HIGH FIVE!
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.
BET PRE Party
On the red carpet for my friend Debra Lee's Annual PRE Party heading into BET Weekend.
Human Trafficking Panel
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.
My Trip to Israel
Every year, in the month of July, my family and I take a trip overseas for my birthday. (I'm a Cancer - July 11th). This year, we chose Israel and it was one of the most spiritual and educational trips we have ever taken.
For this girl, who was raised Catholic, this journey brought the Bible to life. We walked the Via Dolorosa - the street that is believed to be that which Jesus walked on the way to the Crucifixion. We prayed at the Western Wall, went to the Upper Room where Jesus had the Last Supper and touched the Calvary Rock where is it said the Cross was mounted.
We went Bethlehem, in Palestine, to the Church of the Nativity, where they have a shrine at the place where Christ was born, the manger and the tomb where is it believed he died and was Resurrected.
We went to the Jordan River where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
We began this trip with an Olive branch. Jerusalem's olive trees are some of the oldest in the world - some dating back 900 years. The trees in the Jerusalem garden are believed to be the place where Jesus prayed before the Crucifixion.
It was an incredible experience.
Honoring a Friend
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.
S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls - Detroit Launch
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!
S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls
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.
Sunday Brunch
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.
Champion for Girls
Very honored to receive the Champion for Girls Award by Girls Inc. alongside Secretary Hillary Clinton.
A Moment with Hillary
It's a snapshot that I won't soon forget. I had interviewed Hillary Clinton in the past so, being in her presence wasn't something that I had never experienced. But, this time was different. Our country was different. And, both she and I were different. This was the first time she was giving a speech since the election and it was before the Girls Inc. audience that had gathered for their annual NY fundraiser. I, as an honoree for Girls Inc. for my philanthropic work with girls, got to be one of the lucky ones to take a picture with her backstage before she went on. There we were, both in our red, for just a moment. She told me to keep up the "good fight" and I told her that she inspired me to do so. It was just a moment but, one that I will remember forever.
#NextGirlVoter
The S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls spoke to a very powerful group of young ladies. They were born between November 9, 1998 and November 3, 2002 which means they were not old enough to vote in this last Presidential election but, they will be for the next. Here's what's on the mind of the #NextGirlVoter.
S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls
So very honored to receive a grant from the Ford Motor Company Fund. Ford has been such a huge supporter of the S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls. NAACP President Cornell William Brooks and Ford Motor Company's Angela Polk presented the check. With this money, we can do so much work to empower girls and young women around the country! After the ceremony, we had an amazing symposium with the NAACP on diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.
Women's March
This is one of the most incredible pictures taken during yesterday's Women's March that had participation around the world. City Hall was lit up in pink as thousands in San Francisco gathered to champion women's rights.
