Actress Lela Rochon, right, was honored by the LadyLike Foundation, led by Leah Pump. (photo courtesy of the LadyLike Foundation)
The LadyLike Foundation celebrated its 17th Annual Women of Excellence Awards & Signature Fashion Show on May 23 at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, recognizing four women whose accomplishments span sports, entertainment, business and culture.
This year’s honorees were USC basketball star JuJu Watkins, singer and actress Coco Jones, actress Lela Rochon and business executive Shannon Nash. The event was hosted by television personality Rocsi Diaz and brought together community leaders, philanthropists and entertainment industry figures in support of the foundation’s mission to empower young women.
Among those attending were Tina Knowles, Anthony Anderson, Antoine Fuqua, Bobby Brown and Cookie Johnson. Fuqua attended in support of his wife, Rochon. Jones was unable to attend, and her mother, Javonda Jones, accepted the honor on her behalf.
A centerpiece of the afternoon was the foundation’s Signature Fashion Show, featuring participants from LadyLike Foundation programs alongside children of supporters, including members of the families of Bobby Brown and Judge Greg Mathis. Organizers said the runway presentation highlighted confidence, creativity and self-expression while emphasizing mentorship and family support.
The Women of Excellence Awards & Fashion Show serves as the LadyLike Foundation’s primary fundraising event and supports programs for young women in underserved communities. The organization provides scholarships, leadership development opportunities, community service initiatives and performing arts training.
During the event, the foundation also recognized four participants who earned full scholarships to universities including Stanford University and UCLA. Leah Pump, founder and president of the LadyLike Foundation, said the students’ achievements reflect the organization’s mission and the impact of its programs.
“Watching these young women reach such extraordinary milestones is exactly why the LadyLike Foundation exists,” Pump said. “Their dedication, resilience and determination inspire all of us, and we could not be more proud of the bright futures ahead of them.”
According to the foundation, more than 85 college scholarships have been awarded to young women from underserved communities since its founding. The organization recently moved into a headquarters in Los Angeles’ Crenshaw District, expanding the capacity to serve young women and families throughout the region.
The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel is located at 9500 Wilshire Blvd.
For information, visit ladylikefoundation.org.
