WSSN Stories

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

“Watch me whip whip, Watch me nae nae [Want me do it?] Now watch me whip [Kill it!] Watch me nae nae (Okay!) Now watch me whip whip, Watch me nae nae [Can you do it?] [Silento – Watch Me Lyrics]…

You see Christ said [Matthew 16:18] … Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hell SHALL NOT prevail against it. You need to realize that you have “Spiritual Authority” through Jesus Christ. You need not live in fear of the demonic; you are not to see demons behind every bush. But rather, you are called to make use of the protection God provides for you in Christ. “Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places…. Your spiritual warfare with the devil should always be with the consciousness that you have authority over him because he is already a defeated foe. The promise we have from Scripture is that when we “Resist the devil, He will flee from” us [James 4:7]. Don’t miss the word “flee.” Flee is something someone does when he is on the run from a superior force. The devil’s a coward. He picks on us when we are feeling weak, but he turns tail when we show the first sign of strength. Never forget; YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN AUTHORITY OVER THE POWER OF THE ENEMY. So the next time the devil gets in your face [first make certain there’s no unconfessed, unrepented sin in your life] then tell the devil to hell with you!  I’m not going to listen to you!  I don’t have to obey you! I’m saved!  I’m redeemed!  My body is the temple of the Holy Ghost!  You have no right here! You are trespassing!  In the name of Jesus I refuse you! I rebuke you! Break yourself fool and get to stepping… And he will flee from you. I tell you, you must ALWAYS TAKE AUTHORITY OVER THE DEVIL. If not, he will take control over you.

I want you to know that that ole pickpocket, embezzler, burglar, mugger, swindler, con, shoplifter, bandit and pirate; the great enemy of God and man; the devil, the adversary, that criminal who wants to steal our salvation, our clear conscience, our confidence, and our hope; has been caught, found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. He must “GO TO JAIL: And Go directly to jail. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.” You see the devil has always been about taking what doesn’t belong to him. He robbed Adam and Eve of the garden and he stole their innocence. He robbed Job of his family, his wealth and his health. He snatched away one of the twelve from Jesus side and walks about as a roaring lion,” according to [1 Peter 5:8] “seeking whom he may devour.” The devil robbed Jesus of the dignity due Deity through the travesty of a trial by the Jewish hierarchy; by the scoffing of the soldiers who with a crown of thorns feigned to honor him as king before nailing Him to the cross. You must enforce Jesus victory and Lordship in the situations of life, or the devil will take control by default. Amen! So this, my friend, is what we’ve come to do.   “Tear down strongholds, Break the chains, and Bind the devil in Jesus’ name. For tonight, WE GOT A RIGHT, to shake the Foundation with Praise!” Hallelujah! [Joe Pace – Shake the Foundation]

In closing I want you to know that Jesus commanded. He spoke authoritatively. He spoke unhesitatingly, unequivocatingly. And He gave mandates, not suggestions. [1 John 4:4] says, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” Know that you know…. That’s it and that’s all!

(from left to right): Tai Beauchamp, TV Personality & Lifestyle Expert; Alicia Alston, Vice-President, Global Communications at Prudential Financial; Michelle Ebanks, ESSENCE President; Dani Arps, Interior Designer; Marvet Britto, President and CEO of the Britto Agency; Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche; Dorinda Walker, Director of Consumer Strategy & Key Initiatives Multicultural Marketing, Prudential’s U.S. Businesses; ESSENCE Features Editor Lauren Williams. (Photo, Matthew C. Anderson)

ESSENCE, the preeminent brand for African-American women, partnered with Prudential Financial, Inc. to help its audience tackle college debt with the most recent installment of its EmpowerU e-learning series, College Debt: Money Lessons Everyone Should Know. Over 40 million Americans have college debt, but student loans are only one piece of your financial puzzle. Through this course, students not only learned how to gain control over their student loans, but also how to master the rest of their money and lay the foundation for a fiscally sound post-college life.

Each installment of ESSENCE’s EmpowerU e-learning series is led by expert instructors. Last month’s course was led by Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche—an award-winning teacher of financial empowerment, who is quickly becoming America’s favorite financial educator. Aliche addressed important financial-related topics such as debt management and reduction, student loan savviness, credit-building tips and more. This month’s installment, You Can Be Frugal and Fabulous!, will be a personal finance course led by Aisha Taylor. Taylor is a financial consultant, best-selling author, entrepreneur, empowerment coach and founder of FNPhenomenal (Frugal n Phenomenal). This course will teach participants to be smart with their money and stay out of crushing debt while they live and build toward the lifestyle that they really want.

In addition, on Friday, November 6^th, ESSENCE and Prudential hosted a panel discussion entitled, “Money + Power: Must-haves for Prosperous Business Women” held at Apella in New York City.  Moderated by ESSENCE Features Editor Lauren Williams, the panel featured leading industry mavens and tastemakers who shared timeless insights with the audience, including: Marvet Britto, President and CEO of the Britto Agency; Tai Beauchamp, TV Personality & Lifestyle Expert; Dani Arps, Interior Designer; and Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche.For more information on the Empower U e-learning series, visit ESSENCEEmpowerU.com.

Many African Americans can receive financial assistance to help them pay for health insurance, Covered California Chief Deputy Executive Director Yolanda Richardson said. Thousands of eligible Californians received an average $5,200 in federal assistance to pay for premiums in 2014.

By Yolanda Richards

Trying to make a 90-day supply of medication helping to control your diabetes last over two years wouldn’t add up for most people. But if you were uninsured, as Kimberly Lenoir-Sanderson once was, you’d learn a new kind of math.

“I’d cut them into threes to make them stretch,” said Lenoir-Sanderson, who resides in Loma Linda. “Some days I wouldn’t take a pill if my blood sugar was normal, but it caused a lot of worry. I didn’t know when my bad days would be, and that was a problem.”

After several false starts that included struggling to enroll online, missing an enrollment deadline and being generally confused about the new health care law, Lenoir-Sanderson finally gained coverage this past August through special enrollment with Covered California, the state agency that administers the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. She now has a Silver plan from Health Net and pays a $364 monthly premium.

“It was a quick process — and easy,” Lenoir-Sanderson said of the person-to-person help she received from a Covered California enrollment counselor. “I paid my premium, and I can start seeing a doctor. I’m a little afraid of seeing a doctor because I haven’t seen one in so long, but knowledge is power.”

Covered California is in the third year of helping millions of Californians gain health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Open enrollment began Nov. 1, 2015, and continues through Jan. 31, 2016. More than 2 million consumers have been enrolled at one time or another since coverage began in January 2014. Millions more have received care through low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal.

Still, hundreds of thousands of Californians don’t have insurance — many of whom are African-Americans like Lenoir-Sanderson. With that in mind, Covered California has launched a new marketing and outreach effort to boost African-American enrollment.

The African-American enrollment initiative will emphasize financial assistance available to help consumers pay for insurance coverage. Covered California is targeting specific ZIP codes across the state where higher numbers of uninsured and subsidy-eligible African-Americans live, work, play and pray.

“Changing our state from a culture of coping to a culture of coverage is a long-term proposition,” Covered California Chief Deputy Executive Director Yolanda Richardson said. “We’ve made great progress in helping African-Americans gain the coverage they need and deserve, but we recognize there is much more to be done in proving to the remaining uninsured the value in having health coverage.”

Of 2.7 million Californians eligible to receive financial assistance under the Affordable Care Act, about 5 percent, or 130,000, are African-American, according to a joint study by the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of California, Berkeley.

Covered California will push enrollment at storefronts in African-American communities where Certified Insurance Agents and Certified Enrollment Counselors will be on hand to assist consumers. With support from Covered California community partners, the agency will sponsor education, outreach and enrollment events at churches on Sundays, at barbershops and hair salons on Saturdays, and at “enrollment block parties” going door-to-door in high-priority African-American neighborhoods.

In addition, enhanced social media and marketing campaigns will be launched to reach African-Americans, and partnerships with local schools, businesses and community-based organizations that serve African-American communities will be expanded.

Nearly 90 percent of Covered California enrollees receive some level of financial assistance to help pay for their premiums, with the average being $5,200 in aid annually.

“We want to stress to African-American consumers that their health and well-being is worth insuring,” Richardson said. “Many Californians are receiving thousands of dollars each year to help with the cost of health insurance premiums — money African-American consumers should not walk away from and leave on the table.”

By Naomi K. Bonman

Throughout life, we are faced with many challenges…some more severe than others, some harder to overcome, and some which we ignore for the moment. When we choose not to face our challenges, it can negatively impact our true being. Therapy allows you to heal from past and/or current hurt and pain and provides you with the tools to grow into the purposeful soul you are meant to be.

Dr. Keisha Downey is a Licensed Marriage and Family Psychotherapist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis in Community Service, a Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy, and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology. Her office is based in Beverly Hills. As a therapist, she has helped her clients properly cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, substance abuse, parent-child relationships, and crisis intervention, just to name a few. As you can see, Dr. Downey’s clients come from diverse cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, lifestyles, and ethnicities.

 “I have learned that in order to truly meet my client’s needs, I have to meet him or her where they are, listen empathetically, and view their world as they see it,” Dr. Downey explains. “More importantly, I provide an accepting and non-judgmental environment so that my clients can express their inner thoughts regardless of what those inner thoughts may be.”

I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Dr. Downey where she dug in deeper of her inspirations in becoming a therapist, how the show VH1’s Couples’ Therapy with Dr. Jenn Mann came about, and her goals for the upcoming year.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Michael Jackson sang, “You and I must make a pact. We must bring salvation back… Where there is love, I’ll be there. I’ll reach out my hand to you, I’ll have faith in all you do, Just call my name and I’ll be there. I’ll be there to comfort you, Build my world of dreams around you. I’ll be there with a love that’s strong, I’ll be your strength, I’ll keep holding on. Yes I will! I’ll be there! Let me fill your heart with joy and Laughter, Togetherness, well that’s all I’m after. Whenever you need me, I’ll be there. I’ll be there to protect you…. Just look over your shoulders, Ooh I’ll be there… Whenever you need me, Just Call My Name, I’ll be there…”

I want you to know that Michael Jackson WAS NOT the first one to sing, “I’ll Be There!” Jesus has always song, “You and I must make a pact… We must bring salvation back….” In [Jeremiah 33:3] He said, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee and shew thee great and mighty things… In [Hebrews 13:5] He told you, “He will never leave you, nor forsake you.” He will always be there for you. He will never slumber or sleep. I want you to know that there will never be a time when you call upon Jesus and He’s not available for you. The Bible confirms that He’s there even before you call upon His name [Isaiah 65:24]. I want you to know that there aren’t too many things in this world that we can actually count on… But when it comes to Jesus… we can always count on Him. What a comfort in knowing Jesus. A comfort zone that is indescribable and satisfying, fulfilling and complete. David said the Heavens declare the glory of Him and the firmament showeth His handiwork. No means of measure can define His limitless love. Oh how I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable. He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible. He’s irresistible. I’m trying to tell you the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man, explain Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t out live Him and you can’t live without Him. The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree, and Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him, and the grave couldn’t hold Him… Jesus… You can always count on Him!

John 1:1; 14 says, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.   And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Echoing [I’ll always be there]. In the New Testament Jesus was with His people. In the present, Jesus is with you. You can always count on Him being there in your life even when it doesn’t seem as if He is. He doesn’t change. He is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever more.  It means that you can always depend on His commitment to you in all things, at all times, in all ways. Though the world changes, circumstances change, people change, and you change, Jesus never does. I want you to know that when I sought real love for my life, I discovered “Can’t Nobody Do Me like Jesus.” For when my sin was introduced to His salvation, I met and embraced Him as “Love on a Cross!” For “Greater love has no man than this that He lay down His life for His friends. I want you to know that God promises are true.  His Word is above all!  There is none like Him. He will not allow His Word to return to Him void!  Call Him Up!

Photo Courtesy of The San Bernardino Sun

So this week What It Do With the LUE is Chords Enrichment Youth Program “Stop the violence 2 Hope for the City Conference”. On Saturday, November 14, I attended an awesome community event addressing the violence within the Inland Empire and our youth. Edwin Johnson, Founder and CEO of Chords Enrichment Youth Program, partnered with several community entities and community pillars to make this event meaningful and a success; and it was. The conference took place in the City of San Bernardino at Indian Springs High School. The day consisted of a Q&A session along with live performances, vendors, and good food. Parents and the youth had a chance to speak out about their personal experiences on the violence plaguing our community. It was good to see many in attendance.

Actor Darrin Dewitt Henson (Photo Courtesy of The San Bernardino Sun)

Major shot out to Actor Darrin Dewitt Henson star from “Stop the Yard”; Terrance Stone of Young Visionaries; Gwen Rogers, newly appointed School Board Member for San Bernardino County Margret Hill, community activist; and Commissioner for First 5 San Bernardino. So many heavy hittas from the community were in attendance. I can’t name them all! Major shot out to some of my fellow entertainment buddies for their participation, Comedian Anthony Stone, Rapper Fitz Taylor, and Rapper Carl Fontaine. Also, they had the man himself, Chris Loos, radio personality for KQIE 104.7 FM. I can’t wait for the next one. I think if we keep it in the forefront, folks will have nothing else to do but get on board. More peace and love is needed. Let’s all do our part and take back our City. Until next week, L’z!

(Photo Courtesy of The San Bernardino Sun)

The event was sponsored by – Young Woman Empowerment/ WEGo Show/San Bernardino Unified School District C. H. O. R. D. S. is a safe and fun after school program for young people (ages 12-18) founded back in 2012. Their mission is to provide programs to help youth cultivate their talents by giving them the opportunity to explore music and creative arts. C.H.O.R.D.S. is a nonprofit organization that operates on donations and scholarships for kids.

(Photo Courtesy of The San Bernardino Sun)

Publisher’s Commentary by Wallace J. Allen

Most of our Armed Services personnel are probably used to hearing the “Thank you for your service” part of this headline, especially during the days just before Veterans Day.  As we consider the poor condition of the country’s infrastructure, our streets, bridges, highways and dams, we can be sure that every natural disaster has the potential to turn tragic. We also know that the structure of family and community is constantly challenged and evolving under the influence of low and no wage, corruption and if not lawlessness. We can certainly agree that we have biased law enforcement.

All of the above are reasons to add the “We still need you” phrase of this article’s headline when we encounter a veteran.  Their training and love for America has been proven by their initial service.  They have put their lives on the line for an ideal… freedom and fairness is what they fight for.  Many come home from the fight, wounded either physically or emotionally, which translates to, ’unfinished business’.  They need to be included and valued for the rest of their lives.  Their knowledge and proven commitment make them very valuable assets as emergency responders, youth counselors, and public safety coordinators.

Combat veterans should not be allowed to become police officers, because the gun on their hip is the military problem solver. Our police need to depend on the gun as a last resort.  Our combat veterans should never have to worry about healthcare, income, housing or educational opportunity for the rest of their lives.  Yes, I think they become ‘entitled’ to these things as a result of risking their lives for our country, and you and me!

Requesting that they serve as responder volunteers, community organizers, and public safety coordinators as the continuum of their service is reasonable and a great public benefit! However, if they choose not to make themselves available for additional service, they should still receive their entitlement!

There are many veterans providing public service in the form discussed… They are doing their job! There are still many veterans who are jobless, homeless and or alone… Veterans who are waiting for medical care, or a friend to step up! That true statement suggests that we, the ones that the veterans risked their lives for, are not doing our job.

Looking to impose tougher laws on bullying

Submitted by Dr. Spinner

LOS ANGELES, CA—It was cold breezy day, missing her family, Dr. Spinner’s wife, renowned Boca Raton Attorney, Nekishia L. Spinner, is yet not frazzled due to her assignment of going to the White House to bring forth change through prayer and supplication, in regards to Bully Awareness Network’s initiative of ending all forms of bullying.  One of the objectives of BAN is to get legislation passed that will impose tougher laws against bullying in schools.  Conversely, many miles away on a different coastline, her husband hosted the Move 2 Improve Tour, which was a youth empowerment event that encouraged youth to embrace their unique talents and gifts in the arts.

Saturday night at the Chuco’s Youth Justice Center, you can hear the thumping, all of sudden youth begin to scream, not in fear, however out of excitement as Shane Sparks enters the building.  Later, Aarona Lopez comes into to the facility showing the teens some Wild N Out fun.  Oakland Rapper, Kayla B., “it was a night truly to remember! “  Reverberating music provided by some of Disney and Nickelodeon’s finest social media stars and headline teen acts such as Korina Davis, one of, if not the best violinist in the world, Pynk Lemonade, Aliyah Moulden, Faithy J, and The Johnson’s Twins, “definitely, they are some of the best young talent in the country, which very few can match!”  “These young people spend countless hours perfecting their artistry, which we have an artist development program as well as teach kids about how to become an entrepreneur.”  One artist, Faithy J, is selling a book entitled, “You Are Never Too Young to Get Started,” while another Aliyah Moulden will be learning how to form patterns, make textiles, and create her own special creations all under her signature brand, under the tutelage of Christia’n Annice, who designs adolescents clothes out of her boutique, Issis Sky.  The Bully Awareness Network welcomes her participation in part of their Young Executive Entrepreneur Academy (Y.E.E.A.)!  “We will continue to develop leaders that reflect our culture, climate, and cognitive state, resonating the message to end all forms of bullying, states Dr. Spinner, Founder and President of BAN. He continues to add that, “we have to replace the wayward behavior with positive reinforcement.”   Lastly, Dr. Spinner is ecstatic to see another entrepreneur Kali Raah coming out of the program to bring his T-Shirt Line Kali Raah.   Additionally, Dr. Spinner, he is firmly committed to the youth being empowered as Bryce Xavier, vehemently and passionately shared their personal encounters with bullying,  as well as spoke the dire need of social reform.

Several celebrity guest came out to show support towards Dr. Spinner’s initiative, Ro Brooks, who shared with the kids how to become an actor and what it takes using quotes from his book, “How to go from Extra to ACTOR.” Shane Sparks, of America Best Dance Crew TV Show,  if not the top choreographer in the world, spoke about the discipline that is required to become a top dancer and performer; Tony Nicholas, son of legendary tap duet group, the Nicholas Brothers, and a special appearance was made by Miss California 2015, Erika Abke who spoke about teen domestic violence.  In addition to being broadcast live by 1580 AM Da Radio Show.

Next on the tour line, November 21, as BAN pulls together five community churches and feeds up to thousand people a Thanksgiving Meal, while promoting their initiative with BAN guest speakers, hosted by Dr. Spinner, Tenise Taylor (Bullying), Shelia Peters (Protecting your kids from Sex Trafficking), and Joi Hall (Teen Domestic Violence) as well as some of the best young talent in the country performing.  Thereafter, Dr. Spinner has scheduled a tour in early December for teens to tour the college campus of USC.  We need to continuously keep our kids engaged and I look forward to signing up as many kids possible, regardless of age.

Next, we are having our Free Toy Drive and Christmas Concert that is going to have absolutely, “hands down the best talent on the planet, as I have been getting calls from various record labels as well as vp’s from Sony, DreamWorks, Hollywood Entertainment, wanting to come the event to hear the young people perform.”  Dr. Spinner welcomes all”clean” acts “as we are promoting a new culture of substance as well as purpose.”

December 22 event, which will lead up to the Martin Luther King Parade, January 18, 2016 that will be televised live on Channel 7.  “We are honored by the committee to have selected BAN to be part of this amazing event, which I look forward to getting the kids out and being a part of history in a major way!”  You can continue to follow the Move 2 Improve Tour on FB at Bully Awareness Network.

“We need everyone’s support, as we will have several events coming up starting with Men and Boys (Teen) Domestic Violence Forum, our semiannual forum on domestic violence and sex trafficking conference, and our anti bullying talent showcases. “

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Dr. J.J. Spinner at 323 301 2416 or email at Bullyawarenessnetwork@gmail.com.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Today is, “Second Chance Day!”… Today is, “Get Right Day!”… Today is, “Election Day!”… A day in which you get to “Cast Your Ballot!”… A day in which, you get to “Choose!”… A day in which, Your Decision will affect your “Destiny.” It is a personal decision… It is so personal that no one else can make it for you.  And it is a decision that must be made “Today!”  So, “Cast Your Ballot” and “Choose this day Whom you will serve.” Will it be God or the World? Christianity or Secularism? Wealth, pleasure, beauty, physical perfection, or sensationalism? I want you to know that the decision God is calling you to make today is of more importance than any other decision you will ever make. And it is a decision that must be made now because you do not know what tomorrow holds. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. [James 4:14]. It is a decision that must be made now to avoid the hardening of the heart. It is a decision that must be made now because it cannot be made after death. Why is it such a big deal? Why should this decision be made NOW? Because you cannot save yourself. Because God does not desire to see a soul eternally lost. Because Jesus, gave His life to save you!

I want you to know that today you stand very much where the tribes of Israel stood when Joshua addressed them [Joshua 24], and now you too must respond.  Understand that there is a battle going on for your heart and mind, your loyalty and allegiance; so choose carefully! And remember that the choice and commitment you make today will determine your future. I want you to know that after Joshua addressed the people of Israel, they rose to the occasion and replied most appropriately: They said, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods….” I am sure they meant it.  But, they quickly fell away. How are you doing? What will define you? Will it be God or the world that comes first?  What about … “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!”  Is that a defining statement for you?   Jesus says, “Follow me.” Then He comes back insisting that it’s “Either-or.” Jesus calls for a clear decision. “You cannot serve God and Mammon.” You cannot keep wavering, He says. Time is running out. You must take a stand. “Choose this day Whom you will serve!” Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. [2 Cor. 6:17-18]. Just as the Lord issued a call through Joshua all those centuries ago for His people to make of their minds as to Whom they would serve, so He issues the same call to you on this day. It’s time to make up your mind! And, it is! Decide Who will have your worship, your love and your obedience: God Almighty or the World… Sadly, Israel did not keep their vows to the Lord and they paid a terribly high price. Justt read [Judges, Samuel, Kings and Chronicles].

Today is “Election Day!”… Choose this day Whom you will serve…. “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” [Deuteronomy 30:19].

LOS ANGELES, CA-  A dinner celebrating The Eva Longoria Foundation raised funds to support the Foundation’s mission to help Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through education and entrepreneurship. The dinner took place on Thursday, November 5^th at Eva Longoria’s restaurant, Beso, in Los Angeles. Attendees included Eva Longoria, Mario Lopez, Zachary Levi (“Heroes Reborn”), Roselyn Sanchez (“Devious Maids”), Judy Reyes (“Devious Maids”), Amaury Nolasco (“Prison Break”, “Telenovela”), Holly Robinson Peete, Rodney Peete, Alex Meneses (“Telenovela”), Diana Maria Riva (“Telenovela”), Izzy Diaz (“Telenovela”), Jadyn Douglas (“Telenovela”), Steven Bauer (“Ray Donovan”), Robin Antin (Pussycat Dolls), Rebecca Da Costa (THE BAG MAN) and philanthropist and activist Henry Muñoz.  

Guests arrived at Beso Hollywood for cocktails followed by dinner and remarks from Eva Longoria and Laysha Ward, President of Community Relations at Target. Host Eva Longoria spoke about the launch of the Foundation’s nationwide Latina mentorship network and its 2015 Parent Engagement Convening, which brought 40 top experts together to find ways to involve exponentially more parents in their children’s education. Longoria also described the Foundation’s signature STEM education programs, which have helped more than 2,600 Latinas develop technology skills, such as coding and robotics. Actress, producer, and star of “Devious Maids” Judy Reyes spoke about the Foundation’s commitment to cultivating the full potential of Latinas. Actor and host of EXTRA Mario Lopez and CEO of Muñoz & Company and Foundation Board Member Henry Muñoz also made remarks about the value of the Foundation’s work to Latinas and the country as a whole. Premiere event sponsor Target announced an additional $100,000 contribution to the Foundation. Event sponsors included HBO/Time Warner, The Jacki and Gilbert Cisneros Foundation, Creative Artist Agency, and the Televisa Foundation. Denim designer Henry & Belle and apparel brand good hYOUman provided guests with complimentary women’s jeans and men’s shirts. Executive Chef Angel Estrada prepared an exquisite four-course meal for guests.

The Eva Longoria Foundation was established in 2012 by actress, activist and philanthropist Eva Longoria. The Foundation gives Latinas the tools to succeed through education and entrepreneurship. There are currently 25 million Latinas in the US and by 2015, they will make up 15% of the total population. The Foundation works to improve the futures not only of the Latinas they serve, but also of the US as a whole.

If you would like to donate to the Eva Longoria Foundation, please visit www.evalongoriafoundation.org/donate.