November to mark five decades of consumer empowerment

By Monica Steinisch

The day begins with a virtual Changemakers Convening (1 p.m. Eastern Time), when we’ll bring together (via the internet) a panel of speakers who each have made significant contributions to the consumer movement and who continue to promote change to benefit our lives. Attendees will hear from Washington Post syndicated columnist Michelle Singletary, our keynote speaker; panel moderator Susan Grant, director of consumer protection and privacy at the Consumer Federation of America; and panelists Nikitra Bailey, senior vice president of public policy for the National Fair Housing Alliance; Caitriona Fitzgerald, EPIC’s deputy director; Families USA’s executive director, Frederick Isasi; and Graciela Aponte-Diaz, the Center for Responsible Lending’s director of federal campaigns.

During the 90-minute event, presenters and panelists will highlight key consumer protections that exist today through the tireless efforts of consumer advocates and their supporters in government, the media, and our courtrooms. They’ll also look at the state of consumer protection and fair access in the areas of housing, credit, health care and data privacy, and consider where we need to focus our efforts today and in the future. Attendees are invited to ask questions at the end of the panelists’ remarks.

The virtual Changemakers Convening is open to the public. Click here to register.

Immediately following the convening, beginning at 3 p.m. ET, will be Consumer Action’s annual Consumer Excellence Awards ceremony. Every year, as part of our anniversary celebration, Consumer Action honors three individuals and/or organizations who have been integral in the effort to defend and strengthen consumer rights. This year, the legislative award goes to U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH); the community award goes to National CAPACD; and the media award goes to Popcorn Finance Podcast and creator Chris Browning. We also will be recognizing 10 colleagues for their enduring dedication and invaluable contributions to Consumer Action and the consumer movement: Jason Alderman, FAST; Chancela Al-Mansour, Housing Rights Center; David Balto, antitrust attorney; Jenny Backus, Backus Consulting; Maeve Elise Brown, HERA; Susan Grant, CFA; Ed Mierzwinski, U.S. PIRG; Pat Sturdevant, public interest attorney; Erika Toriz-Kurkjian, Haven Neighborhood Services; and Chi Chi Wu, NCLC.

For more information about our 2021 Consumer Excellence Awards ceremony, including sponsorship opportunities, please visit the event webpage. We are pleased to offer a limited number of complimentary tickets to our anniversary celebration for local, DC-based allies. To request a complimentary registration code, email [email protected]. Members of the media/press representatives may also request free tickets by email.