The Colors of Connection Gala
The Colors of Connection Gala
Please join us for our The Colors of Connection Gala: A Celebration of 25 Years of Community, Art, and Belonging, as we gather to honor the creative spirit of Los Angeles and the connections that make our city thrive. In this inaugural celebration, we come together to reflect on LA Commons’ 25-year journey of building community through art, storytelling, and shared vision.
Honorees
Co-Chairs
Brotherhood Crusade
Karim Webb, Entrepreneurial Activist
Monique Lawshe, CEO of HFL LLC
Moira Shourie and the team at Zócalo Public Square
Renee Dake Wilson, Principal at Dake Wilson Architects
Katherine Perez, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Los Angeles Tomorrow
Todd Hawkins, Board President, California African American Musuem
Alisa Osunfunke Orduna, Founder & CEO - Florence Aliese Advancement Network, LLC.
The Colors of Connection Gala will shine a light on the people and institutions who have uplifted our work and empowered communities across LA. We are proud to honor the visionary leadership of Miguel Santana, President and CEO of the California Community Foundation; the enduring commitment to public investment by the Getty Foundation, led by Joan Weinstein; and the groundbreaking work of Metro Art in shaping public space through culture.
Founded 25 years ago on the belief that art has the power to connect people, LA Commons has collaborated with over 3,000 artists, mentored more than 9,000 youth leaders, and engaged over 55,000 residents across Los Angeles. Through free, community-based programs centered on youth leadership and cultural expression, we support diverse, often under-resourced neighborhoods in creating powerful works of public art that foster connection, healing, and trust. The Colors of Connection Gala is more than a celebration—it is a call to carry this legacy forward and continue building a more just, vibrant, and equitable city, together.
