Sheila Marie Ewing
Executive Vice President Magic Johnson Enterprises
Sheila Marie Ewing is executive vice president of finance operations for Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE). She works tirelessly throughout the week (seven days a week) to make sure the enterprise runs efficiently, all while steadily earning the respect of her colleagues and friends. She is known by her peers and colleagues to be well accomplished but extremely humble.
Magic Johnson Enterprises, which serves as a catalyst for fostering community and economic empowerment by providing access to high-quality entertainment, products and services that answer the demands of multicultural communities, has flourished with Ewing’s contributions and its numbers have consistently shined with her on the leadership team – even during the pandemic.
Ewing first came to MJE about 20 years ago while the organization was still establishing itself as a brand in the community. Since then,
her duties have expanded to overseeing the financial logistics of 10
different entities within MJE. She describes her job as being similar to
a controller – planning and managing budgets, payroll and transactions
with business partners. She previously oversaw the day-to-day finances
of the Magic Johnson Foundation, which officially dissolved in February
2020 after 30 years. She also functions as the liaison between human
resources and the rest of MJE – a job that is operational as much as it
is financial.
Ewing
keeps busy with her duties at MJE and co-managing a variety of projects,
including helping Johnson’s daughter Elisa launch her own line of
luxury (yet still affordable) eyewear in May 2021.
FINALISTS | COMPANY EXECUTIVE OFTHE YEAR: SMALL COMPANY

Partner, Head of Family Law Practice Reuben, Raucher & Blum
Stephanie
Blum seeks to help those who face the turmoil, uncertainty and
challenges of a divorce. Though her first preference is to always
mediate spousal, financial and custody issues, Blum is also a fierce,
relentless opponent in a court of law. A celebrity divorce lawyer and
author, she has frequently appeared in the media to share her insights
and expert commentary. She also speaks before community groups and
professional organizations on various aspects of family law. Her
philosophy in dealing with her clients is to bring sensitivity to what
they are going through and always treat every case on a highly
individualized basis.

Managing Director & Chief Strategy Officer The Gores Group
Jennifer
Kwon Chou, managing director and chief strategy officer of The Gores
Group, is a relationship-driven executive with 20 years of experience in
the financial services sector. A solutionsoriented leader, she has
navigated complex internal and external business challenges while
building relationships with investors and partners to create
opportunities and value. Chou oversees strategy, product development,
partnerships and investment opportunities. Since joining the firm in
2010, she has managed the firm’s origination, capital raising, external
communications and corporate development functions.

VP of Finance & Sustainability Angeleno Group
Michelle
Kincanon is the vice president of finance and sustainability at
Angeleno Group and chair of the firm’s ESG Committee overseeing all ESG
programs and initiatives. Her leadership role has shaped and managed
Angeleno’s ESG program for more than 10 years and the resulting
recognition of the firm’s preeminent role in ESG among venture capital
and private equity peers. Since joining the firm in 2011, Kincanon has
been spearheading Angeleno Group’s Responsible and Sustainable Investing
(RSI) Program and ESG initiatives.

Partner Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP
As
chair of Ervin Cohen & Jessup’s real estate practice, Joan
Velazquez is a creative problem solver and proven deal maker. She
expertly mitigates her clients’ legal risks while letting them realize
the business opportunity in every deal. Velazquez represents real estate
owners, developers, investors, lenders, contractors and asset managers
in connection with a wide range of projects, including the acquisition;
financing; development; leasing; management and sale of office
buildings; industrial parks; shopping centers; low-income projects;
mixed-use projects; industrial developments; and hotel/resort projects.