Cynthia Mitchell-Heard honored along with four other women of distinction as Comerica Bank pays tribute to LA changemakers.
The Comerica Bank Woman of Diversity is Dr. Danielle Delaney. Dr. Danielle Delaney operates her own private counseling practice as well as a sober companioning corporation. She has a 15-year track record with the hundreds of inpatient recovery facilities throughout California & worldwide. She is a published author with an award-winning book that focuses on healing from trauma and showing others the path to healing themselves.
The Comerica Bank Woman of Business is Gina Rifino-Bockhold. Gina served five years as a Controller in Manufacturing, then joined a CPA Firm where she worked for eleven years in Accounting & Tax, taking on corporate, partnership, and individual clients. During this time, she began consulting and contracting with small businesses on their accounting processes and financials, and she continues the work to this day. She is a licensed Federal & State Tax Preparer registered with the IRS and is a proud member of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).
The Comerica Bank Woman of Philanthropy is Cynthia Mitchell-Heard. Cynthia Mitchell-Heard holds the esteemed position of President & CEO at the Los Angeles Urban League. Her tenure is marked by groundbreaking achievements: She is the organization’s first female Chief Operating Officer and, notably, the first woman in more than 90 years to lead as President & CEO. Her leadership is instrumental as LAUL enters its second century, continuing its mission to serve Los Angeles’ underserved communities. Cynthia has 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, government, philanthropy, community, and corporate engagement. She has been an intricate partner in the field as a nationally acclaimed social impact strategist, coalition builder, and philanthropic change agent. As a strong executive leader, Cynthia has worked to develop exemplary models to break through economic barriers to create systemic change for marginalized communities both locally, nationally, and internationally.
The Comerica Bank Woman of Promise is Naomi Wright. Naomi is one of the visionary founders of Fortune & Forks who exemplifies leadership, innovation, and a commitment to fostering community. Her social club and professional network have transformed into a trailblazing organization that celebrates and uplifts women of color across various industries. Based in Los Angeles and now boasting over 400 members nationwide, the organization serves as a hub for trailblazers in entertainment, beauty, fashion, finance, and other fields.
The Comerica Bank Woman of Entrepreneurship/Small Business is Rose Cholakian. Over the past decade, Rose has concentrated on Controller and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) consulting, primarily serving nonprofits, small to medium-sized enterprises, and startups. A significant aspect of this role involved guiding startups through the intricate Initial Public Offering (IPO) process, showcasing her capability in navigating companies through complex financial landscapes and market transitions. She plays a critical role in shaping business strategies, driving growth, and fostering overall organizational success, ensuring that financial planning and execution align seamlessly with broader business objectives.