On August 15, the Los Angeles Sparks honored the 2021 #WeAreWomen Award Winners at halftime of the first Sparks game back at Staples Center since 2019 with a feature presentation and award ceremony.

The 2021 #WeAreWomen game was presented by Eqitrust and supported by Chanson Cosmetics. The #WeAreWomen Campaign began in 2015 to honor upstanding women and young girls who share our organization’s beliefs for female equality and empowerment in the greater Los Angeles Community.

This year, the LA Sparks are honoring people in the following categories for this award including: Woman Of the Year, Health and Wellness, Social Justice, Veteran Affairs, Women and Girls Empowerment, and Male Ally of The Year.

At halftime against the Indiana Fever, the Sparks honored each categorical winner for their hard work and dedication to the community and provided information about how each has impacted the community.

Charisse Bremond Weaver was voted the 2021 #WeAreWomen Woman of The Year for serving as President/CEO of Brotherhood Crusade- a non-profit organization which directly supports about 3,000 low-income youth and young adults through “trauma-informed youth development programs and impacts more than 20k youth, young adults and families annually.” Weaver began serving as CEO 15 years ago, in honor of her late father, and founder of Brotherhood Crusade Walter Bremond.

Dr. NanaEfua Afoh-Manin was voted the health and wellness award winner and serves as an emergency doctor, public health practitioner, entrepreneur, and a champion for health equity. Dr. Nana is the co-founder of the Shared Harvest Fund and the founder of SHF’s myCovin MDTM. She dedicated her career to serving underserved and underrepresented rural and urban communities.

Tanisha Saunders was named the Social Justice award winner. She has served and worked for the National Foster Youth Institute and Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, Children’s Defense Fund, and Foster Youth Voice Representatives for the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Saunders continues to focus on public policy and educational reform for youths in Los Angeles among other social justice initiatives.

Representing veteran affairs is Lauren Trosclair Duncan, who serves as the Director of World Relief-Southern California. Duncan is from a multi-generational military family including her father, spouse, and sister who are all military veterans. Through her family, Lauren is committed to supporting those who serve their country.

Ebone Smith was chosen as the winner of the Women’s Empowerment award for her elementary school teacher, and founder of WE ARE R.I.S.E. Inc. Girls’ Mentorship Program in South Los Angeles. Smith organizes workshops for young girls of color in the Los Angeles area that develop their emotional strength, confidence, and academic wellness among other aspects.

Lastly, Dennis Tucker received the Male Ally of the Year award for his commitment to his female colleagues and counterparts. Tucker serves as the Director of HR at the LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

“We are brothers and sisters in arms and service,” Tucker said. “I would not only fight to the death to protect my sister, but I will also advocate for her.”

View the photo gallery from the day’s festivities here!