This panel of extraordinary women are at the forefront of fighting Human Trafficking in California and beyond. They came to share their stories and to give advice to protect girls from this growing epidemic. From the left: Rachel Thomas and Jessica Midkiff - both survivors of human trafficking and activists; actress Garcelle Beauvais who showed the audience a sneak peek at her upcoming film 'Lalo's House'; Kim Biddle, Founder of Saving Innocence, a nonprofit servicing women and girls who are survivors of trafficking; Joan Pera of the Los Angeles County Probation Department and Tracy Webb, former Cyber Crime Prosecutor.
"If you are fortunate enough to have an opportunity, it is your duty to make sure other people have those opportunities as well." That is a quote from Senator Kamala Harris (D-Califoria), a woman whom I admire and am grateful to call my friend. I met Kamala when she was District Attorney of San Francisco. From our first conversation, it didn't take long to know that she had a true passion to help the underserved. She has a bright future and I am very proud of her!
This picture, which was taken during a photo shoot in my backyard, is one of my favorites. This shot was used in the book, INSPIRATION, by author (and my dear friend) Crystal McCrary. This book features prominent African American women discussing the challenges in our lives while pursuing our dreams and advice for the younger generation on achieving goals.
I am very honored to receive the Community Leadership Award from the Black Women Lawyers Association for my philanthropic work through the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls.
This is one of the ladies I look to as a leader in philanthropy - award-winning casting director Robi Reed who founded the Reed for Hope Foundation. Her mission is to help increase the wellness and vitality of young people around the country. Here we are at her annual Day Party with a Purpose which raises funds for their cause.
The Human Trafficking Prevention event that we hosted was a big success! We had an extraordinary panel of women who are on the forefront of fighting Human Trafficking in California. The S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls gave a grant to the wonderful nonprofit, Saving Innocence, which helps women and girls who have been the victims of human trafficking. We chose our partners with great care and this is a very worthy organization. Our event was sponsored by the Ford Fund. #EmpoweringGirls #SavingLives
Thank you to KNBC for having me on to discuss the Human Trafficking Prevention event that the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls hosted and sponsored by Ford Fund.
I just saw this very nice cover story that L.A. Watts Times did on the work that the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls is doing to bring awareness to the issue of Human Trafficking.
Photo Credit: Quain Photography
I have had the honor of meeting President Barack Obama on three occasions - first, in 2006 at Oprah's Legends Ball when he was a Senator; the second, in 2007, at Oprah's Santa Monica home when she threw a huge dinner reception for him when he was running for President; and the third time was at the home of actress Gwenyth Paltrow when she held a fundraising reception for the then-President (below right).
It's never too early to start working out and taking care of our bodies! This little lady came out to the Rhonda Walker Foundation's Give and Get Fit Run/Walk along the Detroit Riverfront. I had the pleasure of serving as Celebrity Grand Marshall.
On the red carpet for my friend Debra Lee's Annual PRE Party heading into BET Weekend.
The trafficking of girls in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate. It's an epidemic we must stop right now. Join me, the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls and women who are on the forefront of fighting Human Trafficking in California for an open and honest discussion that could save the life of someone you love.