After months of planning, networking, and preparation, I knew that our inaugural fundraiser which took place last month, was going to be a special evening. However, I could not have imagined the success, inspiration and support felt in the room that night. Our Girls to Greatness Gala Reception and Awards far exceeded all of our dreams and expectations. It was beautiful to see our guests greeted by our student ambassadors and mentors. One of the most moving highlights of the evening was a reading and performance by one of our students, Luz Figueroa. This was a festive evening with "Girl Power" everywhere. Guests enjoyed the Valet of the Dolls, the dazzling music of the Keschia Potter Quartet, and during the evening our Emcees, Dawnn Lewis and Phil LaMarr kept the program entertaining. The evening ended on a sweet note thanks to Fry Girl, who gave party goers their irresistible fried donuts to take home.  Here are some pictures from the evening:

I must take a moment of gratitude and give a great big THANK YOU to our Co-chairs, board members, Denise Clements and Georgette Huckaby, and the many volunteers who contributed their time and talent to the success of Girls to Greatness.

I have endless appreciation for our generous sponsors:  Los Angeles Sparks, Edison International, Bank of America, Honda, IMRI, United Way, US Bank, Fostering Executive Leadership, YWCA, Alisa Freundlich, Creighton W. Lee, and our PathMaker Award Recipients: Elise Buik, Dannielle Campos, Penny Toler.

It was truly our pleasure to host such a fun event, honor some amazing women, and get to see all of our efforts pay off for our cause.  By helping EmpowHer Institute raise essential funding for the program, you are making a positive and significant impact now.  Thank you for all you have done for us, and all you continue to do.  This month, as you celebrate mothers, graduates and soldiers, I wish you joy and love and fabulous new memories.

In Love & Gratitude,

Volunteer Spotlight

   

Each month during the school year we will feature a volunteer to recognize those who make EmpowHer's mission a reality!

 
 

Our volunteer spotlight is Linda Wright, a native of Los Angeles who says she appreciates and embraces all people from diverse cultures, which is evident when you look at her favorite foods, pupusas, pasta and sushi. Linda works as a healthcare consultant associate focusing on diminishing health disparities, increasing access to care, and advocating for greater diversity within the healthcare industry.

     

Linda believes that mentors can have a huge, positive impact on our youth that is so fragile and vulnerable to life's challenges.  As a mentor, she reminds the girls to always think about the consequences of their actions, and hopes to instill the importance of setting goals and planning the course of action necessary to reach it. The harder they work now, the more they will be able to enjoy their adult life. Linda is also preparing to go to medical school so she can be of bigger service to the community.

 

 Girls to Greatness Online Auction

You can still celebrate Girls to Greatness by participating in our online auction. Buy wonderful gifts donated by our sponsors. Click here to view items at BiddingforGood.

 

 

After being selected by the Manhattan Beach Chapter of Soroptimist International as their Ruby Award winner, our founder, Betty LaMarr was selected as the Camino Real Region Ruby Award Winner. In addition to the recognition, EmpowHer Institute was given a generous donation by the group. 

 

Listen to an interview with Betty on Healthylife.Net 'all positive web talk radio' Lunafest Interview. 

 

Video Premiered at Girls to Greatness Gala

 

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