The Comerica Bank Woman of Diversity is Michelle Sugihara. As a fourth-generation Japanese American in Honolulu, Hawaii, Michelle didn’t learn of the challenges faced by historically marginalized communities on the US continent until she took her first Asian American Studies class in Los Angeles, California. To begin her journey to fight for her communities, Michelle attended UCLA law school and practiced for over a decade where she was fortunate to practice both litigation and transactional law. For many years, Michelle volunteered for the LA Homeless Court Program, served as president of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles, and co-chair of the Multicultural Bar Alliance of Southern California. Now, Michelle currently runs CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), a premier organization that creates opportunities for Asian and Pacific Islander success in Hollywood and beyond. Michelle continues to dream of a world where what we watch on our screens reflects the world in which we live, and projects a better one.
The Comerica Bank Woman of Business is Tunua Thrash-Ntuk. For over two decades, Tunua has led racial equity initiatives and billion-dollar governmental programs to build better communities for those in greatest need. As a community development professional, she has championed equitable economic inclusion and programs centered on uplifting businesses owned by women, immigrants, and people of color to ensure the survival of diverse communities in Los Angeles. As a President and CEO of The Center by Lendistry, Tunua centers diverse and ready to be served small businesses to ensure access to the resources, technical assistance, and economic opportunities needed for success. Tunua served as Executive Director of the Los Angeles Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC LA) and West Angeles Community Development Corporation – where she led the growth of a $150 million real estate portfolio.
The Comerica Bank Woman of Philanthropy is Ana Grande. Ana Grande is a first-generation Salvadoran American with an extensive background in community organizing, policy, and nonprofit management. Ana has worked in education access, higher education, and healthcare industries, with a keen focus on empowering children of color, women, and immigrants to achieve the American Dream. Most recently, Ana served as an Academic Dean and adjunct professor at Mount St. Mary's University and as the Associate Executive Director of the P.F. Bresee Foundation. Currently, serving as the Executive Director at Program for Torture Victims, Ana and her team assist the courageous survivors of state-sponsored torture and persecution who have stood up for freedom, equality, and human dignity.
The Comerica Bank Woman of Promise is Karina Augustus. Karina is a fearless advocate for Human Rights, Mental Health & Education. Karina’s career began in Long Beach as a behavioral therapist where she worked with high school students. Karina became the first in her family to earn a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s Degree, and soon a Doctoral Degree. Karina began an education and community non-profit organization called the Luna Project that focuses on Incarcerated Youth & Adults, Community Service, Enhancing the Arts, Leadership, and Service Learning. Karina now works with college students as a Career Specialist where she mentors hundreds of students that have went on to graduate and hold careers. Born in Mexico and labeled as a dreamer, Karina has now received her green card giving her a pathway to citizenship. Karina continues to dream big as she has inspired numerous other dreamers of all ages to not give up and finish their race.
The Comerica Bank Woman of Entrepreneurship is Smita Vasant. Smita is an award-winning entrepreneur, fashion vlogger, and international bestselling author of the book, “The Confidence of Yes.” She started her entrepreneurial journey over 2 decades ago by opening Saffron Spot in Little India where she sells her own brand of Indian style ice cream. As a former Mrs. Asia USA, she has used her expertise to curate LA India Fashion Week and has choreographed over 25 fashion shows in the past decade. She is also a founder of Kitchen Queens Facebook Group, where the proceeds support culinary students at the Cerritos College and homeless people in Skid Row. Smita was past President of SABAN (South Asian Business Alliance Network) and past Program Chair of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners). Smita is also the founding member of WIN (Women’s Initiative Network) a group of accomplished professional women.