Girls Inc. Celebrates Women of Achievement at National Los Angeles Luncheon
Honorees Included: Gina Prince-Bythewood, Clancy Collins White, and Robin Thede 

New York, NY – Nov. 9, 2023 – Girls Inc., the preeminent girls’ leadership organization, hosted its annual luncheon in Los Angeles on Wednesday, November 8. The event recognizes distinguished women who are role models for the new generation of girl leaders. It also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the transformative Girls Inc. Experience that inspires girls to realize their full potential through a powerful blend of mentorship, pro-girl safe spaces, and evidence-based programming.

“Too often, what stands in the way of achievement for girls is not ability—it is opportunity,” said Girls Inc. President and CEO & Stephanie J. Hull, Ph.D.  “The women we honored have achieved extraordinary things, and they provide inspiration that creates a real sense of possibility for the young leaders who are benefiting from the Girls Inc. Experience.”

The 2023 Girls Inc. National Los Angeles Luncheon honorees included:

Gina Prince-Bythewood: Award-Winning Director/Writer/Producer

Gina Prince-Bythewood is an award-winning director, writer, and producer renowned for her character-driven storytelling in film and television and her work to ensure representation within the industry. Her impressive filmography includes notable works such as “Love & Basketball,” “The Secret Life of Bees,” “Beyond The Lights,” and “The Old Guard.”  Most recently, she directed the critically acclaimed epic feature film “The Woman King,” which tells the remarkable story of the Agojie, an all-female unit of warriors who defended the African Kingdom of Dahomey. Her commitment to diverse representation in the industry is reflected through her mentorship of emerging talent and through a range of projects, including the upcoming series “Genius: MLK/X,” executive produced by Prince-Bythewood and her husband Reggie Rock Bythewood under their Undisputed Cinema banner, as well as Prince-Bythewood serving as a mentor and executive producer on the new “Project Greenlight,” which focused on the next generation of talented female filmmakers.

Clancy Collins White: Executive Vice President, Creative Affairs, Warner Bros. Television

Clancy Collins White is a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, overseeing development for a vast array of groundbreaking scripted television projects from inception to launch, including the Emmy Award–winning “Abbott Elementary,” “The Flight Attendant,” “Found,” “Maid,” and many more. An accomplished professional in the field, Clancy is an inspiring figure for girls aspiring to make their mark in the world of television and entertainment, and she is a long-time champion for girls and Girls Inc.

Robin Thede:  Comedian/Writer, Creator/Star of A Black Lady Sketch Show

Six-time Emmy-nominee Robin Thede is a multi-talented comedian, writer, actor, and producer whose remarkable career is deeply rooted in her commitment to championing inclusive storytelling within the entertainment industry.  Best known as the Creator, Showrunner, Executive Producer, Writer, and Star of HBO’s Emmy-winning sketch comedy series, “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” Robin Thede made history as the first and only Black woman to create an Emmy-nominated sketch series. “A Black Lady Sketch Show” has garnered an impressive 16 Emmy nominations, and her creative prowess has secured her prestigious wins for “Outstanding Picture Editing for Variety Programming” and “Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series.” Thede’s work has received numerous awards and accolades, including the MIPCOM Diversity TV Excellence “Variety Creative Change” Award for leveraging her platforms to create inclusive stories.

Honorees are paired with outstanding Girls Inc. National Scholars who share their stories of overcoming challenges to reach their personal goals. Luncheon proceeds support the transformative Girls Inc. Experience for over 100,000  girls ages 5-18  in over 350 cities across the United States and Canada—particularly girls from low-income communities and girls of color. Over 500 attendees joined the event, raising an impressive $540,000 overall.

The event was chaired by Stephanie Savage, Founder, Fake Empire with support from Host Committee members: Violaine Etienne, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Kathy Hetherington, Melinda Hsu, Milauna Jackson, Krissy Lefebvre, Tom Lynch, Alison Kenney Paul, Katherine Pope, Susan Rovner, Audrey Rowe, Hope Rush, Tess Sanchez, Sasha Silver, Robin Tarufelli, Andrea Thornton Bolden, Jennie Urman, Odetta Watkins, Tracey Wigfield, and Ali Woodruff.

Left to right: Girls Inc. Alumna Jocelyn DeLeon, Girls Inc. participant Areli Anacleto, Honoree, Executive Vice President, Creative Affairs, Warner Bros. Television Clancy Collins White; Honoree, Award-Winning Director/Writer/Producer Gina Prince-Bythewood; Girls Inc. Alumna Kayla Salazar, and President & CEO of Girls Inc. Dr. Stephanie J. Hull at the Girls Inc. National Luncheon Reception in Los Angeles.

About Girls Inc. 

Girls Inc. is a network of local organizations that works with schools and in communities across the United States and Canada. Through direct service and advocacy Girls Inc. equips girls -particularly girls from low-income communities and girls of color – with the knowledge and skills to effect positive changes in their lives and to become leaders who will change the world. Professionally trained staff and volunteers provide mentorship, safe spaces, and programming that address the unique challenges girls face and are proven to help girls succeed. Together with partners and supporters, Girls Inc. is building the new generation of leaders. Join us at girlsinc.org.