| Written by Sentinel News Service, on 09-24-2009 00:00 |
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Whitaker Appointed New Commissioner
CNS--The City Council confirmed today the appointment of philanthropist and former entertainment reporter Keisha Whitaker to the Commission for Children, Youth and their Families.
"I love Los Angeles, I think it's an amazing city, and children and family are my passion," said Whitaker, wife of Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker.
"My family is very important to me, and I really think it's important to bridge the gap between the city government and the local communities," she said.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa appointed her to the unpaid volunteer position on Aug. 28. In a news release, his office described her as "a fervent community activist who has touched countless lives through her work in journalism, film and philanthropy."
Whitaker has traveled the world with her family to promote charities like Hope North, an orphanage in northern Uganda, and Malaria No More. She and her husband helped Villaraigosa launch Nelson Mandela Day in Los Angeles in May.
After graduating from Endicott College in her native Massachusetts, Whitaker embarked on a modeling career in Boston and New York City.
When she moved to Los Angeles, she worked as a host of TV Guide programs, and as a correspondent on "Extra." In 2006, she co-founded Kissable Couture, a company that sells beauty products.
Last year, she served as executive producer of "Kassim the Dream," an award-winning documentary about a former Ugandan child soldier. Last update: 09-24-2009 00:00
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