LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA -­‐ The California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2017 Pursuit of Justice Awards: The Actors’ Gang Prison Project, California State Senator Connie M. Leyva, and the Los Angeles Sparks. The Abby J. Leibman Pursuit of Justice Award is bestowed annually and recognizes the longstanding commitment of individuals and organizations that strengthen communities by pursuing justice for women, girls, and families throughout California.  The 2017 recipients of this prestigious award will be honored at a luncheon on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.

The Actors’ Gang Prison Project was created in 2006 by Sabra Williams and Tim Robbins to address high recidivism and mass incarceration rates in California. The Prison Project work centers around highly physical and emotional theatrical workshops seeking to build confidence and prepare participants for life beyond bars.

State Senator Connie M. Leyva was elected to represent the 20th District in 2014. She is the Vice Chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus and the Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus. A champion of women’s rights, last year Senator Leyva carried CWLC’s co-sponsored bill, SB 813, The Justice for Victims Act, which eliminated the statute of limitations on rape and sexual assault in California.

The Los Angeles Sparks, the reigning 2016 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Champions, are entering their 21st season having just won their third WNBA title. The Sparks are active members of our community where they proudly showcase what it means to be a female athlete by giving back and enriching lives through the power of sport.

Advocating for justice on behalf of women and girls is CWLC’s mission. “I want to thank and congratulate each of our 2017 recipients,” said Betsy Butler, CWLC Executive Director. “Your dedication and inspirational leadership is changing lives and empowering others every day. CWLC is grateful for your commitment to improving lives and we are so proud of all that you do for women, girls and underserved communities throughout the state of California.”

For more information about the 2017 Pursuit of Justice Awards, please visit: bit.ly/POJ2017.

About the California Women’s Law Center

For nearly 30 years, the California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) has been a champion in the pursuit of justice for women and girls.  CWLC works to break down the barriers and advances the potential of women and girls in California through transformative litigation, policy advocacy, and education. Since 1989, CWLC has advocated for and achieved policy change on a wide range of issues affecting gender discrimination and equality, Title IX enforcement, women’s health and reproductive justice, economic security, and violence against women. For more information, please visit: www.cwlc.org

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