Inspiration Awards

Inspiration Awards. One event. Two cities.

Inspiration Awards - Los Angeles

Friday, October 6 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PT

Skirball Cultural Center

This lunchtime fête is not-to-be-missed! Beginning with a red carpet reception, guests will enjoy connecting and celebrating 25 years of Step Up mentorship over a light lunch. Experience brand lounges hosted by our event partners and hear from girls and mentors involved with Step Up mentorship. Then, join us in honoring the women and girls who inspire us to define and pursue our dreams of success.

Attire: luncheon chic – especially shades of navy, orange or white

Are you a current or former board member? Buy your table here!

Inspiration Awards – Chicago

Thursday, November 16 | 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. CT

Artifact Events - 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Join us for an evening soiree designed to inspire! Sips and snacks will be served as guests connect with fellow thought leaders and celebrate 25 years of Step Up mentorship. Experience brand lounges hosted by our event partners and hear from girls and mentors involved with Step Up. Then, join us in honoring the women and girls who inspire us to define and pursue our dreams of success.

Attire: cocktail or business - especially shades of navy, orange or white

Are you a current or former board member? Buy your table here!

Why Support Mentorship?

Offering support and mentorship for girls has never been more urgent. In early 2023, the CDC reported that today’s teen girls are experiencing sadness, violence and trauma at record levels-and at double the rate of boys. The report also underscored the important role mentors can play in offering support. When you purchase a ticket or commit to sponsor Inspiration Awards, you are directly supporting mentorship for Step Up girls and young women.

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Honoring

Sonia Menon
chief operating officer
Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP
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Monica Laddaran
Dominican University Class of 2022
Step Up Young Adult Honoree
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Jodie Turner-Smith
actor, activist + mother
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Gladis Ramirez
UCLA Class of 2027
Step Up Teen Honoree
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Suzanne Lerner
co-founder, president and CEO Michael Stars
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Featuring

Val Warner
Emmy Award-winning host, ABC7
Ebonee Davis
activist + author, Daughter
DJ Emily Easton
Toast + Jam DJs
Baaba Holland
founder and CEO, Baaba Holland Agency; Step Up Regional Board Vice Chair
Hollis Heath
teen programs manager, Step Up
Delores Druilhet Morton
CEO, Step Up
Elizabeth Radichel
partner, Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLC
member, Step Up National Board
Andrya Smith
chair, Step Up National Board
Erica Ash
actor + advocate
Mataji Booker
multidisciplinary artist + arts educator
Julie Bowen
actor + advocate
Garcelle Beauvais
actress + television personality
Ana Calderon
DJ
Kaye Popofsky Kramer
Founder, Step Up
Katherine Trujillo
educator + Step Up fellow

Host Committee

Tatyana Ali
actor + advocate
Damisola Balogun
industrial engineer + creator
Julie Bowen
actor + advocate
Linda Cardellini
actor + advocate
Lacey Chabert
actor + advocate
Liz Dennery
founder + CEO, SheBrand
past chair, Step Up Western Region Board
Chris Han
digital creator
Christen Harper
model, advocate + Step Up mentor
Meagan Holder
actor + advocate
Ashley Jones
actor + advocate
Sanaa Lathan
actor + advocate
Mychala Faith Lee
actor + advocate
photo: Abe Bermudez
Melanie Barr Levey
CEO, She Built It®
past chair, Step Up Western Region Board,
+ past National Board member
Melanie Liburd
actor + advocate
Sheryl Luke
digital creator
Dawn McCoy
TV host and founder, Loving Way Foundation
Dania Ramirez
actor + advocate
Elisabeth Röhm
actor, director, and founder, The Respect Project
Elena Satine
actor + advocate
Rhea Seehorn
actor
Lilliana Vazquez
style exert + TV host
May Yeung
wellness/yoga instructor + jewelry designer
past member, Step Up Western Region Board

Tickets

Inspiration Awards in Los Angeles - SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT

Inspiration Awards in Chicago - SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT

Donate a Ticket on Behalf of a Teen

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Volunteer

Step Up is seeking volunteers to support with Inspiration Awards in both Los Angeles and Chicago. If you are able to support as a volunteer, please email Shayna at shayna@suwn.org with your name, email, cell phone number and Inspiration Awards location (Los Angeles on Oct 6 or Chicago on Nov 16) to be placed on our volunteer list. We will reach out to you via email if we have a volunteer role available for you. Thank you for your support!