L’Oréal Paris USA marked the 20th anniversary of its Women of Worth initiative with a star-studded celebration in Los Angeles, honoring formidable female changemakers and spotlighting two decades of grassroots impact.
The philanthropic program, launched in 2005, has recognized 200 women and awarded millions of dollars in grants to women-led nonprofits focused on issues ranging from mental health to environmental justice.
This year, 10 honorees were each awarded a $25K grant in partnership with the brand’s longtime nonprofit collaborator Points of Light.
For the first time, the event’s red carpet was livestreamed by Vanity Fair. Actor and advocate Sophia Bush hosted the ceremony, which brought together this year’s honorees and a lineup of L’Oréal Paris ambassadors including Helen Mirren, Andie MacDowell, Kendall Jenner, Aja Naomi King, Gillian Anderson and Ariana Greenblatt.
“Celebrating 20 years of Women of Worth is incredibly special,” L’Oréal Paris USA President Laura Branik says. “This program has created a legacy of impact, highlighting the power of women’s leadership and service.”
Mirren says the program’s impact reflects the power of women leading change. “Being a part of the program has shown me firsthand how empowering women uplifts entire communities,” she says.
“It’s a reminder of why I’ve long cherished my partnership with L’Oréal Paris. These honorees exemplify courage, resilience, and the transformative power of community. I’m deeply honored to celebrate their remarkable achievements,” Mirren says.
The 2024 honorees include:
- Amy Bowers Cordalis, Ridges to Riffles Indigenous Conservation Group, working to protect natural and cultural resources essential to Indigenous sovereignty.
- Dr. Anita Ravi, PurpLE Health Foundation, providing long-term, trauma-informed medical care to survivors of gender-based violence.
- Cristina Rodriguez, Mind&Melody, offering interactive music programs for people with neurological impairments.
- Gloria Umanah, Hope Booth, creating accessible mental-health support through immersive phone-booth installations.
- Keely Cat-Wells, Making Space, building career pathways for disabled professionals.
- Lynne B. Hughes, Comfort Zone Camp, supporting grieving children through free camps and resources.
- Mizpah Brown-Rich, Joshua’s Gift, aiding families navigating autism and developmental disabilities.
- Olivia Zhang, Cancer Kids First, a global youth-led nonprofit supporting children with cancer.
- Sloane Davidson, Hello Neighbor, helping resettled refugee and immigrant families connect with local support.
- Yasmine Arrington Brooks, ScholarCHIPS, providing scholarships and mental-health resources to students with incarcerated parents.
The brand said it plans to continue expanding the Women of Worth platform as it enters its third decade. Nominations for the program’s Class of 2026 are open until March 8, 2026.