LOS ANGELES – May 9, 2016 - Mentorship nonprofit Step Up will honor actress, singer, author and advocate Lea Michele, actress and advocate Gabrielle Union, and graduating senior Rocio at its 13th annual Inspiration Awards on May 20, at the Beverly Hilton. The star-studded charity luncheon celebrates professional and philanthropic accomplishment, honoring influencers, executives, corporate 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 recognize Lea, Gabrielle, and Rocio as the inspire all of us at Step Up, including our girls, who are the next generation of professional women.”
The program will include appearances by luminaries including emcee Garcelle Beauvais (Hollywood Today Live) and presenters Essence Atkins (Smart Guy), Julie Bowen (Modern Family), Aimee Garcia (Rush Hour), January Jones (Last Man on Earth), Niecy Nash and Jamie-Lynn Sigler (The Sopranos). Luke and Step Up founder Kaye Popofsky Kramer will also speak, along eit Erin Collins and Vanessa Rodriguez Spencer, who serve as co-chairs of Step Up’s Los Angeles Chapter Board of Directors. For the third straight year, Willow Bay serves as the honorary producer.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the pre-and post-event reception will feature style lounges by sponsors Charming Charlie (presenting sponsor), SunChips® (titanium sponsor), DermStore (platinum sponsor) and Michael Stars (gold sponsor). Other key event sponsors include American Airlines and media partners Angeleno and Variety.
To further commemorate the 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 propels girls from under-resourced communities to fulfill their potential by empowering them to become confident, college-bound, career-focused, and ready to join the next generation of professional women. Connect at suwn.org.
