EPIC AWARDS 2011
The White House Project’s 2011 EPIC awards were held in the IAC building in New York City on April 7 2011. RBRW had the privilege of attending such a prestigious and inspirational event with access to the Red Carpet, the Awards Ceremony and the After Party. The Epic Awards is an event that brings together a diverse cross section of people. The list includes activists, philanthropists and television and film stars. The occasion celebrates and honors significant women, and their contributions to the advancing of women's leadership in all communities and sectors through the media and popular culture mediums. They feel no one is to big or small to either learn or contribute, from local business leaders all the way to the steps of the white house and the president.
Prominent stars in attendance were Anna Sophia Robb from the new movie ‘Soul Surfer’ and Academy Award Winner and White House Project Board member, Geena Davis who began the Awards evening acknowledging the mission of the White House Project: ‘to empower women in leadership’ and embraced new President of the White House Project: Tiffany Dufu. Other supporters of the event included Project runway super model and entrepreneur Carmilla Barungi; Loreen Arbus, producer, philanthropist and activist –who was also the first woman to head up programming for a TV Network in the U.S.; and Gloria Steinem, feminist author and activist. Dufu made her mark as new President in a speech where she made it quite clear that her “life work is to advance women and girls.” She also presented former White House Project President and Founder Marie C. Wilson with an award honoring her legacy in contributing to the progression of empowerment, gender equality and leadership for countless women across America. Wilson accepted her award graciously and with humility thanking her family for their support in her efforts to establish and grow such an amazing organization. She also expressed her excitement and faith in new President Tiffany Dufu and her vision to further the work of the White House Project.
The EPIC awards also acknowledged the talents and positive influences of male directors and producers of films highlighting the efforts of significant girls and women who have contributed both nationally and internationally in their roles of leadership. These included: Duane Baughman, Director and Producer of the acclaimed film Bhutto; Doug Liman, acclaimed Film Director of the movie Fair Game and Executive Producer of Covert Affairs; Ben Houser, Senior Producer, ESPN’s E:60 and The Chelsea Baker Story — A League of Her Own and Chelsea Baker, Plant City Little League; and Dee Rees, Writer and Producer, Pariah.
Those in attendance were privy to inspirational speeches from a variety of women ranging from young teens such as singer and musician Gabi Wilson and Chelsea Baker to women such as Lisa Cortes, Executive Producer of the movie Precious and hit series Covert Affairs star Kari Matchett who also hosted the After Party. The talented Gabi Wilson accepted Barbie’s ‘I Can Be’ Award and had the audience spellbound as she concluded the evening with her rendition of Beyonce’s ‘If I were a Boy’ in honor of Marie C. Wilson. For more information about the White House Project and the EPIC Awards visit their website: www.whitehouseproject.org
Check out the main RBRW - TV for event coverage.
