The Thai Community Development Center (Thai CDC), led by Executive Director Chanchanit “Chancee” Martorell, received the Community Uplift and Advocacy Award for more than three decades of transformative work advancing economic self-sufficiency, human rights, and equity for immigrant and low-income communities.
Zbur’s office recognized Thai CDC’s legacy, sharing:
Thai CDC was founded on the belief that everyone deserves a decent standard of living, and has been a driving force in shaping East Hollywood’s identity, from securing the official designation of Thai Town in 1999 to organizing the annual Songkran Festival, which now draws more than 400,000 visitors each year.
Nationally, Thai CDC’s legacy includes Chancee’s pivotal role in the El Monte Thai Garment Slavery Case, the first major prosecution of modern-day slavery in the United States, which inspired the passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. The organization has since supported thousands of trafficking survivors and, in 2022, was honored by President Biden with the Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons. From delivering over $2 million in pandemic relief to undocumented Angelenos to opening the Center for Health Equity in 2023, Thai CDC continues to serve as a vital anchor for East Hollywood and a national model of compassion, justice and empowerment.
We are honored to be celebrated among so many outstanding community leaders. We will continue our work to build a safe, inclusive, resilient California filled with opportunity for all. Watch the full award ceremony, which took place on October 12 at the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, at the link above. Fast forward to 54:00 to see our team accept the Community Uplift and Advocacy Award.
