Palisadian Honored by KCET, Union Bank

Editor's note: This press release has been edited for length and clarity.

As part of its ongoing commitment to cultural diversity and responsible banking, and in celebration of Women’s History Month, Union Bank has partnered with KCET to honor two remarkable women as local heroes. The Local Heroes program, which kicked off during Black History Month in February and continues for Women’s History Month in March, recognizes and pays tribute to exemplary leaders who are making a difference and enriching the lives of others by improving their workplace, profession, neighborhood, community, region and the world. The 2012 Women’s History Month honorees are: Bea Cohen and Palisadian Billie P. Weiss.

“This program is a wonderful opportunity to show our gratitude and respect for these amazing individuals and all they have given to their community,” said Union Bank Senior Executive Vice President Pierre P. Habis, head of Community Banking. “It is also an honor to continue our partnership with KCET, which allows us to recognize the achievements of many more local heroes as part of our 15-year tradition in Los Angeles.”

Billie P. Weiss, M.P.H., is associate director of the Southern California Injury Prevention Research Program at the UCLA School of Public Health, and founder of the Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles. For the past 21 years, Ms. Weiss has dedicated her life to building safer communities. Ms. Weiss is the author of numerous literary works, and co-authored the “Advanced Project Report on Reducing Gang and Youth Violence in Los Angeles.” She has received numerous awards, including the California Peace Prize from The California Endowment and Courageous Leader by Women Against Gun Violence in 2008.

Bea Cohen, a World War II veteran, has spent her life advocating for her fellow soldiers. During the war, she worked at Douglas Aircraft Company and became a living “Rosie the Riveter,” and soon a U.S. Air Force soldier. During her career, she worked in the communications department with top-secret documents and fed the soldiers while on kitchen patrol. At age 102, Ms. Cohen is an essential member of many organizations, among them the Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital.  She believes our veterans are America’s real heroes, and hopes people will honor, remember and thank them for their service and sacrifices.

“KCET is excited to join Union Bank in recognizing two remarkable women,” said KCET President and CEO Al Jerome. “Each of the honorees has made a significant impact on the Los Angeles community, and we are pleased to introduce them to our viewers with video profiles on their work airing on KCET throughout Women’s History Month.”

In addition to Women’s History Month local heroes, honorees will be recognized during Jewish American Heritage Month (April/May); Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May); Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month (June); and Hispanic Heritage Month (September). The year-long program will culminate with a celebratory event in October 2012, where honorees will be formally recognized as part of the Annual Local Heroes Awards, which Union Bank sponsors. Since 1998, KCET and Union Bank have collaborated on the Local Heroes initiative and honored more than 125 outstanding community leaders.

Throughout the month of March, KCET will air a video profile of each honoree, highlighting how they have made a difference in their community. The on-air profiles can be viewed on the Web at kcet.org.  KCET showcases the rich, vibrant history and cultural diversity of our region with special programs during the respective heritage months and throughout the year.  For more information about the Local Heroes Awards, please also visit unionbank.com/heroes.