Illuminight is our annual mission celebration event. As a community, we come together to support our cause, celebrate our successes, and recognize those who give so much of themselves for the greater good of humanity.
Illuminight Gala
March 14, 2025
Illuminight 2024 Photos
Congratulations to the 2024 Award Winners!
Sgt. Bobby Hager
Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office
Sgt. Bobby Hager of Kershaw County Sheriff's Office is not your average officer - he's a beacon of hope and positivity in his community. Known for his servant's heart and infectious smile, Sgt. Hager goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those around him. Whether he's caring for the elderly, mentoring at-risk youth, or providing support to individuals with mental illness, Sgt. Hager's impact is immeasurable.
His dedication to building connections and spreading kindness sets him apart as a shining example of selflessness and compassion. One meeting with Sgt. Hager is all it takes to feel uplifted and inspired. Join us in celebrating this true hero who proves that a little kindness can truly change lives.
Tanee Thomas-Tedford, NRP, CC-P
Assistant Chief of the CAPE for Lexington County EMS
Ms. Thomas-Tedford is well respected in her role as Assistant Chief of the CAPE (Community Advocacy Prevention Education) for Lexington County EMS where she leads a team that serves those with mental health issues and their families, as well as substance abuse, vulnerable adults, and high utilizers of the 911 system for Lexington County EMS. Although routinely taxed with her day-to-day role, Assistant Chief Thomas-Tedford can be often found attending home visits with patients to show her love and care not just for them, but for the mental support for their families.
Kassy Alia Ray
Serve & Connect
Founder & CEO
A special message from Kassy
Our mission was born from a profound sense of loss and heartbreak. After the passing of my husband Greg, the chasm of divisiveness and the negative narrative surrounding police and community deeply affected me, amplifying my grief. But in those times of darkness, our community rallied, wrapping us in love and affirming that Greg’s service and sacrifice were truly valued. This support laid the cornerstone for my healing journey.
Our story is a testament to the power of human connection, a truth that is present in communities around our nation every day. Greg once shared a profound insight, saying, “For every one negative story you hear, there are thousands of positive stories happening every day that go unnoticed.” Now, even years later, I continue to see the truth in his words as police and citizens unite daily to foster safer, healthier, and happier communities. This year at Illuminight, we are ushering in an era of wonder and enchantment, themed around a whimsical enchanted magical night. We will celebrate the stars among us – our partners who are crafting compelling tales of hope and healing that often remain unsung. These narratives sparkle with positivity and are the foundation of the transformative change we see shaping the pathway for a better, united future.
Join us for a captivating evening of inspiration, adorned with the magic and charm of an enchanted night, and let’s fuel our mission for a brighter tomorrow, together. Every story of hope and healing we spotlight is a step towards rewriting the narrative and showcasing what is truly possible when we unite as one community.
Together, we are better Together, there is hope. With deep thanks, Kassy Alia-Ray Founder & CEO Serve and Connect.
A special thank you to the Illuminight 2024 presenting sponsor:
The City of Forest Acres. Without your support, this memorable event would not be possible.
Featured Speaker:
Deputy Chief Emada E. Tingirides
Raised by a single mother, Deputy Chief Emada E. Tingirides is a native Angeleno who spent most of her youth in Watts and Southwest Los Angeles before moving to Chatsworth for her middle, high school and college years. The daughter of a Nurse Practitioner and grandchild to both a Los Angeles County Sheriff Corrections Officer and a teacher of 35 years, Emada decided to become a police officer and serve the city her family had called home for generations, following the civil unrest of 1992.
After completing her probationary period as a police officer in the West Los Angeles Area in 1995, Emada spent time patrolling Downtown Los Angeles (Central Area) before moving to Southwest Area, where she served as a Senior Lead Officer for five years.
Emada was promoted to Sergeant in 2006 and spent just over a year at Harbor Area before receiving an opportunity to give back to the community she grew up in, as the Officer in Charge of the Community Relations Office at Southeast Area Community Police Station. While in Southeast Area, Emada focused her work on bridging the historical gap between law enforcement and the community.
In 2011, Emada was selected by then Chief of Police Charlie Beck to work with Constance L. “Connie” Rice, co-founder of the Advancement Project, on the creation, implementation, and coordination of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) model of policing.
Emada’s strategic contributions helped lay the foundation for the innovative, relationship-based policing philosophy that addresses the complex challenges faced by some of Los Angeles’ most underserved communities. Incorporating a dedicated team of officers into several public housing communities helped community members become more involved in programs, advocate for themselves, and thrive while helping lower the fear and incidence of crime in their communities. As relationships were forged and community trust increased, crime at each CSP site dropped dramatically.
Emada’s involvement in shaping the CSP model showcased her leadership skills and a commitment to finding innovative solutions for fostering safer, healthier communities. Rooted in the principles of community policing and a heightened awareness of mental health, Deputy Chief Tingirides’ collaborative work left an indelible mark on the community policing landscape within the Los Angeles Police Department.
Emada remained in South Los Angeles after being promoted to Lieutenant in June of 2016 and was assigned to 77th Street Area as a watch commander. After nearly three years as a Lieutenant, Emada was promoted to Captain in May of 2019 and, as fate would have it, was assigned to Southeast Area as the Patrol Commanding Officer.
In August of 2020, Emada was promoted to Deputy Chief and was named the Commanding Officer of the newly-formed Community Safety Partnership Bureau (CSPB) by then Chief of Police Michel Moore, where she assumed oversight of 10 CSP teams spread across eight housing developments and two parks throughout the City. While at CSPB, Emada worked with her team to promote and extend the philosophies and components that have made the CSP program successful to all corners of the Department.
In October of 2023, Deputy Chief Tingirides assumed her current role as Commanding Officer of Operations South Bureau, where she is responsible for policing the majority of the City south of the Santa Monica Freeway to the Port of San Pedro.
Emada was named the Public Official of the Year by Governing Magazine, as well as one of Los Angeles’ Most Influential Women by Los Angeles Magazine in 2015, and was also a distinguished guest of First Lady Michelle Obama during the State of the Union Address. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from National University and a Masters of Advance Study in Criminology, Law and Society from the University of California, Irvine.
Emada is married to retired Deputy Chief Philip Tingirides, with whom she has a beautiful, blended family of six children.