2024 PATHMAKER AWARDS GALA

PRESENTED BY: JP MORGAN CHASE & EDISON INTERNATIONAL Los Angeles | 2024

EMPOWHER INSTITUTE

PRESENTED BY: JP MORGAN CHASE & EDISON INTERNATIONAL

WELCOME On behalf of the EmpowHer Institute Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and staff, it is with great pride that we welcome you to the 2024 PATHMAKER Awards Gala, presented by JP Morgan Chase and Edison International.

Our theme, "She Is," celebrates the myriad of beauty, power, and complexity that is womanhood. Tonight, we honor three incredible women pathmakers who embody the spirit of the Betty LaMarr PATHMAKER Award. These women are champions of equity and justice, paving the way for a brighter future.

Additionally, we are thrilled to present the University of Southern California's Sea Grant Program with the Champion of Girls Award for their unwavering support of our mission. Their partnership with our EmpowHer Social Justice STEAM Camp has helped us train 75 future marine scientists in the past three summers, including five PADI Certified Scuba Divers, and eight ASA 101 Keelboat Certified Sailors in the past two Summers and we can't wait to share with you what we have in store for the Camp in 2025.

Your generosity this evening is vital to sustaining our work. Recently, organizations serving girls of color have been under attack this past year and it has significantly impacted what is already a challenge to fundraised as a small nonprofit organization that is Black-woman led. We do incredible work and have dynamic evaluation results, and yet, we still face extraordinary obstacles that threaten our work. We need to build a strong reserve in order to safeguard in times like these. Together, we can ensure that EmpowHer Institute continues to nurture and uplift the next generation of leaders, change makers, and disruptors. We invite you to give boldly and generously, knowing that your support creates lasting impact.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made tonight possible. To our dedicated staff, volunteers, sponsors, and special guests— your contributions are invaluable. Thank you for joining us for this unforgettable evening of celebration and I hope you have fun dancing the night away with us.

Enjoy!

Dawn L. Brown President/CEO EmpowHer Institute

OPENING PERFORMANCE | RAIZ BRAZIL DANCE COMPANY WELCOME REMARKS | GALA HOST COMMITTEE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT | DR. JOSEPH BRYANT, JR. DINNER SERVED PRESIDENT / CEO WELCOME | DAWN L. BROWN EMCEE | VANESSA ESTELLE WILLIAMS LIVE AUCTION YOUTH TESTIMONIAL | OZZY GONZALEZ FUND THE NEED CHAMPION OF GIRLS AWARD PRESENTER | ANGEL JAMES HORACEK HONOREE | USC SEA GRANT BETTY LAMARR PATHMAKER AWARD HONOREE FIRESIDE CHAT JEMELE HILL | KIKI SHEPARD | VERONICA VAZQUEZ MODERATOR | DAWN L. BROWN MUSICAL PERFORMANCE | RAHEEM DEVAUGHN CLOSING REMARKS | VANESSA ESTELLE WILLIAMS AFTER PARTY Sponsored by Uncle Nearest Whiskey

PATHMAKER AWARDS GALA

PROGRAM

GALA HOST COMMITTEE KAREN LOQUET

Retired Asst. Auditor Controller, LA County | WIT|LA

DR. JOSEPH BRYANT, JR. Founder/CEO PROSPEAK

RYAN E. GALES

Chief Executive Officer JGM

AMANDA STANGE

Head of US State & Local Gov. & Ed. | Google Public Sector - Pac West Region

Dear Friends, On behalf of the Host Committee, it is our great honor to welcome you to the 2024 PATHMAKER Awards Gala!

Tonight, we come together to celebrate the trailblazers who are making a profound impact on the lives of young women and girls. The PATHMAKER Awards Gala is not just a night of recognition—it is a tribute to the courage, resilience, and leadership of those who are breaking barriers and creating a more equitable future.

Your generosity and dedication allow us to continue this vital work, empowering over 1,000 girls each year to rise above challenges and realize their limitless potential.

A special thank you to our sponsors, whose unwavering support makes our mission possible. We are especially grateful to JP Morgan Chase and Edison International, our title sponsors, and to all of our sponsors—at every level. Your contributions truly make a difference, and we cannot express our gratitude enough.

Thank you for being part of this celebration of empowerment, inspiration, and hope. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable evening with you.

The Betty LaMarr PATHMAKER Award recognizes and honors three phenomenal women for their achievements, leadership, courage, and significant contribution to the lives of girls and women everywhere.

HONOREE

JEMELE HILL

Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Honoree Jemele Hill is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, co-founder of Lodge Freeway Media, and a contributing writer for The Atlantic. In October 2022, Hill published her memoir, Uphill: A Memoir, which delves into her challenging childhood, family dynamics, and journey into journalism.

In 2019, Hill launched the award-winning podcast Jemele Hill is Unbothered on Spotify, featuring insightful conversations with influential figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, Ava DuVernay, and Stephen Colbert. The podcast won two NAACP Awards in 2022 for Outstanding Podcast in both the Arts and Entertainment and Society and Culture categories. Hill also co-hosts The Wire: Way Down in the Hole, a podcast recapping the HBO series The Wire.

Hill extended her influence into television, co-hosting Cari & Jemele: Won’t Stick to Sports with Cari Champion on Vice, covering politics, sports, and culture. She also serves as executive producer on Colin Kaepernick’s upcoming documentary, directed by Spike Lee, and is developing a comedy series with Gabrielle Union.

A Detroit native and Michigan State graduate, Hill has had a 20-plus year career in journalism, with notable roles at ESPN and various major newspapers. In 2018, she was named Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists.

HONOREE

KIKI SHEPARD

Actress, TV Host, Founder, KIS Foundation KiKi Shepard is a versatile performer who loves entertaining, whether on film, television, or the stage.

She has been a fixture on American television for over 30 years, and Hosting for KiKi, is a natural arena… it fits her perfectly! KiKi is best known as the “Apollo Queen of Fashion”. For 15 years, she starred as the smashing Co-Host of NBC’s original “It’s Showtime at the Apollo”. Ms. Shepard was also the Host of NBC’s, “Live In Hollywood”; and TV One’s game show, “The Bid Whist Party Throwdown.” KiKi performed on Broadway for over 10 years, and continues to Host numerous special events and work on television and film.

Ms. Shepard feels especially compassionate to the fight waged by the patients and families living with Sickle Cell Disease. In 2006, she proudly formed her own 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The KIS Foundation, Inc., whose mission is to raise awareness, advocate, and educate the public about SCD. The KIS Foundation, Inc., supports the SCD community through educational scholarships, student mentorships, its Crisis Care Package Backpack Program/COVID-19 Recovery Care Box, and their amazing “Celebrity Golf Classic”.

KiKi Shepard holds a BA in Business Administration from Howard University, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She always emphasizes the need for higher education, has an unfaltering will to succeed, and truly believes in the greatness of family and God!

HONOREE

VERONICA VAZQUEZ Corporate Philanthropy Advisor, Civic Engagement Corporate Communications & Philanthropy Edison International | Southern California Edison

In C2021, Veronica Vazquez joined the Corporate Philanthropy team at Southern California Edison, dispersing millions every year on behalf of Edison International, the parent company of SCE. She focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion partnerships and manages the Civic Engagement portfolio.

She connects youth leadership, professional mentorship, and workforce education programs to advance clean energy and aims to advance community members of color into emerging technologies, business, and trades. Edison International, known for its history of community support, is a major corporate contributor supporting critical needs throughout Southern California Edison's expansive and diverse 50,000 square-mile service region. Veronica brings more than 20 years of experience to serving the community through grant-funded programs, projects, and partnerships. Before joining Southern California Edison, Veronica was a successful grant writer and fundraiser in nonprofit healthcare, serving downtown Los Angeles. In this role, she witnessed firsthand the disparities in access to healthcare, childcare, education, and services for the unhoused, the poor, the elderly, and non-citizens. Prior to fundraising, Veronica excelled as a program development consultant, specializing in budgeting for public projects and municipal programs.

She is driven by service, gratitude, grace, and a solutions-oriented perspective.A firstgeneration college graduate from Whittier College, Veronica appreciates mentorship opportunities for students and young professionals. A native Northern Californian, she enjoys nature and sharing the outdoors with friends and family. Veronica and her husband are the proud parents of several daughters, dogs, and reptiles.

HONOREE

MISSION USC Sea Grant’s mission is to contribute to solving the problems of the Urban Ocean; foster the public’s understanding of coastal, ocean, and social science; recognize opportunities for the blue economy, coastal commerce, and recreation; solicit and fund relevant, innovative science to inform better decision-making, and improve the quality of life in coastal regions across Southern California.

SCIENCE SERVING AMERICA’S COASTLINES AND PEOPLE

The Sea Grant Program at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles is part of the national network of 34 programs under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA)’s National Sea Grant College Program. It is a federal-state-university partnership that integrates research, education, and outreach with a specific focus on the ‘Urban Ocean’ and solving issues arising out of managing people and natural resources in an intensely urban and developed coastline.

USC Sea Grant funds marine and coastal research, communicates research results to leaders in government and local communities, and is a leader in integrating current research with new education initiatives to increase science literacy among urban students and to encourage teachers to adopt science education curricula. USC Sea Grant is recognized as a leader in coastal hazard planning, training, and technical assistance.

EMCEE

VANESSA ESTELLE WILLIAMS Award-Winning Television & Film Actor

Vanessa Estelle Williams, a dynamic presence in Hollywood, is a multifaceted artist known for her acting, activism, singing, writing, and directing. Hailing from Brooklyn, she arrived in the '90s with unwavering determination. In 2021, she wowed audiences with her return as Anna Marie McCoy in the box office hit "Candyman," receiving acclaim. Vanessa also made waves in Showtime's "The L Word Generation Q" season 2 and starred in Ryan Murphy's "American Horror Stories" as Dr. Eleanor Berger.

Her impressive filmography includes iconic roles in "New Jack City," "Thriller," "Singleholic," and "Candyman," among others. Vanessa earned an Emmy nomination for "Our America" and won the 2003 NAACP Image Award for "Soul Food." Her work in "Raising Izzie" garnered acclaim and a NAACP Image Award nomination.

Beyond film and TV, Vanessa shines on Broadway and in theater productions. Her book "SHINE" inspired the solo show "FEET ON THE CEILING!" She's a former Vice Chair of The Black AIDS Institute's Board of Directors and a founding member of Artists and Activists for Health Equity.

An internationally recognized star, Vanessa's appeal is authentic and relatable, blending passion with timeless charm. As an artist, activist, and mother, she deeply connects with audiences and is a talent admired and trusted worldwide. Vanessa Estelle Williams is a true icon.

FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT

RAHEEM DEVAUGHN

GRAMMY AWARD WINNING SINGER/SONGWRITER

Raheem DeVaughn, Grammy award winner, a three-time Grammynominated singer/songwriter and CEO of DeVaughn Enterprises, is a revered figure in contemporary R&B and soul music. Known as “The Love King,” Raheem has built a lasting career with his rich, soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. His journey began with his Jive Records debut, The Love Experience (2005), but he achieved major success with his sophomore release, Love Behind the Melody (2008), which topped the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Album chart and earned two Grammy nominations.

Over the years, Raheem has continued to evolve, producing a steady flow of hits, including Just Right and Don’t Come Easy. His passion for R&B is evident in albums like Decade of a Love King (2018) and Love Reunion (2019), along with his latest projects, Fall In Love and Summer of Love in 2023.

As an independent artist, Raheem has maintained creative control, fostering talent through his brand while contributing to the culture of R&B. His dedication to keeping the genre alive, while pushing boundaries, has earned him numerous accolades, including BET Awards and an NAACP Image Award nomination. “R&B and soul music is alive and well,” Raheem declares, and he continues to prove it with every release.

ENTERTAINMENT

DJ MIDI RIPERTON Midi Riperton (formerly Sammi G) brings 12 years of music experience, including a degree in Audio Engineering from the Art Institute of California and 7 years mentoring under the world-renowned Beat Junkies DJ crew. As a co-founder of Ladies of Sound, the official women’s division of the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound, she empowers women and non-binary individuals in the DJ and music community

Raiz Brazil Dance Company had its debut in February 2008 at the Sambala Carnival Ball at the Vault 350 in Long Beach by its founder Jonia McClenney. Jonia is from Brazil and she wanted to make art and entertainment come together exploring the Brazilian rhythms like samba, axe, samba-reggae, frevo and fusing them with other traditional dance techniques like ballet, jazz, modern and hiphop.

Proud supporter of the PATHMAKER Awards Gala Empowering Women Inspiring Futures

Congratulations to the Honorees!

Thank you for your continued commitment in helping young women thrive!

Congratulations!

We proudly support EmpowHer Institute and salute the 2024 BETTY LAMARR PATHMAKER AWARD HONOREES Jemele Hill KiKi Shepard Veronica Vazquez CHAMPION OF GIRLS AWARD

USC Sea Grant

Thank you to our Staff and Volunteer Boards for your hard work and dedication to our mission Board of Directors

DAWN L. BROWN PRESIDENT / CEO

CECILIA OWENS Chair

JOSLYN OSBORN Interim Treasurer Emeritus Board Chair

CLAUDIA ALLEYNE, MD Secretary

ANGEL JAMES HORACEK

Staff DAWN L. BROWN

JIANELLA BECERRIL

KENDRA BURKS

Parliamentarian

ADREE DE LUNA DR. DIJANNA FIGUEROA ABIGAIL GALVEZ

SAMANTHA MORA Vice President

STACI JANISSE

Treasurer

KEYONNA KEITH

TONY BAYLIS

JAZMIN ROMERO

Director

President

OLGA GARCIA

MADELINE QUINTEROS

GLORIA DOMINQUEZ

MIREYA ESQUIVEL

JESSICA GUILLAUME

Parliamentarian Director

EmpowHer Youth Advisory Board

ALEJANDRA VIDES-AUSTIN TRACY YASSINI

PEYTON MEEKS Secretary

SAMANTHA GODOY Director

JALAH GUY Director

ANGELA LOPEZ

DIEDRA PORCHE’ Director

Director

KAYALAH MOORE

Advisory Board Members ROSA CARRILLO

INAMARIE JOHNSON

MARTHA DANIEL

TENIEL JONES

NIKKOLE

HELEN NORRIS

DENSON-RANDOLPH

RENE’ NOURSE

JULIA EVANS

JASON PARK

LORI HEFFELFINGER

MARY SADEGHI, MD Advisory Board Members

Director

LIZBETH SANTILLANO Director

Presented by JP Morgan Chase & Edison International

SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR

MARQUIS SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSOR

IN-KIND SPONSOR

THANK YOU! OUR MISSION Empower girls and young women in marginalized communities by helping them gain the skills necessary through education, training and mentorship to become confident, college and career ready.

OUR VISION We envision a world where every girl is provided the opportunities and resources she uniquely needs to: embrace the power of her voice; make informed decision about her body and future; break generational cycles of poverty; contribute to the creation of an equitable society.

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