One event. Two cities.

Inspiration Awards

Meet us in Los Angeles on Friday, September 25, or in Chicago on Wednesday, November 18, for Step Up’s most highly anticipated event of the year – Inspiration Awards.

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Join Us for Our Biggest Event of the Year

Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Friday, September 25 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PT

This lunchtime fête is not to be missed! Beginning with a red-carpet reception, guests will enjoy connecting and celebrating the impact of Step Up mentorship over a light lunch. Experience brand lounges hosted by our event partners, hear from girls and mentors involved with Step Up mentorship, and join us in honoring the women and girls who inspire us to define and pursue our dreams of success.

Tickets for this event are not yet available.

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Chicago

Chicago

Wednesday, November 18 | 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. CT

Join us for an evening soiree designed to inspire! Sips and snacks will be served as guests connect with fellow thought leaders and celebrate the impact of Step Up mentorship. Experience brand lounges hosted by our event partners, hear from girls and mentors involved with Step Up, and join us in honoring the women and girls who inspire us to define and pursue our dreams of success.

Tickets are not yet available for this event.

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Why Support Mentorship?

Why Support Mentorship?

Now more than ever, teen girls need our support. The challenges they face – from systemic barriers like discrimination and underrepresentation to the daily uncertainties of today's world – are immense. Step Up provides a vital lifeline: mentorship, a safe space, and the skills girls need to thrive. Inspiration Awards plays a critical role in our fundraising efforts to support these life-changing programs. Will you join us in funding the future of women and girls?

Interested in sponsoring Inspiration Awards 2026? See sponsor info and submit the sponsor form below.

Sponsor InfoSubmit Sponsor Form

Past Honorees

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union

2016

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross

2017

Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana

2014

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi

2017

Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore

2025

Storm Reid

Storm Reid

2025

Jamie Chung

Jamie Chung

2025

Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks

2015

Regina Hall

Regina Hall

2018

Camila Alves McConaughey

Camila Alves McConaughey

2012

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen

2020

Yvonne Orji

Yvonne Orji

2024

Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced

2024

Julie Bowen

Julie Bowen

2013

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson

2024

Marcia Cross

Marcia Cross

2009

Lisa Ling

Lisa Ling

Kelly Rutherford

Kelly Rutherford

Jennifer Love Hewitt

Jennifer Love Hewitt

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez

Geena Davis

Geena Davis

Jodie Turner-Smith

Jodie Turner-Smith

2023

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin

2017

Chrissy Metz

Chrissy Metz

2020

Marissa Solis

Marissa Solis

2020

Tina Turk

Tina Turk

2013

Suzanne Lerner

Suzanne Lerner

2023

Michelle Klein

Michelle Klein

2021

Annie Ford Danielson

Annie Ford Danielson

2019

She is the Music accepted by Lauren Jauregui

She is the Music accepted by Lauren Jauregui

2019

Lea Michele

Lea Michele

2016

Luvvie Ajayi Jones

Luvvie Ajayi Jones

2025

Ashlee Margolis

Ashlee Margolis

Executive Honoree 2024

Valeisha Butterfield

Valeisha Butterfield

Executive Honoree 2024

Joy Lyu Monahan

Joy Lyu Monahan

Executive Honoree 2024

Sonia Menon

Sonia Menon

2023

Peter Kim

Peter Kim

2015

Christina Hendricks

Christina Hendricks

2011

Jennie Garth

Jennie Garth

Margie Moreno

Margie Moreno

2025

Dr. Anjali Camara

Dr. Anjali Camara

2025

Nina Jacobson

Nina Jacobson

2013

Sponsorship Opportunities

For sponsorship inquiries, contact Jamie at jamie@suwn.org.

510 South Hewitt Street #111 Los Angeles, CA 90013

Phone: 201-468-0568 / Email: national@suwn.org

Step Up is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit registered in the US under EIN: 95-4701468.

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