Congratulations 2011 Miss Quest: Woman of Year, Octavia Hamlett!
A packed house filled the David Henry Huang Theater, in Little Tokyo, anxiously awaiting the results for Miss Quest: Woman of the Year 2011. That prized moment was the culmination of countless hours of preparation, and determination for all the delegates. After two days of competition, the distinguished panel of judges selected Octavia Hamlett, representing the Whittier Rio Hondo AIDS Project, for the title of Miss Quest Woman of the Year 2011.
When discussing the new Queen after the show, Event Co-Chair and Program Health Educator Shiloh Bentacourt of APAIT Health Center reflected on Octavia’s final speech. She said, “Her impassioned and straightforward response addressing the recent increase in hate crimes towards transgendered persons was empowering and demonstrated proactive leadership for all communities to follow”.
The night was also filled with awards and celebration. Ashley Yang was awarded the Courage in Leadership Award after fighting against discriminatory actions from her former employer, the Transporation Security Administration (TSA). Another award was given to Asembly Member Bonnie Lowenthal who represents the 54th Asembly District. APAIT Health Center Chief Executive Officer Jury Candelario said “We are proud to honor Assembly Member Lowenthal with the Visionary Leadership Award. Her bill, AB433, made it possible for transgendered individuals in California to obtain a new birth certificate and other identification documents to reflect their gender. This historic bill was signed into law by the governor after much struggle over the past several years.”
QUEST: Woman of the Year took place on Saturday, December 10, 2011, at 7:00pm. The event was held at the David Henry Hwang Theatre at East West Players, 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles CA 90012. QUEST: Woman of the Year is designed to encourage the empowerment of the often marginalized transgender community while celebrating uniqueness and diversity.
Established in 1987, APAIT Health Center strives to positively impact the quality of life for medically underserved communities living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS and other health disparities through culturally competent and linguistically appropriate programs in Southern California.
This event is made possible through funds received from the County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Health, Division of HIV and STD Programs and other sponsors.
For more information regarding QUEST: Woman of the Year, contact Shiloh Bentacourt at (213) 553-1845,shilohb@apaitonline.org or Maria Roman at (213) 553-1844, mariar@apaitonline.org or at http://www.apaitonline.org