Essence Atkins

LA Focus’ 22nd Annual First Ladies High Tea An Elegant Affair

Publisher Lisa Collins, LA Focus hosted the 22nd First Ladies High Tea at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Apostle Beverly “Bam” Crawford and actress Wendy Raquel Robinson were the Mistress of Ceremonies and on a day when so many powerful and inspiring words were shared, one word captures the entire event most accurately: beautiful.  As Legacy Award Recipient Marla Gibbs quipped “This isn’t low tea, it’s HIGH tea!”

11th annual Special Needs Network Pink Pump Gala Tea and Fashion Show

On Sunday, May 19 over 450 powerful women and a few good men came together for the 11th annual Special Needs Network Pink Pump Gala tea and fashion show. This year’s Women of Distinction honorees, actress Vanessa Bell-Calloway, autism self advocate Spencer Harte and TV Personality Robin McGraw, dazzled the audience with heart-filled acceptance speeches.  Attendees dressed in pink to symbolize the power of women philanthropy and to acknowledge the boldness of their collective efforts of supporting children and families. A “Destination Vacation” fashion show was presented by Galina Sobolev and her designer brand, Single LA. This celebration of women