A night of stars and mentorship: Celebrating impactful change at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Gala

The annual gala hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles was nothing short of spectacular. Held at the iconic International Ballroom at the Beverly Hilton, the event known as “The Big Night Out” spotlighted mentors and their transformative impact through the Women In Entertainment Mentorship Program. This initiative pairs high-ranking female entertainment executives with high school junior girls from underserved communities in Los Angeles, demonstrating the organization’s ongoing commitment to shaping futures.

Honoring trailblazers and mentors

During the event, former BET CEO Debra Lee received the prestigious Defender of Potential award, a testament to her unwavering dedication to mentorship. Reflecting on her journey, Lee emphasized, “Mentorship has always been very important to me. I was raised that if you were able to accomplish something, you give back, and the way I’ve always chosen to give back is to help others come forward.” Her inspiring words set the tone for an evening that celebrated dedication, perseverance, and the power of giving back.

A night filled with heartfelt speeches

The night kicked off with an emotional speech from Stacey Sher, the acclaimed producer behind films like Erin Brockovich, Django Unchained, and Pulp Fiction. Sher honored her “chosen sister” Pamela Abdy, a participant of the mentorship program, for her unwavering support and guidance for young women in media. Sher’s speech celebrated a lineage of women supporting each other in the entertainment industry, drawing connections to her former boss, Sherry Lansing, and the impactful mentorship they both received.

Receiving the Sherry Lansing Award, Pamela Abdy echoed Sher’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of maintaining a legacy of mentorship. “Stacey is fearless, caring, and giving, and together we have experienced everything from producing movies to motherhood,” said Abdy. She praised Lansing’s teaching on resilience, recalling her words, “It’s easy to be there for people when there are hits, but it’s the misses that count the most, and it’s how you treat your team and talent that matters when a film comes up short of expectations. Failure is not final, and it’s not fatal.” Abdy’s speech concluded with the exciting announcement of a new collaboration between BBBSLA and Warner Bros. Discovery. This upcoming pilot mentorship program will launch in the spring semester of 2025, aiming to create career pathways for L.A. youth by connecting them with mentors in the entertainment industry.

Passing the torch of empowerment

As one celebrated Warner Bros. CEO stepped down from the stage, another iconic figure took her place. Channing Dungey, chairwoman of Warner Bros. Television Studios, presented the Defender of Potential award to Debra Lee. Dungey, the first Black American president of a major broadcast television network, credited her own success to Lee’s groundbreaking work. “When she stepped into that role, she didn’t just break barriers, she shattered them,” Dungey remarked. Lee paved the way for future generations of women of color in media, proving that leadership and excellence transcend traditional limits.

Lee’s influence extends beyond her tenure at BET. She founded Leading Women Defined, an organization providing a supportive network for Black female executives facing corporate challenges. Lee also established the Monarchs Collective with the mission to diversify boardrooms across industries. Her commitment to mentorship and diversity continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of leaders.

Legacy and future initiatives

The evening also celebrated Judge Michael D. Carter of the Los Angeles Superior Court, honoring him with the Legacy Impact Award for his 30-year commitment to BBBSLA. His involvement exemplifies the enduring impact of consistent and dedicated support for the community.

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles focuses on fostering one-to-one mentorships for at-risk and underserved youth. The gala, which successfully raised over $600,000, serves as a pivotal platform for enhancing mentorship programs and creating opportunities for the future leaders of tomorrow.

Looking ahead

The Big Night Out gala showcased the power of mentorship and its ripple effects across generations and industries. It underscored how women in entertainment continue to shape and support one another, creating a legacy of empowerment and resilience.

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