back their independence. Further driving greater inclusion in the
beauty industry, L'Oréal USA
actively supports the veteran community through various community
initiatives led by VALOR, its employee-led resource group dedicated
to veterans.
"The positive impact to the disability and Veteran community by
all of the PVA strategies is far and wide, and we are very humbled
to be a part of this memorable night and a member of the PVA
honorees for 2024," said Nicholas K. ladevaio, Vice President of
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at L'Oréal USA. "This award is a result of the work of so
many amazing people in L'Oréal – we do the work together. And this
night is about all of us together, to honor our amazing women
veterans, who continue to serve, continue to make us proud and
continue to humble us with your dedication and commitment to the
veteran and disability community.
The night's fourth and final award, the 2024 PVA Veterans
Career Program Award, was bestowed upon Windstream. A
communications and software company, Windstream exemplifies the
spirit of workplace equity, which has been at the heart of PVA's
mission since it launched its Veterans Career Program in 2007. An
invaluable PVA partner, Windstream actively promotes a work
environment where Veterans thrive and contribute their unique
skills and experiences. From placing PVA clients in positions
throughout their company to integrating disabled Veterans into
their Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts,
Windstream has created a welcoming environment for all
veterans.
"Windstream's commitment to hiring and retaining Veterans is not
only a market of respect and gratitude for their service, but also
a recognition that they bring unparalleled skills and values to the
workforce," said Mary Michaels,
Chief Human Resources Officer for Windstream. "This award is a
reminder of the importance of creating a workplace that values
diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility and I hope it will serve
as a catalyst for us all to continue working together towards a
future where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can
achieve their full potential."
The Igniting Change Gala was made possible by generous sponsors
and supporters, including The Jeffrey Carlton Charitable
Foundation, Penske Automotive Group, Penske Truck Leasing, and
TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Photos from the evening are available
upon request. For more information, please contact Oname Thompson
at OThompson@PVA.org.
About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed
Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only
congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated
solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal
cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive
the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their
care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and
education in the search for a cure and improved care for
individuals with paralysis. As a life-long partner and advocate for
veterans and all people with disabilities, PVA also develops
training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in
public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation
opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70
offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves
veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states,
the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at
PVA.org.
Contact: Oname Thompson
othompson@pva.org
(703) 864-5980
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SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America