South Carolina Gamecocks Coach Dawn Staley, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation CEO Nichol T. Whiteman, and Beautyblender founder Rea Ann Silva will be honored at the LadyLike Foundation’s 15th Annual Women of Excellence Awards Luncheon and fashion show on Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m., at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
TV host Nischelle Turner and Emmy nominated actress and producer Gabrielle Nevaeh serve as the event’s emcees. The annual luncheon is the nonprofit organization’s signature fundraising event, which helps fund cutting-edge resource programs, workshops, mentorships, community service and visual/performing arts for young women in order to challenge them to reach their highest potential.
To date, 85 scholarships have been awarded to inner city girls in Los Angeles with a 3.5 GPD or higher. In addition, all recipients who remain in contact and volunteer with the LadyLike Foundation receive financial assistance throughout their college career and postgraduate studies. 90% of the girls within the LadyLike Foundation come from the inner city of Los Angeles.
Related Stories
Open Arms Opens Community Health and Service Center
Isn’t She Lovely—She is, She’s Chef Lovely
The Ladylike Foundation has also made a global impact by funding the education, boarding, and medical care of teenage girls at the Mountain High International School in Ghana West Africa. The Foundation has also built a restroom, shower house, and beds for all the orphans at the Abosamso Orphanage in Obuasi. In addition to making the living conditions better for orphans, the LadyLike Foundation has purchased medical insurance for each child at the Abosamso Orphanage, giving them access to free medical care.
“We are thrilled to honor Dawn Staley,” said Leah Pump, founder and CEO of the LadyLike Foundation.
“Dawn defines what it means to constantly challenge yourself to reach your highest potential. From a star basketball player to Head Coach of the Gamecocks, her achievements are remarkable. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have reached several National Championships, NCAA Final Fours, No. 1 rankings, WNBA No. 1 Draft picks, and this is just scratching the surface of her achievements.
“Nichol T. Whiteman defines the essence of excellence in philanthropy and giving back to our community,” noted Pump. “Her tireless work and dedication on behalf of the Dodgers Foundation has helped improve the lives of so many people in our city’s underprivileged communities.”
“Rea Ann is truly an inspirational entrepreneurial success story,” added Pump. “Not only did she become one of the most sought-after makeup artists – her invention, the Beautyblender makeup application sponge, became a game-changer in the makeup industry. Rea Ann embodies excellence in entrepreneurship.”
The annual event is also known for featuring a runway fashion show with designs for adult women and young ladies. This year, the runway will feature creations by celebrated fashion designer Sergio Hudson.
The 15th Annual Women of Excellence Awards sponsors include Google, Cigna Healthcare and AIDS Healthcare Foundation, among others.
For tickets or to learn more, visit theladylike.com.
