LOS ANGELES - May 17, 2017 – Mentorship nonprofit Step Up will honor the hit ABC television show black-ish and graduating Step Up senior Kimberly at its 14th annual Inspiration Awards on June 2 at the Beverly Hilton. The star-studded red carpet charity luncheon celebrates professional and philanthropic accomplishment, engaging influencers, executives, partners and Step Up teens alike.
"The Inspiration Awards recognizes impact of mentorship and sharing our skills, connections and resources with others," Step Up CEO Jenni Luke said. "We're excited to be honoring true allies in our work in ABC's black-ish and Step Up senior Kimberly. Both honorees create conversations of inspiration for women and girls everywhere."
The cast of black-ish, including Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown and Marsai Martin, and Step Up senior Kimberly will accept Inspiration Awards on-stage. Other luminaries appearing include Luke, Step Up Founder Kaye Popofsky Kramer, and Co-Chairs of Step Up's Los Angeles Chapter Board of Directors Erin Collins and Vanessa Rodriguez Spencer. For the fourth straight year, Willow Bay serves as the program's honorary producer.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the pre- and post-event reception will feature style lounges by sponsors Coach (presenting sponsor), Dermstore (platinum sponsor), SIX:02 (gold sponsor) and one highlighting Step Up's work with teen girls. The event's media partners are Modern Luxury Angeleno and Variety.
To further commemorate the philanthropic day, Los Angeles will turn orange beginning at sunset from downtown to the coast, as the OUE-owned US Bank Tower and LAX Airport pylons light up orange in honor of Step Up mentorship.
ABOUT STEP UP
Step Up believes all girls should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential. Through after-school and weekend mentorship programs, the nonprofit works with girls from under-resourced communities on becoming confident, college-bound, career-focused, and ready to join the next generation of professional women. Connect at suwn.org.
