Celebrating African American Heritage Month
The Los Angeles Association of Black Personnel (LAABP) continued its tradition of celebrating African American Heritage Month with its annual Trailblazers Reception Feb. 27. The reception was held at the legendary Regency West in Leimert Park.
This event is held each year to acknowledge the achievements of African Americans in City government who have forged their way up the ladder to notable positions in their City careers.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by the LAABP Board and the talents of Maestro the Vocalinist. The black National Anthem was presented by 17-year scholar Alicia Randall and Tobias Moody, saxophonist. Poetry was recited by Conney Williams, and guests enjoyed great food prepared by Boosty’s BBQ.
The Trailblazers Reception also included professional development scholarships for City of Los Angeles employees. Terrea Moore, 2nd Vice President, who’s responsible for special events, put on a noteworthy event, which included cultural and musical selections by City employees, their children and talented community members.
Among the guests offering salutes to the honorees were former Personnel General Manager Dana Brown; Personnel Assistant General Manager Paula Days; Zita Davis, Executive Officer in the Office of Mayor Karen Bass; and Former VP Angela Brown, Office of CAO. Joining them were proud family, friends and colleagues who came from far and wide to support their loved ones. The sentiment was common that each Trailblazer has opened doors and shattered false narratives by their presence and acumen.
Scholarships
In addition to the Trailblazers, this event acknowledges the efforts of those on their way to reaching new heights in their own careers. In that vein, Career Development Scholarships were awarded to the following City employees and faithful LAABP members:
- Theresa Walker, Police Performance Auditor III, LAPD, for Certification: Association of Fraud Examiners and Axon Conference Attendance
- Amber Osbourne, Workers’ Compensation Analyst, Risk Management; and a bachelor of
science degree in organizational leadership from Cal State, Dominguez Hills - Cherie Byers, Management Analyst, Public Works/Sanitation; bachelor of science degree in organizational leadership from Cal State, Dominguez Hills
- Kenya Wiley, Executive Administrative Assistant II, Housing; a degree from Cerritos Community College
Honorees
Excellence was in the air! The Trailblazer honorees were Tyrone Spears, PhD., Workers Compensation Administrator, Personnel; Nellie “Seffy” Wiles, Chief Construction Inspector, Public Works Bureau/Contract Administration (BCA); and Kenneth Boothe, Transmission and Distribution District Superintendent, LADWP.
Honoree Profiles
Nellie Seflakon “Seffy” Wiles
Nellie Seflakon “Seffy” Wiles has had an illustrious career for more than 30 years as a civil servant for the City of Los Angeles. In 1990, Seffy began her career as a Police Service Representative for the LAPD/Communications, assigned to the 9-1-1 Dispatch Center. Seffy worked days and attended college in the evenings, graduating in 2002 with a 3.2 GPA from the Cal State, Fullerton with a bachelor of science degree in geology. In 2016, Seffy made history in the City when she was promoted to her current leadership role, becoming the first female African American Chief Construction Inspector/Division Manager in Public Works/Contract Administration. She is blessed to have such a prolific career that also came with many challenges throughout the past 25 years. Seffy is married to a retired civil servant, and mother to a beautiful daughter who is following in her footsteps in civil service.
Tyrone Spears
Tyrone Spears began his career with the City of Los Angeles in 2002 as an as-needed Proctor in Personnel. He transitioned to a full-time role in 2013 as the Workers’ Compensation Administrator and currently serves as the Division Chief of Workers’ Compensation in Personnel. In this capacity, Tyrone oversees the daily operations of the City’s Workers’ Compensation programs. He also chairs two Joint Labor Management Committees for the civilian and LAPPL ADR Programs.
A published author of three books, Tyrone is passionate about training, mentoring and helping his staff achieve their career goals. He was recently appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to the Fraud Assessment Commission for the State of California.
Tyrone holds a bachelor of science degree in human resource management, an Executive MBA in management, and a doctorate in theology. Professionally, he has earned an Associate in Risk Management (ARM), and is certified by the Dept. of Industrial Relations, Self-Insurance Plans, as a Workers’ Compensation Administrator.
Kenneth Boothe
With an extensive 38-year career at the LADWP, Mr. Boothe has built a strong reputation as a leader in power distribution, and construction and maintenance. His experience spans multiple supervisory roles, overseeing transmission and distribution operations, special projects, and infrastructure improvements.
Kenneth has been an IBEW Shop steward, specializing in conflict resolution for more than 10 years. He is an advocate for safety and compliance. He has been a part of initiatives that improved operational efficiencies across all districts.
He loves to cook and grill. He assists in the community with food and meal deliveries for not only his own family but families in need within community.
With a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, he continues to drive innovation, safety, and leadership in power distribution and utility management at LADWP
Juneteenth: JUNE 21
On June 21st, LAABP will be collaborating with the Oscar Joel Byrant Foundation (OJB) for the LAABP’s annual Juneteenth picnic, to be held at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro.
Go to the association’s social media platforms for more information, and be sure to join to receive e-mails and updates regarding training and events.
About the LAABP
The LAABP, a 550-member organization, is the official representative for City of Los Angeles employees of African-American Heritage. Created by former Mayor Tom Bradley, the association is a cornerstone in the efforts to create and maintain diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the City of Los Angeles at all levels. With that, the LAABP provides career development seminars, mock interview programs, networking forums, scholarships to college-bound students and open invitation for membership to all City employees who seek to continue to blaze trails and perpetuate Mayor Bradley’s legacy.
In June, the LAABP will be offering several exciting opportunities to educate, elevate and celebrate black excellence. Currently, the LAABP scholarship season is under way, and the association will be honoring the scholarship recipients at a scholarship luncheon.
