Helps Refinery Continue to Positively Impact Our Community

At the annual Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC/Chamber) Installation and Impact Awards Celebration held in June, the Chamber recognized Torrance Refinery Community Relations Manager Barbara Graham with this year’s Chamber Impact Award. Barbara is one of 15 individuals and organizations honored for positive contributions they have made in the community through their support of the Chamber.

Over the course of her 17-year career at the refinery, Barbara has consistently been involved with the Chamber and the local community, facilitating the refinery workforce’s efforts to give back to the community through volunteering with numerous nonprofits. As a member of the Chamber Board of Directors, she has chaired events and programs throughout the years. This past year in particular, Barbara served as the Vice-Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and led the Chamber’s DEI programming.

“Barbara was selected as the recipient of this year’s Impact Award for her organization and implementation of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) program for Torrance Chamber businesses. As a result of Barbara’s vision and leadership, an introductory DEI program was initiated, an informative panel discussion was well-received, and an event to celebrate diversity was dynamic, ” said Donna Duperron, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber.

Pictured: Barbara Graham (center) receiving certificates from Torrance Council member George Chen, and representatives from Assembly member Al Muratsuchi, Senator Steven Bradford, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Congressman Ted Lieu and Senator Ben Allen.

Upon accepting the award, Barbara shared, “I’ve been really fortunate to serve our community over the years because the Chamber has provided me with numerous opportunities to serve on committees, the Board and programs such as Leadership Torrance. Also, I am fortunate to work for a company and an industry that afforded me the time and support to do so. Thank you for the award and congratulations to all the other honorees for their well-deserved awards. Also, thank you to the team at the Chamber for your efforts to create awareness among Chamber members about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how representation matters.”

Congratulations, Barbara, and to all honorees.