Bonnie Abaunza to Receive ACLU SoCal’s Advocates for Justice Award

EXCLUSIVE: Bonnie Abaunza is set to be honored this Thursday by the ACLU of Southern California with the Advocates for Justice Award.

She will receive this prestigious accolade from Spectrum News 1 anchor, Giselle Fernandez. Abaunza, a longtime supporter of the ACLU, has served on its Foundation Board and has been deeply involved in humanitarian work, human rights, and social justice advocacy throughout her career.

Abaunza was the first Director of the Artists for Amnesty program at Amnesty International. She also held the position of VP of Social Action at Participant Media, led philanthropic efforts for Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer, and worked as a consultant for the United Nations’ International Labour Organization, among others.

Her company, Abaunza Group, is known for producing social impact campaigns for films, documentaries, series, and non-profit organizations. These campaigns have touched on numerous critical issues. The Hotel Rwanda campaign focused on genocide awareness. The Blood Diamond campaign highlighted conflict diamonds. The Constant Gardener brought attention to corporate abuses, while Food, Inc. shed light on food industry malpractices. The Hunting Ground raised awareness about campus sexual assault, and I Am Jane Doe tackled online sex trafficking. Cries From Syria focused on the plight of refugees, The Breadwinner promoted girls’ education, and ROMA highlighted the rights of domestic workers.

Recently, Abaunza has been involved in several significant campaigns. These include Take The Lead, an initiative with STARZ network aiming at diversity, equity, and inclusion; With This Light, a documentary about Sister Maria Rosa Leggol, a Honduran nun who saved over 87,000 children; and Pelota de Trapo, an initiative with Pope Francis focused on youth and sports.

Abaunza expressed her gratitude, saying, “Receiving this award from the ACLU SoCal is an incredible honor. I joined this organization when I was a teenager and to be receiving this award decades later for my work promoting civil rights is truly humbling.”

Marian Koltai Levine, CMO at AGBO, praised Abaunza, stating, “Bonnie Abaunza is one of those rare individuals who embody both the intellect and the compassion of a true activist. When she commits to a project, she moves mountains to advance the cause and effects real change. She is an incredible leader, mentor, educator and mom! She is our superhero of advocacy.”

Jessica Sarowitz, founder of Miraflores Films, also commended Abaunza, saying, “Bonnie gives her best to everyone she works with to ensure marginalized groups are supported and empowered. She is a professional who leads with her heart and cultivates change through her ethical values.”

Oscar-lauded songwriter Diane Warren, who has collaborated with Abaunza on several projects over the years, shared her admiration, exclaiming, “Anyone who has Bonnie on their team will never have a more fierce and ferocious advocate and friend.”

Source: Deadline