Los Angeles, CA – The elegant Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills was the backdrop for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating Dr. Lilia Abron, a pioneer in environmental engineering and a visionary committed to sustainable development. The meet-and-greet reception drew an illustrious group of environmental advocates, philanthropists, and civic leaders who gathered to honor Dr. Abron’s lifetime of groundbreaking work—and her latest endeavor to rebuild the fire-ravaged community of Alta Dena through sustainable innovation.
Dr. Lilia Ann Abron made history in 1972 when she became the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in chemical engineering. Since then, she has consistently broken barriers in science, education, and environmental stewardship. As founder, president, and CEO of PEER Consultants, P.C., she has dedicated her career to merging engineering excellence with humanitarian impact—especially in under-resourced and disaster-affected communities.
At the reception, Dr. Abron shared her ambitious vision for Alta Dena’s recovery: a model for sustainable redevelopment featuring green infrastructure, eco-friendly housing, and climate-resilient water management systems. “We must embrace an integrated approach—combining cutting-edge technology with the needs and voices of the people,” she said. “Alta Dena will rebuild and it will rise stronger, smarter, and greener.”
The event was marked by meaningful conversations, collaboration, and an outpouring of support from a diverse network of professionals. Notable guests included LaRita Shelby of SB Media; Dr. Logan H. Westbrooks of Westbrooks Management; Harold Dickens of HWD Adjusting Co.; Terrance and Kathleen Bradley Redd of The R Group; and MC Townsend, President of the Regional Black Chamber of Commerce of San Fernando Valley.
Attendees discussed the critical need to integrate engineering with equity, blending sustainability with social responsibility. Dr. Abron underscored the importance of partnerships between public and private sectors, stating that “lasting change requires cooperation, from city officials and academics to entrepreneurs and grassroots organizers.”
Born in 1945 in Memphis, Dr. Abron’s early life was shaped by positive role models and a thirst for knowledge. The daughter of educators, she faced racial barriers head-on and excelled academically, ultimately earning degrees from LeMoyne-Owen College, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Iowa. Her early thesis on removing DDT and Aldrin from water using reverse osmosis foreshadowed her lifelong mission: clean, safe, and equitable environments for all.
Dr. Abron’s company, PEER Consultants, P.C., has led sustainability efforts in the U.S. and abroad, from South Africa to rural Alabama, focusing on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs. Her global perspective and a deep sense of community have earned her a seat on the National Academy of Engineering and numerous accolades, including fellowships with the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.
The afternoon festivities left guests inspired, exchanging ideas and business cards, committed to furthering the cause of environmental justice and sustainable urban development.
As guests left the spirited gathering, Dr. Abron reminded attendees, “We’re not just engineers—we’re problem-solvers for humanity. The future of Alta Dena, and of our planet, depends on the choices we make today.”
With momentum growing and a coalition forming, Dr. Abron’s vision is well on its way to becoming a reality—one solar panel, water filter, and green roof at a time.
Photo credits by Robert Harris of SB Media 2025
