BOSTON – Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation CEO Peter Palandjian presented tennis legend and gender equality advocate Billie Jean King with the Champion of Equality Award at The Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) City of Justice Awards.
The premier progressive event in California, the City of Justice Awards attracts elected officials, entertainment executives, labor leaders, philanthropists, business owners, and activists, and honors outstanding leaders who improve the lives of working families.
The award stands as a testament to Billie Jean King’s monumental contributions to women’s tennis, notably her groundbreaking efforts in securing equal prize money for both male and female athletes. King’s historic triumph over Bobby Riggs in the legendary “Battle of the Sexes” in 1973 not only shattered gender stereotypes but also solidified her status as a pioneer in advancing gender equality in sports. Palandjian, who serves on the LAANE Board of Directors and is a previous two-time City of Justice Award honoree, beamed with pride as he honored the tennis legend. Peter Palandjian is also a former professional tennis player and was ranked #175 in the world. Palandjian and King have a common bond in their climb to tennis stardom as both had their first pro title win at the Irish Open.
Beyond her on-court accomplishments, Billie Jean King’s legacy extends to the formation of the Women’s Tennis Association, co-founding the groundbreaking coed team sports league World TeamTennis, and establishing the influential Women’s Sports Foundation. Her unwavering commitment to equality is further demonstrated through the creation of the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative. In 2009, her remarkable advocacy earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama, recognizing her significant contributions to women and the LGBT community.
LAANE is an organizing and advocacy institution committed to economic, environmental, and racial justice. The organization bridges community and labor power to win policies that improve the lives of working families in Los Angeles and in Long Beach. The LAANE vision is to help build a new economy rooted in good jobs, thriving communities, and a healthy environment for all. LAANE fights for change through community organization, building community and labor coalitions, research, communications, and policy work.
Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation is headquartered in Boston.
