In a world that often seems fraught with challenges, there are everyday heroes among us, quietly and passionately working to make a difference. L'Oréal Paris, the #1 global beauty brand, recognizes and celebrates these unsung champions of change through its Women of Worth program. For the 18th consecutive year, this groundbreaking initiative continues to shine a spotlight on remarkable female non-profit leaders who are driving positive transformation in their communities.
On the evening of National Philanthropy Day, L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth hosted a star-studded celebration event at NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles, attended by some of the brand's iconic spokespeople, including Latinx powerhouse Camila Cabello and Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell, Helen Mirren, Aja Naomi King, and more. What sets this year's celebration apart is the second-year partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery's Courageous Studios, making it possible for people around the world to witness the inspiring stories of the 2023 honorees from the comfort of their homes. Starting December 5, the event can be streamed on www.WomenofWorth.com and L'Oréal Paris' YouTube channel, ensuring that the impact and stories of these incredible women reach a global audience.
The 2023 honoree class comprises a diverse array of trailblazers, each tackling urgent issues in their own distinctive ways. These exceptional women have devoted their lives to a range of causes, spanning climate action, gender equality, quality education, and more. Ali Goldstein, President of L'Oréal Paris USA, remarked, "Women's empowerment remains a central mission of our brand." She added, "As we approach two decades of this impactful program, we are privileged to once again celebrate 10 women who are elevating their communities through their service. These women exemplify resilience, courage, and strength, embodying our iconic tagline, 'Because you're worth it.'"
In a heartfelt declaration that radiates with passion and purpose, the multi-talented actor, director, producer, and unwavering activist, Eva Longoria, proclaims, "Closing equity gaps impacting vulnerable populations is a personal passion of mine, particularly within the LatinX community." In a momentous union of values and vision, she adds, "I'm honored to join the illustrious L'Oréal Paris family this year in celebrating the remarkable transformations these women are orchestrating as they ardently champion a better world for all of us."
The 2023 awardees and their respective charitable organizations encompass a diverse group of individuals: The 2023 honorees and their non-profits include high school student and Founder of Rise N Shine Foundation, Shrusti Amula (Clarksburg, MD), Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Tools & Tiaras, Inc. Judaline Cassidy (New York, NY), Founder & Chairwoman of Twilight Wish Foundation, Cass Forkin (Jamison, PA), Activist, Founder and Executive Director of Climate Cardinals, Sophia Kianni (McLean, VA), Co-Founder and Executive Director of Yes We Can World Foundation, Estefanía Rebellón (Burbank, CA), Co-Founder and President of Possibilities of Free2Luv, Tonya Sandis (Seattle, WA), Founder and Executive Director of Kits to Heart, Sonia Su (Columbia, MD), Founder and Director of Sahiyo U.S., Mariya Taher (Cambridge, MA), Co-Founder and President of 16 Strong Project, Samantha Wettje (Bardonia, NY), and Co-Founder and Executive Director of Disability EmpowHer Network, Stephanie Woodward (Rochester, NY).
The impact of their work is immeasurable, but with the support of L'Oréal Paris, these extraordinary women are set to reach even greater heights. Each honoree has received a $25,000 grant through L'Oréal Paris' intermediary grantmaker, GlobalGiving, to further the missions of their non-profit organizations. In addition to this financial boost, they gain invaluable mentorship from the extensive L'Oréal Paris network. But the impact doesn't stop there; they now have a national platform to share their stories and missions with the world, amplifying their voices and inspiring change on a grand scale.
As Giving Tuesday approaches, it's crucial to recognize that one of the most prevalent challenges faced by non-profit organizations is the shortage of financial support. L'Oréal Paris, fully aware of this pressing issue, has taken a significant stride by establishing the L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth Fund in collaboration with GlobalGiving. This fund empowers individuals, just like you, to have a meaningful impact by contributing to the causes championed by all 10 of this year's honorees. It's a rallying call, inviting you to become a part of a larger mission, to actively participate in effecting change, and to assist these exceptional women in their ongoing transformative efforts. Your donation plays a pivotal role in extending global access and facilitating positive change. For more information on how you can join this inspiring movement, please visit www.globalgiving.org/womenofworth. Together, we can collectively work towards making the world a better place for everyone.
Furthermore, the Women of Worth program is already looking ahead to its 2024 honorees. In partnership with Points of Light, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, equipping, and mobilizing millions of people to create positive change, nominations are now open. If you know a woman making an extraordinary impact through her non-profit work, visit www.WomenofWorth.com and nominate her for a chance to receive up to $25,000 for her organization, gain a national platform to share her story, and build a network that amplifies her cause.
L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth remains a symbol of hope and inspiration, shining a light on the remarkable efforts of women who are catalyzing genuine change in our world. The honorees of 2023 stand as living proof that an individual's unwavering commitment, passion, and determination have the power to initiate a cascade of positivity, ultimately revitalizing communities and elevating humanity as a whole. As we mark the 18th year of this exceptional program, let us hold onto the resounding message of L'Oréal Paris: "Because you're worth it." To delve deeper into the world of Women of Worth, explore the profiles of our honorees, and find out how to join us for the celebratory event, visit www.WomenofWorth.com, and engage with us using the hashtags #LOrealParis and #WorthIt. Together, we can persist in our mission to make the world a better place, one act of kindness, and one inspiring woman at a time.