Two LAHSA Execs Fired After Speaking Up — $800K Settlement Speaks Volumes

Reviewed by: George S. Azadian, Employment Attorney
Last Reviewed: March 10, 2026 Azadian Law Group Wrongful Termination

Imagine dedicating years of your life to a mission-driven organization, only to be pushed out the moment you raise concerns. That’s exactly what happened to Kristina Dixon and Emily Vaughn Henry, two respected leaders at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) — and now, their story is making headlines across LA.

The good news? They stood their ground. And they won.

“We Spoke Up. We Got Fired.”

Kristina and Emily weren’t just employees — they were senior executives. When they started noticing troubling behavior from the top — like cronyism, deleted public records, and inappropriate conduct at work events — they did what we all hope we’d do: they spoke up.

Instead of being heard, they were fired.

Their allegations included:

  • Handpicked hires from the CEO’s old job
  • Attempted deletion of emails (even from Mayor Karen Bass)
  • Inappropriate conduct at a public conference

In short: retaliation, plain and simple.

💰 LAHSA Settled — But the Damage Was Done

After going public with their claims, Kristina and Emily each received substantial settlements:

Name

Role at LAHSA

Settlement

Claims Made

Kristina DixonChief Financial & Admin Officer$450,000Whistleblower retaliation, defamation, emotional distress
Emily Vaughn HenryDeputy Chief Information Officer$350,000Discrimination (race, gender, age), wrongful termination, harassment

 

These women didn’t just lose their jobs. They lost trust. Reputation. Peace of mind.

But with legal support — they reclaimed their voice.

(Details via LAist and LA Times)

💡 This Isn’t Just Their Story — It Could Be Yours

Maybe you’ve seen something off at work.

Maybe you’ve already raised a red flag… and now feel like you’re being iced out.

If you’re being punished for doing the right thing — you’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay silent.

Retaliation is the #1 most reported workplace issue, according to the EEOC. More than half of all workplace complaints involve people being punished just for speaking up.

It’s not just wrong — it’s illegal.

🛡️ You Deserve a Lawyer Who Actually Listens

If you’re in Los Angeles and you’re dealing with:

Wrongful termination

  • Retaliation for reporting harassment
  • A toxic, intimidating work environment
  • You need more than just advice — you need a fighter in your corner.

That’s where Azadian Law Group comes in.

Meet Azadian Law Group — Your Voice in the Workplace

At Azadian Law Group, wrongful termination isn’t just a practice area — it’s a passion.

They’ve helped countless workers in LA get justice after being unfairly fired, silenced, or mistreated. They understand how scary it feels to speak out — and how empowering it feels to finally be heard.

  • No upfront fees
  • Free, confidential consultation
  • Millions recovered for LA employees
  • Offices right in the heart of Los Angeles

Learn more: Employment Attorney Los Angeles
Or call now to speak with someone who gets it

Final Thought: You’re Not Overreacting — You’re Protecting Yourself

If something at work doesn’t feel right — it probably isn’t. Don’t ignore that voice in your head. Don’t wait until you’re pushed out like Kristina or Emily.

You have rights. And you have options.

Let Azadian Law Group help you find your voice — and your justice.

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Types of Cases Handle By Employment Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA

The following presents an overview of the broad range of employment law cases that our employment attorneys are experienced at overseeing and favorably resolving.

 

 

Wrongful Termination

Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA Attorneys at Azadian Law Group who have filed wrongful termination lawsuits acknowledge that unfair termination can significantly impact an employee’s life. It can…

Age Discrimination

Age Discrimination Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA Azadian Law Group, PC regularly represents clients throughout Los Angeles, CA, who are the victims of age discrimination in the workplace. At Azadian…

Pregnancy Discrimination

Pregnancy Discrimination Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA At Azadian Law Group, PC, our pregnancy discrimination lawyer in Los Angeles, regularly represents clients who are the victims of pregnancy discrimination in…

Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment Attorney in Los Angeles, CA The Los Angeles Sexual Harassment Lawyers at Azadian Law Group, PC, know that in today’s modern era, some people often make the mistake of…

Racial Discrimination

Racial Discrimination Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA Azadian Law Group, PC regularly represents clients throughout Los Angeles who are the victims of racial discrimination at work. The Los Angeles Race…

Disability Discrimination

When a Medical Condition Becomes a Workplace Problem, You Have Rights Most employees never expect a health condition to place their career at risk. Yet every day across Los Angeles,…

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Employees We Represent in Employment Law Cases

At Azadian Law Group, we represent employees throughout Los Angeles and California who have experienced workplace violations. Our attorneys handle employment law matters including wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wage and hour violations, and whistleblower protection.

Employees often face unlawful treatment after reporting misconduct, requesting medical leave, or asserting their legal rights at work. Our firm investigates employment law violations and advocates for workers seeking accountability, compensation, and fair treatment under California and federal employment law.

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