NEW YORK, NY (November 3, 2015) – On Wednesday, November 18, the annual Girls Inc. Los Angeles Celebration Luncheon will salute five women whose extraordinary accomplishments have increased opportunities for women and girls, and inspired them to overcome challenges and succeed.

The honorees are:

Holly Robinson Peete
Actress, Author, and Co-Founder
HollyRod Foundation

Gelila Assefa Puck
Education Activist and Philanthropist
Women’s Global Health Advocate
Haute Couture Designer

Lynne A. Segall
Executive Vice President
Group Publisher
The Hollywood Reporter & Billboard

Shelley Zalis
Founder & CEO
TFQ and The Girls’ Lounge

Corporate Vision Award:

Cyma Zarghami
President
Viacom Kids and Family Group:
CMT, Nickelodeon, TV Land

Held at The Beverly Hilton, the event is chaired by Ambassador Nicole Avant, Former U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas; Rebecca Campbell, President, ABC Owned Television Stations; Cheryl Saban, Ph.D., President and Founder, The Cheryl Saban Self-Worth Foundation for Women & Girls; and Jennifer Salke, President, Entertainment, NBCUniversal.

It is hosted by Shaun Robinson, Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV host, Access Hollywood (’00-’15), author, Exactly As I Am and producer.

“Women leaders are key to inspiring the next generation,” said Judy Vredenburgh, Girls Inc. President and CEO. “Our 2015 honorees demonstrate what’s possible when girls set high expectations for themselves and boldly pursue their goals. We honor them for their professional excellence and their desire to provide many more opportunities for women and girls.”

Each honoree is paired with a Girls Inc. National Scholar who will speak about overcoming challenges and share how the honoree’s incredible achievements and drive inspires them. The event raises funds to support Girls Inc. in delivering life-changing programs and experiences to girls across the United States and Canada with the mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

Event Details:
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
The Beverly Hilton, International Ballroom
9876 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Reception: 11:15 a.m.
Luncheon: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Host Committee:
Bela Bajaria
Tracy Katsky Boomer
Barbara Bouza
Christina Davis
Samie Falvey
Marta Ferro
Barbara Franqui
Renee Fraser, Ph.D.
Ellen Goldsmith-Vein
Pearlena Igbokwe
Susan Levison
Tom and Christine Lynch
Suzanna Makkos
Sue Naegle
Suzanne Patmore-Gibbs
Katherine Pope
Susan Rovner
Stephanie Savage
Robin Schwartz
Molly Sims

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About Girls Inc.

Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, providing more than 140,000 girls across the U.S. and Canada with life-changing experiences and solutions to the unique challenges girls face. The Girls Inc. Experience consists of people, an environment, and programming that, together, empower girls to succeed. Trained staff and volunteers build lasting, mentoring relationships in girls-only spaces that are physically and emotionally safe and where girls find a sisterhood of support with shared drive, mutual respect, and high expectations. Hands-on, research-based programs provide girls with the skills and knowledge to set goals, overcome obstacles, and improve academic performance. Informed by girls and their families, Girls Inc. also works with policymakers to advocate for legislation and initiatives that increase opportunities for girls.

At Girls Inc., girls grow up healthy, educated, and independent. Join us at girlsinc.org.

Download the full press release.