I had the distinct pleasure of presenting an award to a dear friend of mine this past weekend. I have known Manuela Testolini for over 13 years. She started a nonprofit called, In a Perfect World, that supports programs for underserved youth around the world. IAPW has built schools in countries like Haiti and Malawi.
Manuela was presented with the Women of Excellence Award from The Ladylike Foundation her for work and she asked me to present the award to her. Her beautiful little daughter, Lucia, who is the Junior Ambassador for IAPW, joined Mom onstage for the honor.
It was such a special evening! We hosted the Detroit launch of the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls and honored two very special women. On the right is Pamela Alexander of the Ford Motor Company Fund. Pamela received the MAGNOLIA Award for Outstanding Philanthropic Partner. She has been instrumental in our ability to host the Human Trafficking symposiums to teach girls to avoid being a victim of trafficking.
On the left is Shannon Brandt of Alternatives for Girls. She received the MAGNOLIA Award for "Unsung Hero". Shannon is one of the first friendly faces a woman sees after she is rescued from a human trafficking situation. Shannon has tirelessly worked with women and young girls to help them recover from the atrocities of trafficking and get them on the road to independence.
Congratulations to both of you ladies!
The S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls supports small, grassroots nonprofits that empower girls in the area of (S)TEM, (H)EALTH, (A)RTS, (U)NITY and (N)EIGHBORHOODS.
Spending the day celebrating the birthday of my dear friend, Simone Smith, who has been such a great supporter of the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls. It was a beautiful brunch with so many friends like Mary J Blige and Sheree Fletcher.
