LOS ANGELES - Marylandian -- Meredith Thomas is an award-winning actress and producer. She started her career while still in elementary school as Tessie in "Annie" and in "Pleasantville" as a teenager and hasn't stopped acting since. She is ranked in second place in the number of Lifetime Television Movies acted in. Included among her awards is a Best Actress win for her 6th Christmas movie "The Best Gift". As a producer, Meredith has made inclusion her passion and in 2018 she created a charity event called FYC Independents which gives a platform to underrepresented talent including people of color, performers with disabilities, LGBTQ talent, and women. The FYC Independents' movement helped lead to countless Emmy® nominations and wins. Meredith is also a founding director of the Cre Theater Company and Changing Perceptions where she writes, directs, and produces theater for visually disabled actors.

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The event will feature tributes by entertainers, including accomplished recording musician Michael Raye, mezzo-soprano Hiroko Yoshinaga, singer Jamie Bacani Darwin, Carol Connors, Grammy Award winning singer and musician David Longoria, and other emerging artists. The celebration begins with a red carpet reception, hors d'oeuvres, and a happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Attendees are invited to a unique, magical International Women's Day Gala. The event includes a five-course dinner with a specially prepared menu, live music, and a themed fashion show titled "The Golden Era of Beauty." This show will highlight the designs of renowned creators such as Ken Barlis, a Project Runway winner, Will Franco, and fashion designer and creative director Tommy Le., from 7:00 - 10:00 pm.

Additionally, the evening will feature the presentation of the Women's Inspiration Awards from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., honoring women such as Congresswoman Diane Watson, pageant producer Virgelia Villegas, and American martial artist and actress Cynthia Rothrock, along with others who have made significant contributions to their communities and the world at large. This year's event will also benefit various charities dedicated to helping survivors and victims of the many fires in the Los Angeles area, ensuring that the celebration of women's accomplishments extends into meaningful community support.

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Website:    https://www.womensempowermentsummit.org
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