The Impact Fund created the Class Action Hall of Fame in 2016 to honor the courage and sacrifice of lead plaintiffs whose commitment and determination has led to significant advances in economic, environmental, racial and social justice.

Please be sure to read the eligibility criteria before making a nomination.

The Impact Fund

Class Action Hall of Fame

Khi'Marria Marshall

Sylvester McClain

Lisa McConnell

Christy Meierdiercks

Carolina Romulo Mendoza

Doering Meyer

Shannon O’Conner

Gloria Pagan

Holly Pease

Joshua Petitt

Carl Pinkston

Abby Pothier

Jeffrey Powers

Martha Pulido

Gabriel Ramos

Judy Reed

Julie Reiskin

Linda Rhodes

Eileen Rocchio

Christian Rodriguez

Roslyn Sandronsky

Seth Sandronsky

Colin Scholl

Selena Scola

Deavin Sessom

Nina Shahmirzadi

Lance Slaughter

Dawn Souto-Coons

Kim Stoddard

Lisa Strawn

Steven Summers

Jennifer Todd

Tatiana Troup

Amanda Underwood

Sara Wellens

Darryl White

Kelli Wisuri

Marie Wolf

Laurieann Wright

Isabel Zelaya

IMPACT FUND CLASS ACTION HALL OF FAME 2025 INDUCTEES

Sixteen heroes are were inducted into the Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame at our Class Action Conference in February. The Hall of Fame recognizes named plaintiffs whose commitment and determination has led to significant advances in economic, environmental, racial, and social justice.

The 2025 inductees are:

Alexis Badis, Ashley Badis, Tatiana Troup, and Abby Pothier, named plaintiffs in the case A.B. v. Department of Education.

Alexis Badis and her fellow named plaintiffs served as class representatives in a class action alleging unlawful sex discrimination in violation of Title IX at a high school in Ewa Beach, Hawai‘i. The case claimed the state Department of Education discriminated against female students by denying them equal treatment, benefits, and participation opportunities in athletic programs and retaliating against those who spoke up. The case resulted in material improvements for female athletes, including new facilities and other improvements.

Mayra Jimenez, named plaintiff in the case Padres Buscando el Cambio v Harbor Developmental Disabilities Foundation, Inc.

Mayra Jimenez represented a class of people with developmental disabilities and their families challenging systemic anti-Latinx racism in the administration of services at the Harbor Regional Center in California. The settlement improved the Center’s management of the cases of its Latinx clients, established monitoring and enforcement mechanisms informed by community input, and improved access to services and information for Spanish-speaking people. The class action also catalyzed the California Department of Developmental Services, the governing state agency, to address and prevent discrimination in all 21 regional centers across the state by better informing regional center clients -- who number over 450,000 statewide-- about the process for submitting complaints of discrimination, retaliation, or bias. 

Khi'Marria Marshall and Kristine Dadant, class representatives in the case M.B. by his Next Friend Erika Eggemeyer, et al. v. Jennifer Tidball et al.

Khi’Marria Marshall represented a statewide class challenging violations under the 14th Amendment Due Process Clause, alleging that the state of Missouri unlawfully deprived children in state foster care of their liberty interest by failing to provide adequate oversight in the administration of powerful psychotropic medications to class members.

It took courage for Khi, a child, to stand up to state actors from a vulnerable position as a young resident of a state-run institution. Fortunately, Kristine Dadant, Khi’s CASA (court appointed special advocate), was determined to stand up for Khi. They stood up together and prevailed.

Read Khi’Marria and Kristine’s heroic story here.

Shirley and Daniel Freeman, named plaintiffs in the case Shirley Freeman v. County of Riverside.

Shirley and Daniel Freemen represented a class of parents and guardians of children charged juvenile detention fees after their children were detained by Riverside County. Ultimately, Riverside County discharged over $4.1 million in outstanding juvenile fees and a settlement between the parties created a fund of $540, 307 to reimburse over 1,200 families for fees previously paid.

The Freemans, who were in their 80s, took on their responsibilities as class representatives to serve other families. The Freemans already had the balance of their juvenile detention fees discharged before the lawsuit, yet they believed it was important to bring this case to advocate for parents and guardians who had experienced the same injustice and, hopefully, secure relief for those families.

Read more about how Shirley and Daniel Freeman fought back against illegal fees.

 Joseph Fields, Lavon Johnson, Joshua Petitt, Jeffrey Powers, Deavin Sessom, and Laurieann Wright, named plaintiffs in the case Powers v. McDonough.

Joseph Fields and his fellow plaintiffs challenged the Department of Veterans Affairs' misuse of its 388-acre West LA Campus, which had been deeded to serve veterans. Instead of building the promised supportive housing, the VA leased land to private entities, leaving thousands of disabled veterans homeless on LA’s streets without the care they need. The case led to a landmark ruling requiring the VA to build thousands of housing units for disabled veterans on its West LA Campus.

Jaimaria Bodor, named plaintiff in the case, Bodor v. Maximus Federal Services, Inc.

Jaimaria Bodor represented a class of student loan borrowers alleging that Maximus Federal Services, Inc., violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act by mispresenting the status of borrowers’ debts to the U.S. Department of Treasury. Ms. Bodor, the sole class representative in the case, was thoroughly and responsibly engaged in the litigation process during the more than three years the action was pending. Upon receiving an offer to settle individually for a substantial sum that far exceeded her own personal claims, she refused to abandon the class stating:

“Reject it. No explanation needed. They are trying to get off Scott-free and I'm not one to be bought. Nor be pushed around.”

The case ultimately settled successfully on behalf of the entire class. Ms. Bodor, who during the course of the litigation got married and gave birth to her first child, attended the final settlement approval hearing to personally represent the class while 8 months pregnant with her second child.

Read more about the new inductees to the 2025 Class Action Hall of Fame here.

IMPACT FUND CLASS ACTION HALL OF FAME 2024

Laryssa Jock, Christy Meierdiercks, Maria House, Denise Maddox, Lisa McConnell, Gloria Pagan, Judy Reed, Linda Rhodes, Nina Shahmirzadi, Leighla Smith Murphy Brown, Dawn Souto-Coons, Marie Wolf, and Kelly Contreras, named plaintiffs in the case Jock v. Sterling Jewelers. Named Plaintiffs alleged sex discrimination claims under Title VII and the Equal Pay Act, the class of 67,000 women finally achieved justice after 16 years: $175 million dollars and programmatic relief to bring Sterling’s pay and promotion practices into compliance.

Doering Meyer and Ryan Gibson, named plaintiffs in the case Meyer v. Blinken (Dept. of State). Doering and Ryan represented individuals with disabilities facing employment discrimination by the U.S. Department of State in hiring for the Foreign Service. They changed the discriminatory policy, securing $37.5 million in relief for nearly 250 individuals.

Elyse K, named plaintiff in the case Kerri K. v. State of California. Elyse courageously took a stand for school children, many with disabilities, subjected to the unlawful use of restraints and seclusion. Landmark settlements were reached with the California Department of Education and the CCCOE which mandate better staff training, independent reviews, notice to parents, and individualized student supports.

Isabel Zelaya, Geronimo Guerrero, Catarino Zapote Hernandez, Martha Pulido, Carolina Romulo Mendoza, and Maria del Pilar Gonzalez Cruz, named plaintiffs in the case Zelaya v. Hammer. These brave individuals came forward during a time of intense fear as a result of violent workplace raids like the one they experienced. Their persistence led to unprecedented relief for their community, and the case's resolution coincided with the Biden administration's commitment to ending workplace immigration enforcement.

Darryl White, Carl Pinkston, LaRayvian Barnes, Seth Sandronsky, and Roslyn Sandronsky, named plaintiffs in the case Black Parallel School Board v. Sacramento City Unified School District. The case targeted a school district with a history of disproportionate discipline, segregation, and abuse, particularly affecting Black students with disabilities. The case settled with an agreement that includes a third-party monitor to enforce an action plan reducing disproportionate discipline, bullying, and harassment.

Read the full news release

Berkeley, 02.24.23: IMPACT FUND CLASS ACTION HALL OF FAME: 2023 INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED

Seventeen heroes are today being inducted into the Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes named plaintiffs whose commitment and determination has led to significant advances in economic, environmental, racial, and social justice.

The 2023 inductees are:

Steven Summers and Robin Hall, named plaintiffs in the case Hall v. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Steve and Robin served as class representatives for 1 million California households who were denied emergency allotments under USDA's original guidance. After ten months of litigation, the USDA began providing SNAP households with the lowest incomes (an estimated 12 million people nationally, including more than 1 million Californians) an additional $95 per month in emergency food benefits to help families weather the impact of the COVID pandemic.

Selena Scola, Gabriel Ramos, and Erin Elder, named plaintiffs in the case Scola v. Facebook, Inc. Selena, Gabriel, and Erin represented a class of over 14,000 content moderators alleging they were denied protection against severe psychological and other injuries resulting from viewing objectionable postings while working on behalf of Facebook through third-party agencies.

John Baxley Jr., Danny Spiker, Donna Wells Wright, Heather Reed, Earl Edmondson, and Joshua Hall, named plaintiffs in the case Baxley, et al. v. Douglas. John, Danny, Donna, Heather, Earl, and Joshua Hall bravely became involved with this case while they were incarcerated, at great risk to themselves. They dedicated their time and energy heroically drawing attention to the awful conditions and to improve the quality of medical and mental healthcare in West Virginia’s jails.

Kelly Ellis, Kelli Wisuri, Holly Pease, Heidi Lamar, named plaintiffs in the case Ellis v. Google. Kelly, Kelli, Holly, and Heidi championed the claims of approximately 17,000 class members in case arising out of Google paying women less than men performing substantially similar work and assigning women to lower salary levels than men with similar qualifications and experience.

Colin Scholl and Lisa Strawn, named plaintiffs in the case Scholl v Mnuchin. Class representatives, Colin Scholl and Lisa Strawn, courageously fought for the rights of incarcerated people who were denied CARES Act funding of a one-time payment of $1200 authorized by Congress solely on the grounds that the Trump administration did not like that they were incarcerated.

Read the full news release here.

Berkeley, 02.24.22: IMPACT FUND CLASS ACTION HALL OF FAME: 2022 INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED

Five heroes are, today, being inducted into the Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes named plaintiffs whose commitment and determination has led to significant advances in economic, environmental, racial and social justice.

Impact Fund Executive Director Jocelyn Larkin said: “At the heart of every civil rights class action are every day, ordinary, people who put their lives and livelihoods on hold to champion the interests of those who have been discriminated against, denied their rights, and made to feel second-class. Today, we’re grateful to recognize five extraordinary athletes for their bravery and endurance over three decades in the face of overwhelming odds.”

The 2022 inductees are: Amy Cohen, Megan Hull, Lisa Stern Kaplowitz, Eileen Rocchio, and Jennifer Todd, named plaintiffs in the case Cohen v. Brown University.

Cohen v. Brown University, decided in 1993, was the nation’s first appeals courts case determining what Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 required schools to do to provide women with equal opportunities to participate in intercollegiate athletics, whether that was constitutional, and how equal treatment for women and men was measured. The case made new law though five legal decisions, including two appellate decisions, applying Title IX to intercollegiate athletics, and resulted in a 1998 settlement agreement. It brought national attention to the need for gender equity in sports, inspired women to stand up for their rights, and prompted schools to comply with the law to avoid litigation.

Read more here.

Berkeley, 02.25.21 – Class Action Heroes Honored: Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame: 2021 Inductees Announced!

Two heroes are today being inducted into the Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame, lead plaintiffs whose commitment and determination has led to significant advances in economic, environmental, racial and social justice.

Impact Fund Executive Director Jocelyn Larkin said: “Every day, ordinary people put their lives and livelihoods on hold to champion the interests of those who have traditionally been denied a voice and marginalized as ‘other’ by the privileged and the powerful. Today, we’re grateful to recognize two more for their bravery and endurance in the face of overwhelming odds.”

The 2021 inductees are:

Shannon O’Conner | Case: Re USC Student Health Center Litigation

Shannon championed the claims of women who were sexually assaulted by Dr. George Tyndall over a period of 28 years at USC. 

By coming forward, Shannon had to reveal what had happened to her family and friends, including her children.  Shannon wrote a powerful opinion piece for the USC Daily Journal, and gave interviews for television and news stories, sharing her experience and explaining why the settlement would help other women reach closure and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.  

She showed thousands of other women they are not alone, and her actions have helped others come to terms with their experiences and put this episode behind them, by telling their stories through the settlement process and sharing in the settlement ­- $215 million, with USC agreeing to a comprehensive series of reforms to protect women at USC.

Reflecting on her experience, O’Conner said: “It was always about justice for all of my fellow students, for my fellow women and justice for them. I wanted them to feel believed and understood.” 

Artie Lashbrook | Case: Case: Lashbrook v. City of San Jose

Artie Lashbrook courageously came forward on behalf of tens of thousands of others to ensure that San Jose’s pedestrian rights of way would be made accessible to all residents and visitors with mobility disabilities.  

Mr. Lashbrook traveled throughout San Jose on public transportation, documenting dangerous curb ramps. On three occasions, he fell out of his wheelchair and into the street while descending non-compliant curb ramps.  In one instance, he remained in the street at a busy intersection for approximately five minutes until two police officers blocked traffic and helped him back into his wheelchair.  

During the six-year negotiation, Mr. Lashbrook experienced periods of homelessness, living with his partner in their minivan. He also faced serious health problems requiring hospitalization, amputation, and extended stays at rehabilitation facilities.  

The settlement requires the City to construct and remediate approximately 90% of the City’s curb ramps, resulting in a fully accessible curb ramp system.

Sadly, Artie passed away in November last year and is inducted to the Class Action Hall of Fame posthumously.

“Taking on powerful corporations and government entities is a daunting prospect. The lead plaintiffs have to endure just about every legal strategy that the wallet of big business and government can pay for, and often years of uncertainty, court appearances and stress. That takes both guts and spirit -- qualities our inductees have in abundance,” said Helen Kang, Chair of the Impact Fund’s Grant Advisory Committee, which selected the inductees.

The Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame was conceived early in 2016 as a way to acknowledge the exceptional courage and sacrifice of lead plaintiffs in civil rights class actions. The Impact Fund, which serves as a national clearinghouse and support center for civil rights class action litigation, took the lead in bringing the face of class action litigation to the fore.

“We are committed to bringing these stories and these heroes into the public consciousness so that those who would deny access to justice know that these cases matter,” concluded Larkin.

Read Shannon O’Conner’s blog about her experience here.

Read Andrew Lee’s tribute blog to Artie Lashbrook here.

San Francisco 02.21.20 Civil Rights Class Action Hero Honored - Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame, 2020 Inductee Renée Amochaev

Renée Amochaev is today being inducted into the Class Action Hall of Fame. As the named plaintiff in a groundbreaking class action that challenged pervasive and systemic discrimination against women on Wall Street, her commitment and determination led to significant advances in social justice.

Impact Fund Executive Director Jocelyn Larkin said: “Renée is a remarkable woman who refused to play along with the ‘boys’ club’ culture of Wall Street. Her sacrifice in leading the charge, not just for herself, but for the hundreds who suffered in silence is what makes her a class action hero.”

Amochaev recalls: “The lesson I learned on Wall Street was more complex and subtle than the accustomed sexual predation. “I noticed similarly situated male colleagues and those with less expertise obtain lucrative financial opportunities I wasn’t offered. “If you don’t like it” I was repeatedly told, “Get out or you’re going down.” Subjected to heinous retaliation from her employer, Smith Barney, Renee concluded, “I didn’t have anything more to lose; there was only one choice, stand back up. I followed all the rules, did the work, paid my dues and told the truth.”

Empowering not just herself, but her colleagues, three generations of women on Wall Street joined together to hold Smith Barney accountable. Amochaev recalls: “Other female financial advisors at Smith Barney around the country came forward, most in secret, some willing to provide declarations of similar situations while men within the firm and industry also came forward to offer support. I couldn’t believe what was happening; I realized I was not alone. During some of my darkest hours, moments I was ready to quit everything, random women from across the nation still employed at Smith Barney and other firms found me, contacted me by phone and email late at night and weekends to encourage and beg me not to give up.”

The case settled in 2008 and included substantial injunctive and monetary relief. 

“Taking on powerful corporations is not for the faint-hearted,” said Helen Kang, Chair of the Impact Fund’s Grant Advisory Committee, which selects inductees to the Hall of Fame, adding: “Overnight, Renée was locked out of her accounts, stripped of her livelihood and had her office relocated to the deep hinterlands of the building where she was isolated from coworkers. Thankfully, the retaliation only strengthened her resolve and that’s why she deserves our thanks and recognition.” 

“What Renée did was exceptional. It took guts and bravery. The strength that she and other pioneers in workplace rights showed laid the foundation for movements like #MeToo,” concluded Larkin.

Read Renée’s story here.

Berkeley, 10.01.19 – Recognizing the Champions of Social Justice | Nominations Open for 2020 Class Action Hall of Fame

The Impact Fund is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2020 Class Action Hall of Fame to honor lead plaintiffs whose commitment and determination has led to significant advances in economic, environmental, racial and social justice, are open!

Impact Fund Executive Director, Jocelyn Larkin said: “Many ordinary people have put their lives and livelihoods on hold to champion the interests of communities: the poor, women, people with disabilities, and all those marginalized as ‘other’ by the privileged and the powerful. Each year we recognize a small number of these heroes for their bravery and endurance in the face of overwhelming odds.”

To be eligible, nominees must have been named plaintiffs in a class action that advanced economic, environmental, racial, and/or social justice and which is fully resolved. Additionally, nominees must have demonstrated an uncommon heroism and sacrifice for their cause. Nominees will be screened and the Grant Advisory Committee of the Impact Fund, which makes grants four times a year to support impact litigation, will make selections at its December meeting.  

Nominations for the 2020 inductees, to be announced at the Impact Fund 2020 Class Action Conference in San Francisco, February 21, are now open and close October 31, 2019.

San Francisco, 02.22.19 – Civil Rights Class Action Heroes Honored - Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame: 2019 Inductees Announced 

Three civil rights heroes are today being inducted into the Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame -- lead plaintiffs whose commitment and determination has led to significant advances in economic, environmental, racial and social justice.

Impact Fund Executive Director Jocelyn Larkin said: “Heroes walk among us, people who have extraordinary super powers. They put their lives and livelihoods on hold to advocate for their brothers and sisters who have been denied a voice and marginalized by the privileged and the powerful. Today we honor three such heroes and recognize them for their bravery and endurance in the face of overwhelming odds.”

The 2019 inductees are:

Lance Slaughter

Lance challenged racial discrimination at a major bank. 

African American Financial Advisors like him were denied business opportunities, excluded from favorable teams, deprived of lucrative account distributions, and assigned less-lucrative territories, among other things, because of their race.

He put his business, reputation, and career at risk with the lawsuit and worked tirelessly to obtain an impressive settlement.

Guillermo Benitez

Guillermo challenged a dairy over its shocking treatment of laborers like himself. 

His home was destroyed as the dairy attempted to hide that it was housing workers in tractor barns. He was kicked out of his housing with less than 24 hours’ notice and stuck with the case when many would have given up.

He challenged this blatant retaliation and won. His courage and determination are an inspiration for low-wage workers.

Kerrie Campbell

Kerrie championed equal pay for female attorneys employed by an international law firm.

She suffered a retaliatory firing but would not be silenced, traveling to Stanford and Harvard to make her case and speaking to national news outlets throughout her two-year ordeal. 

“Our honorees have endured years of uncertainty, court appearances, and stress, not just for themselves, but for the thousands like them who have waited for champions, ready to take on powerful big business,” said Michael Caesar, former Chair of the Impact Fund’s Grant Advisory Committee, which selected the inductees.

The Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame was conceived in 2016 as a way to acknowledge the exceptional courage and sacrifice of lead plaintiffs in civil rights class actions. The Impact Fund, which serves as a support center for civil rights class action litigation, took the lead in bringing the face of class action litigation to the fore.

“The stories of these heroes demonstrate that courts matter and are an essential part of our democracy,” concluded Larkin.

Berkeley, 10.31.18 - Nominations Now CLOSED For 2019 Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame.

Nominations are for a lead plaintiff in a class action whose commitment and determination has led to significant advances in economic, environmental, racial and social justice.

There are two categories: 

• Lead Plaintiff of the Year (can be a team) - cases must be closed/settled within the last three years.

• Lead Plaintiff Legacy (can be a team) - cases closed/settled more than three years ago.

Eligibility:

• Must be a Lead Plaintiff in a class action

• The issue and impact of the case must fall under one or more of these categories: class actions advancing economic, environmental, racial or social justice.

• The legal issue and the impact categorized above, must be described in further detail.

• Nominations may be from anyone, including self-nomination.

• The heroism and sacrifice of the nominee must be described.

• The nominator should consider the effect (if any) of selection on any future litigation in which the nominee may be involved.

Closing date for nominations for the Class of 2019 is 10.31.18

The class of 2019 will be announced, honored and inducted into the Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame in February, 2019 at the annual Impact Fund Class Action Conference.

You may continue to use the form on this page for nominations for the Class of 2020.

SAN FRANCISCO, 02.16.18 - Civil Rights Class Action Heroes Honored- Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame: 2018 Inductees Announced

Ten civil rights heroes are today being inducted into the Class Action Hall of Fame, lead plaintiffs whose commitment and determination has led to significant advances in economic, environmental, racial and social justice.

Impact Fund Executive Director Jocelyn Larkin said: “Every day, ordinary people put their lives and livelihoods on hold to champion the interests of those who have traditionally been denied a voice and marginalized as ‘other’ by the privileged and the powerful. It’s time they were recognized for their bravery and endurance in the face of overwhelming odds. They are the unsung heroes of our movement.”

The 2018 inductees are:

• Christian Rodriguez, who challenged an unconstitutional curfew provision, putting himself in the forefront of a very public battle with LAPD.

• Vicki Butler & Kim Stoddard, who challenged gender discrimination on behalf of 6,000 women at a retail giant and changed stereotypes about what jobs women can perform.

• D’Angelo Foster & Amanda Underwood, who challenged a local debtors’ prison and mobilized the resistance of those wrongfully jailed for their inability to pay parking fines and court fees.

• Lynne Coates, who championed equal pay for women attorneys employed as in-house counsel.

• Dustin Jones, who challenged the New York Subway system to become accessible to people with disabilities.

• Elaine & Walter Barry, who challenged the practice of denying food assistance to those mistakenly classified by administrative red tape.

• Patrice Daniels, who led the challenge for adequate treatment for over 11,000 mentally ill prisoners in Illinois.

“Taking on powerful corporations and government entities is a daunting prospect. The lead plaintiffs have to endure just about every legal strategy that the wallet of big business and government can pay for, and often years of uncertainty, court appearances and stress. That takes both guts and spirit -- qualities are inductees have in abundance,” said Michael Caesar, Chair of the Impact Fund’s Grant Advisory Committee, which selected the inductees.

The Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame was conceived early in 2016 as a way to acknowledge the exceptional courage and sacrifice of lead plaintiffs in civil rights class actions. The Impact Fund, which serves as a national clearinghouse and support center for civil rights class action litigation, took the lead in bringing the face of class action litigation to the fore.

“We are committed to bringing these stories and these heroes into the public consciousness so that those who would deny access to justice know that these cases matter,” concluded Larkin.

BERKELEY, 12.05.17 - DECISIONS MADE, INDUCTEES to be announced FEb 16, 2018

At it's December meeting, the Impact Fund Grant Advisory Committee selected the class of 2018, which will be announced at on February 16 at the 16th Annual Impact Fund Class Action Conference.

Berkeley, 09.25.17 - Nominations open for the 2018 Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame. 

Nominations are now open for a lead plaintiff in a class action whose commitment and determination has led to significant advances in economic, environmental, racial and social justice.

There are two categories: 

• Lead Plaintiff of the Year (can be a team) - cases must be closed/settled within the last three years.

• Lead Plaintiff Legacy (can be a team) - cases closed/settled more than three years ago.

Eligibility:

• Must be a Lead Plaintiff in a class action

• The issue and impact of the case must fall under one or more of these categories: class actions advancing economic, environmental, racial or social justice.

• The legal issue and the impact categorized above, must be described in further detail.

• Nominations may be from anyone, including self-nomination.

• The heroism and sacrifice of the nominee must be described.

• The nominator should consider the effect (if any) of selection on any future litigation in which the nominee may be involved.

Closing date for nominations is 10.31.17

The class of 2018 will be announced, honored and inducted into the Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame in February, 2018 at the annual Impact Fund Class Action Conference.

San Francisco, 02.24.17 – Six civil rights heroes inducted into the Class Action Hall of Fame

Today, six civil rights heroes were inducted into the Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame--lead plaintiffs whose commitment and determination has led to significant advances in economic, environmental, racial and social justice.

Impact Fund Executive Director, Jocelyn Larkin said: “Since 1966, many ordinary people have put their lives and livelihoods on hold to champion the interests of communities: children, women, people with disabilities, African Americans, LGBT people and all those who have traditionally been denied a voice and marginalized as ‘other’ by the privileged and the powerful. It’s time they were recognized for their bravery and endurance in the face of overwhelming odds. They are the unsung heroes of our movement.”

The 2017 inductees are:

Jessy Cruz, who stood up to make California’s schools better for everyone’s little brother

Mike Dragovich, who fought for medical coverage for same-sex spouses

Veronica Lewandowski, who fought for equal access to sports for girls

Sylvester McClain, who fought racial discrimination in employment

Julie Reiskin, who fought for access for people with disabilities

Sara Wellens, who fought gender discrimination in the pharmaceutical industry

“Taking on powerful corporations and government entities is a daunting prospect. The lead plaintiffs have to endure just about every legal strategy that the wallet of big business and government can pay for, plus in many cases, years of uncertainty, court appearances and stress. That takes both guts and spirit--qualities are inductees have in abundance,” said Michael Caesar, Chair of the Impact Fund’s Grant Advisory Committee, which selected the inductees.

The Hall of Fame was conceived early in 2016 as a way to acknowledge the exceptional courage and sacrifice of lead plaintiffs in civil rights class actions. The Impact Fund, which serves as a national clearing house and support center for civil rights class action litigation, took the lead in bringing the face of class action litigation to the fore.
 

“We all remember the Exxon Valdez oil spill and cases like Roe v. Wade and Brown v. Board of Education but we have little knowledge about the real people behind the public interest class action lawsuits that have changed American history. We are committed to bringing these stories, these heroes into the public consciousness so that those who would take away access to justice for the people know that these cases matter,” concluded Larkin.

About the Class of 2017 Inductees:

Jessy Cruz | Case: Cruz v. California

The case concerned students in high-need schools who were being prevented from getting credits to graduate. Jessy is an incredibly intelligent, reflective young man. He and his younger brother were placed in the foster system when Jessy was a freshman in high school. He had several placements, which disrupted and negatively impacted his education. In his senior year, he was given several service classes and sent home early even though he had failed over 15 classes. He didn’t graduate high school; he was missing far too many credits. Despite all this, Jessy's commitment has been to providing a better educational environment for his younger brother. He spent countless hours discussing his story, organizing students and teachers, and speaking with reporters and district officials. At such a young age, he stood up "to make schools better for everyone's little brother."

Mike Dragovich | Case: Dragovich v. U.S. Treasury

Mike Dragovich, a nurse at the UCSF liver transplant unit, together with his husband Mike Gaitley were struck by the injustice of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and its impact on their family. They have been a committed couple for more than 30 years (they met in Honolulu in 1979 while training as Pan Am flight attendants) and were married in February 2004 and again on June 29, 2008. As a nurse caring for persons with liver failure, Mike D. was well aware of the costs of health care and related services. In 1997, he applied for and received coverage through CalPERS’ Long-Term Care plan. He knew that the Plan did not offer coverage to the spouses of gay and lesbian CalPERS members. He was aware that should Mike G. experience a debilitating illness or injury, they would shoulder the financial and emotional burden of his care. The couple endured years of litigation and helped bring down DOMA.

Veronica Ollier Lewandowski | Case: Ollier v. Sweetwater HSD

This case was brought under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act and concerned equal access to sports for girls. Veronica Ollier has been brave and dedicated in her role as lead plaintiff for the class. Her involvement began when Veronica attended Castle Park High as a student-athlete and continued after graduation, including today as the high school is being monitored until 2024 to ensure compliance with the court’s Title IX-oriented relief. Throughout the litigation, Veronica participated in regular case conferences, provided critical testimony in deposition and at trial, and represented current and prospective female student-athletes to vindicate their Title IX rights. To participate in a class action as a young person, Veronica drew on her exceptional qualities of maturity, commitment, and fearlessness in standing up to a major community institution while enduring harassment for asserting her rights. She has always remained focused on her objective to help current and future female students in high school experience true and lasting equity in sports.

Sylvester McClain | Case: McClain v. Lufkin Industries

This case concerned racial discrimination: disparate impact on African Americans in employment. Following the Vietnam War, where he served as a Combat Hospital Corpsman in our (then) recently integrated U.S. Army, Sylvester returned to East Texas with a different perspective and got a job at Lufkin. He found the same discrimination he thought he left behind, only now without signs. He became active in his union. He helped start an NAACP chapter. Sylvester convinced the company president he was passed him over for promotions when he was the most qualified. When that president retired, Sylvester was quickly demoted and told he’d never get another salaried promotion. Sylvester was adamant that he pursue his claim as a class action, "to help everybody," even if it limited his recovery. He recruited and worked with, 12 more class representatives so they couldn’t be picked off. He’s now retired, still working with community organizations to help others.

Julie Reiskin | Multiple Cases: Taylor v. Regional Transportation District, CREEC v. RLJ Lodging Trust, Reiskin v. Regional Transportation District, Lucas v. Kmart, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition v. PepsiCo, Inc.

Julie is the Executive Director of the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition and is well known nationally for her advocacy work.

These cases all involve disability discrimination under the ADA and/or Rehab Act and have resulted in private and public transportation services, stores and a stadium being made accessible to people with disabilities. These are precisely the types of actions that permit persons with disabilities to fully participate in an integrated society.

No damages are available under Title III of the ADA, and so representative plaintiffs are required to take on all of the responsibilities and time commitments of a representative plaintiff – preparing for and being deposed, reviewing pleadings, participating in important hearings, etc. – without ever receiving a penny.  She does all of this in the context of a life of sacrifice in support of persons with disabilities. She has served as the Executive Director of the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition for many years.

Sara Wellens | Case: Wellens v. Daichi

This case concerned gender discrimination in employment. Ms. Wellens devoted 3 years of her life to reforming the notoriously biased pharmaceutical industry through her participation in this case. After years spent enduring the pains of both overt and implicit discrimination from male coworkers, Ms. Wellens took it upon herself to reform the industry for future generations by pursuing a class action. By balancing the strenuous schedules of both serving as a lead plaintiff in a major class action and continuing to work at the very company she sought to reform, Ms. Wellens sacrificed time with her husband and kids for the betterment of the industry at large. And while the publicity around the case created the possibility for challenges down the road—because of the reputation the matter may have created for her in the pharmaceutical industry—Ms. Wellens turned this challenge into an opportunity for growth as she continues to serve as a mentor and resource to women throughout the industry as a result of her participation.

More Information About The Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame and How to Nominate Someone

1. Background

The Impact Fund created the Class Action Hall of Fame in 2016 to honor the courage and sacrifice of named plaintiffs whose commitment and determination has led to significant advances in economic, environmental, racial, and social justice. The first inductees were the class of 2017, announced on February 24, 2017.

2. Categories

There are two:

• Named Plaintiff of the Year (can be a team) - cases must be closed/settled within the last three years.

• Named Plaintiff Legacy (can be a team) - cases closed/settled more than three years ago.

3. ELIGIBILITY Criteria

• Must be a lead plaintiff in a class action

• The issue and impact of the case must be economic, environmental, racial, or social justice, or otherwise advancing the rights of people discriminated against in some oppressive way.

• The legal issue and the impact categorized above, must be described in further detail.

• Nominations may be from anyone, including self-nomination.

• The heroism and sacrifice of the nominee must be described.

• The nominator should consider the effect (if any) of selection on any future litigation in which the nominee may be involved.

4. Selection

A screening committee consisting of the Impact Fund Executive Director and other Impact Fund staff create a shortlist of 3-4 nominees in each category.

The winners are selected annually by vote of the Impact Fund Grant Advisory Committee at its December meeting.

5. Timeline (September through February of the following year)

• Open nominations: October 3

• Close nominations: October 31

• Finalists selected: November

• Inductees selected: December

• Winners announced, honored and inducted into the Impact Fund Class Action Hall of Fame in February at the annual Impact Fund Class Action Conference.

6. Initial Slate of Inductees (2017 only)

The Grant Advisory Committee of the Impact Fund will (in addition to the two winners selected in accordance with the procedure above) induct an initial slate of honorees in January 2017. That slate will be proposed by the Impact Fund Grant Policy Committee and voted upon at the December meeting of the Grant Advisory Committee.