Areva Martin and Alva Adams-Mason

Areva Martin is one of the most sought-after autism experts in the nation.  From humble beginnings in America’s heartland, Areva’s passionate advocacy on behalf of those whose voices are marginalized propelled her to the top of her field, graduating with honors from the University of Chicago and Harvard Law School.  Relocating to Los Angeles, she founded a thriving legal practice specializing in ADA, Employment and Housing Disability Discrimination, Family Law, and School Law (bullying & harassment), among others.  But when Areva’s son, Marty, was diagnosed with autism at 18 months, her profession became personal. Suddenly, this highly capable and accomplished woman’s most important title was “mom fighting for her child.”  Areva quickly tackled the complex web of diagnoses, misconceptions, and treatments with the same vigor she had marshaled in every one of her cases. She was fortunate. Her education and network enabled her to navigate the medical establishment and find the best treatment and resources for Marty.  Areva’s eyes were now wide open and her heart even more so. She realized not all parents and guardians had her advantages and immediately did something about it – founding the Special Needs Network (SNN), a non-profit organization created specifically to help minorities and low-income families advocate for their autistic children.   SNN has raised millions of dollars and provided for over 15,000 families in low income communities across California.

Alva Adams-Mason is Director of African American Business Strategy (AABS), an industry-leading approach that deepens Toyota’s relationship with the African American community. The goal of AABS is to increase African American market share and raise this community’s awareness of the Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands, and to maintain Toyota’s number one brand position through continued outreach within the African American community.In this role, Ms. Adams-Mason manages the national marketing and communication strategy for AABS to support the Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands and to integrate the African American perspective into Toyota’s marketing and sales strategies. She further engages with the African American market through meaningful interaction with African American consumers, influences, business leaders, media, elected officials, and national community organizations.  In addition, Ms. Adams-Mason integrates AABS’s strategy across multiple platforms, including government affairs, partnerships with leading African American organizations, research, and financing. With extensive experience in dealer diversity and community relations, Ms. Adams-Mason brings a unique perspective at the grassroots level to connect the African American community with Toyota’s dealer network and Toyota’s corporate reputation initiative.

LinkedIn: Alva Adams-Mason

Twitter: @alvaamason    @arevamartin