New York, NY – October 31, 2022 – On Wednesday, November 9, the Girls Inc. Los Angeles Celebration Luncheon will honor trailblazing women who are role models for the new generation of leaders and whose achievements are shining examples of excellence in entertainment, law, and beyond. In line with the theme of Celebrating Strong, Smart, and Bold Voices, these honorees are champions of girls’ and women’s causes, each with an unwavering commitment to ensuring that diverse voices are represented. 

The Luncheon Chair is long-time Girls Inc. supporter, board member, television and feature film writer/producer, and co-founder of Fake Empire, an entertainment production company, Stephanie Savage. Stephanie’s credits include The O.C., Gossip Girl, Marvel’s Runaways, Nancy Drew, and the current iteration of Dynasty.

Yvette Lee Bowser: Writer-Producer-Activist & CEO of SisterLee Productions

A visionary storyteller and showrunner, Yvette Lee Bowser is the first and youngest black woman to create and run her own television series – the iconic and award-winning sitcom Living Single. Having started her career on the culture-shifting series A Different World, Yvette has gone on to produce and shepherd ten series, including black-ish, Dear White People, and Run The World, onto myriad platforms. For 35 years,Yvette has paved the way for authentic multifaceted representation of people of color in Hollywood.

Marsai Martin: Actress, Producer, and Entrepreneur

Best known for playing Diane Johnson on the ABC Emmy-nominated hit comedy black-ish Marsai Martin is blazing a trail in Hollywood. Marsai is an 11-time NAACP Image Award winner, three- time BET Award recipient, and made history as the youngest Executive Producer on a major Hollywood Film, Little. Through her production company, Genius Production, Marsai uplifts diverse and young voices. 

Nina L. Shaw, Esq.: Founding Partner Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein & Lezcano

An award-winning powerhouse entertainment attorney to the Hollywood elite, Nina Shaw has been profiled in the New York Times, among many other distinctions. Nina has a long-standing commitment to the education of children and is an advocate for the education of girls and women.

 “The women we are celebrating  at this year’s Girls Inc. Luncheon are creative, inspiring, and powerful, and they are also committed to bringing other women along,” said Girls Inc. President and CEO Stephanie J. Hull, Ph.D. “They have broken barriers in their professions, and they embody the possibility that girls and young women represent. In this moment, it’s an honor for us to honor them.”

Honorees are paired with Girls Inc. National Scholars who share personal stories of overcoming challenges and how the honoree has motivated them to achieve their academic and career goals. 

The event raises funds to support Girls Inc., the preeminent girl’s leadership organization. Through direct service and advocacy, Girls Inc. equips girls – particularly girls from low-income communities and girls of color – with the knowledge and skills  to effect positive changes in their lives and to change the world.  

Event Details:

Wednesday, November 9, 2022
The Beverly Hilton
International Ballroom
9876 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Reception: 11:15 A.M.
Luncheon: Noon
Chair: Stephanie Savage

Host Committee: Dawna Michelle Fields, JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Melinda Hsu Taylor, Wanuri Kahiu, Luana Lewis, Alison Kenney Paul, Katherine Pope, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, Susan Rovner, Shannon Ryan-Bornheimer, Sarah Schechter, Sasha Silver, Nic Stone, Ali Woodruff, Odetta Watkins. 

ADDITIONS TO THE PROGRAM WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN SUBSEQUENT RELEASES. PHOTOS AND INTERVIEWS ARE AVAILABLE DURING RECEPTION WITH R.S.V.P. ONLY. PRESS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ARRIVE AT 10:45 A.M.

Press Contact:
Liz Velez
evelez@girlsinc.org
212.269.4630

About Girls Inc. 

Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold through direct service and advocacy. We work with schools and in communities to provide the mentoring relationships, safe spaces, and evidence-base programming that are proven to help girls succeed. Girls build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead change in their lives and effect change in the world. Girls Inc. also works with and for girls to advance legislation and policies that increase opportunities for all girls. Together with partners and supporters, we are building a new generation of leaders. Join us at girlsinc.org.