EmpowHer Institute Honors Community Champions With Change Maker Awards Fundraiser

Los Angeles, CA — The EmpowHer Institute’s CHANGE MAKER AWARDS saluted exemplary men and women in the community who have supported their programs and unwavering efforts for at-risk Los Angeles middle and high school girls at their annual event held on Thursday, April 28, 2016, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mount Saint Mary’s University – Doheny Mansion, Los Angeles, CA. Hosted by vivacious and hilarious emcees, Actress Wendy Raquel Robinson and Hip-Hop Icon Yolanda “YoYo” Whitaker, the invite-only fundraiser recognized exceptional supporters who have helped to sustain Empowher Institute over an extended period of time.

The phenomenal night began with an inviting Red Carpet and plethora of appetizing experiences, while students of the program engaged one-on-one with honorees, VIP’s and sponsors Inside the Scholars’ Studio. Upon entering the historic doors of the Doheny Mansion, guests were able to engage with student teams discussing social issues ranging from Girls Image in the Media, Transgender Bullying to Women’s Rights.

Keeping with the theme “Ignite the Power Within”, our empowerment speaker Surina Khan from the Women’s Foundation of California, moved the audience with opening quotes from prominent women and stressed the importance of education, self-care and beloved communities to help elevate young girls to their greatness. Our profound inspirational speaker, Dr. Tererai Trent, roused the guests with her profound story as a young, uneducated bride and emphasized …“change can only be possible through education”.

The evening was full of memorable moments and a stellar musical performance by Flutist Dr. Dawn Norfleet. Other event highlights encompassed gracious speeches from our honorees Denise Clements, CEO Community Recruiting, Martha Daniel, CEO Information Management Resources, Inc and Hany Haddad who accepted on behalf of honoree Darrell Brown, SVP Consumer Banking U.S. Bank.

EmpowHer Institute Founder/CEO Betty LaMarr, states, “With so many incredible role models, the evening was a reminder of how far we have come but also how far we still have to go for our marginalized girls to break the cycle of low wage jobs due to lack of education.”

Their generous sponsors consist of Edison International, U.S. Bank, Quest Diagnostics, Southern California Gas, IMRI, California Senator Holly Mitchell, Capital Bank, JP Morgan Chase, UPS, Community Recruiting, and Lawrence Livermore National Labs.

With the success of the fundraiser, EmpowHer Institute can continue to give more teen girls from low income communities the tools to succeed through practical life skills, leadership, financial literacy and mentors with opportunities to design a future that prepares them for tomorrow’s careers.

For more information on how you can support the EmpowHer Institute or to make a donation, visit www.empowher.org.

 

About EmpowHer Institute
EmpowHer Institute is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization that works with an average of 300 underprivileged girls ages 11-14 annually to create opportunities that can improve their socio-economic status and living conditions. We offer paths to success by building character, confidence and careers through mentoring, education and exposure to venues outside the girls’ everyday lives. To learn about future events and opportunities to volunteer or donate, please call 310-574-9181 or visit www.empowher.org.

 

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