LOS ANGELES – This week, Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) celebrated Crystal Kung Minkoff as the 24^th Senate District’s Woman of the Year.

“In the spirit of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month coming this November, I am honored to celebrate Crystal Kung Minkoff as our 2024 Woman of the Year for her relentless advocacy for mental health and racial equality causes,” said Senator Allen. “Kung Minkoff’s selfless activism has showcased the positive change that can be made, and the community that can be built, when you use your platform for good. Her work in these just causes has benefited the 24^th Senate District and beyond.”

Today’s honoring is a recognition of Kung Minkoff’s inspiring philanthropic work on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Stop Asian Hate movement, as well as her efforts to raise awareness around eating disorders. Kung Minkoff holds these issues near to her heart as each have affected her on a personal level; her perseverance and fortitude has led to the work she does today that uplifts these communities during times of difficult vulnerability.

Breaking barriers in 2021 as the first Asian American cast member of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Kung Minkoff did not miss her opportunity to use this platform to make waves for positive change. Her candid conversations about her family’s battle with the Alzheimer’s disease that took her father’s life, as well as her personal recovery from eating disorder, continues to help remove the unjust stigma that leaves too many people feeling alone in the face of these difficult mental health challenges.

“Providing a sense of community is one of the most important forms of support you can offer for somebody during times of distress,” said Kung Minkoff. “Through opening up and sharing my own personal stories, I am hopeful that others – who may currently feel alone in their fight – will instead feel seen and heard, and will know that they have a place in our community. I am honored by Senator Allen’s recognition of my advocacy in this space that raises awareness for Alzheimer’s, eating disorders, and the Stop Asian Hate movement.”