Los Angeles witnessed an afternoon of empowerment, resilience, and camaraderie as GreenLight Women hosted its highly anticipated 3rd Annual Brunch at the luxurious London West Hollywood. A sold-out affair, this prestigious event brought together industry pioneers, media icons, and influential changemakers to celebrate groundbreaking women, honor legacies, and uplift communities.
From inspiring tributes to barrier-breaking honorees to an unforgettable live performance, the brunch encapsulated the essence of leadership, philanthropy, and perseverance. With the unwavering support of sponsors, including The Law Offices of Sauda Johnson, PC., MOCEAN, and Le Kool Champagne, created by Robert ‘Kool’ Bell of Kool & The Gang, the event not only paid homage to legendary women but also extended its mission of giving back—this year, benefiting L.A. wildfire victims.
Honoring Trailblazing Icons in Entertainment
The event’s highlight was a heartfelt tribute to two remarkable women whose pioneering contributions have shaped the landscape of entertainment and journalism: Jayne Kennedy and Regina Jones.
Jayne Kennedy: Breaking Barriers in Media
As the recipient of the Pioneer Award, Jayne Kennedy was honored for her trailblazing career as a sports broadcaster, actress, and advocate. A true media pioneer, Kennedy paved the way for women of color in sports journalism, fearlessly breaking racial and gender barriers. During the brunch, she shared insights from her upcoming memoir, Plain Jayne, published by Disney Books, offering an intimate look at her journey of resilience, triumphs, and challenges.
Discover Jayne Kennedy’s Story: Plain Jayne by Disney Books
Regina Jones: The Voice of a Generation
Regina Jones, co-founder and editor-in-chief of SOUL Newspaper, received the Trailblazer Award for her pioneering efforts in Black cultural journalism. Jones’ contributions laid the foundation for Black representation in entertainment media, giving a platform to legendary artists and amplifying voices that had long been overlooked. She also offered a sneak peek into her highly anticipated documentary, Who in the Hell is Regina Jones?, set to premiere at the February 2025 Pan African Film Festival.
Explore SOUL Newspaper’s Legacy: @soul_newspaper on Instagram
Both honorees engaged in an intimate fireside conversation, moderated by acclaimed radio host Dominique DiPrima (First Things First with Dominique DiPrima), discussing their influential careers, personal challenges, and the importance of mentorship in media and entertainment.
A Star-Studded Celebration of Women’s Empowerment
GreenLight Women’s 3rd Annual Brunch was a beautiful fusion of storytelling, music, and advocacy, featuring a powerful lineup of speakers, panelists, and performers.
- Host: The event was gracefully led by actress Erica Gimpel, known for her iconic roles in Wayfair Witches, Quantum Leap, Night Agent, 9-1-1, and the beloved classic Fame. Her charisma and warmth set the tone for an afternoon of inspiration.
- Musical Performance: A show-stopping performance by saxophonist J. Boykin left attendees mesmerized. His 360° perspective performance earned a standing ovation, creating a soul-stirring musical atmosphere.
GreenLight Women: Leading the Charge for Women in Entertainment
At the heart of this empowering event was GreenLight Women, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women over 40 in entertainment. The event was masterfully produced by:
- Kimberly Ogletree (President): An award-winning producer with over 25 films and multiple TV projects to her name.
- Romell Foster-Owens (Secretary): A veteran filmmaker and passionate advocate for women’s representation in entertainment.
The organization is led by a dynamic executive board, including:
- Lucy Webb (Vice President)
- Gladys Stennis-Mixon (Treasurer)
- New Board Members: Sharlette Hambrick, Bobbi Banks, Neema Barnette, Hillary Bibicoff, Julie Dash, Michelle Dennedy, and Rahwa Ghebre-Ab.
A Mission Rooted in Advocacy
GreenLight Women remains a formidable force against ageism, gender disparity, and lack of diversity in entertainment, providing: ✅ Mentorship and networking opportunities
✅ Resources for professional growth and industry navigation
✅ Support for women in film, television, media, and other creative fields
Join GreenLight Women: Membership Application
For sponsorship inquiries: [email protected]
Giving Back: A Commitment to Community Impact
Beyond celebrating trailblazing women, the GreenLight Women Brunch embodied the spirit of giving back. This year, the event raised funds to support victims of the devastating L.A. wildfires, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to advocacy and community service.
Mark Winkler: The Power of Generosity During Black History Month As the brunch concluded, acclaimed jazz vocalist and philanthropist Mark Winkler delivered a powerful reflection on giving back during Black History Month. Winkler, known for his unwavering commitment to social causes and the arts, emphasized how trailblazers in entertainment have not only broken barriers but have also uplifted communities through their generosity and activism.
- Championing Representation: Winkler highlighted how icons like Jayne Kennedy and Regina Jones not only excelled in their careers but used their platforms to advocate for diversity, inclusion, and community upliftment.
- The Ripple Effect of Giving: He reminded attendees that philanthropy is not just about financial contributions—it’s about mentorship, storytelling, and opening doors for the next generation.
- A Call to Action: “The most powerful legacy we can leave,” Winkler shared, “is one of compassion, advocacy, and empowerment. The work of GreenLight Women, and the contributions of today’s honorees, serve as a testament to the lasting impact of those who dare to make a difference.”
A Legacy of Empowerment and a Future of Possibilities
As the event wrapped up, the atmosphere was charged with inspiration and unity. The GreenLight Women 3rd Annual Brunch was not just a celebration—it was a movement, reinforcing the message that representation, mentorship, and advocacy can reshape industries and uplift communities.
As anticipation builds for next year’s 4th Annual Brunch, GreenLight Women remains steadfast in its mission to champion women in entertainment, ensuring more voices, more opportunities, and a more inclusive future.
Follow GreenLight Women on Social Media:
Instagram: @GreenLightWomen
Facebook: GreenLight Women
Interested in supporting or joining GreenLight Women? Visit GreenLightWomen.org for more details.
Report By Mark Winkler
The Power Player Lifestyle
