Yvonne Orji
comedian, actor, author + advocate
Yvonne Orji is an Emmy-nominated Nigerian-American comedian, actress, writer, producer, and author. In 2021, Orji published her debut book Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me into the Life of My Dreams. In her book, Orji takes readers on a journey through twenty-five life lessons, gleaned from her own experiences and her favorite source of inspiration, the Bible. The paperback edition of the book was re-released on September 12, 2023. Before moving to Los Angeles where she currently resides, Yvonne earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master of Public Health from George Washington University.
Valeisha Butterfield
award-winning culture shifter + founder, SEED
executive honoree
Valeisha Butterfield is a globally recognized, award-winning business leader, pop culture expert, and political analyst with a proven dedication to women's empowerment. She is the founder of SEED, an Al-powered media company focused on developing, producing, and distributing iconic, best-selling books for television and film. She also serves on the GRAMMYs Television Committee and is the host of the podcast Table's Turn. Through her work at the nexus of tech, entertainment and politics, she delivers impact for women and young people at every turn.
Ashlee Margolis
founder, The A List
executive honoree
Ashlee Margolis is a communications pro who is pushing the boundaries of traditional influencer and brand relationships. As the founder of the award-winning communications and marketing agency The A List, she knows a thing or two about creating and executing a brilliant (and organic) path to brand growth – and creating a star-studded guest list while doing it. She models the power of connection and is a longtime advocate for Step Up and countless other community organizations.
Paloma Molina-Olmedo
Step Up Class of 2025
Alliance Bloomfield High School, Los Angeles
teen honoree
Paloma is a senior at Alliance Margaret M. Bloomfield High School in Los Angeles. She has been involved in Step Up programming for the past two years, and has been planning for her future by identifying career pursuits. As the oldest daughter of Mexican immigrants, she plans to be a first-gen college student beginning next fall.
