Shamika Lee has been honored as a Woman of Worth by L’Oréal Paris for her outstanding commitment to community achievement with her work for Graham Windham Services for Families and Children. Shamika was chosen as a Woman of Worth honoree from thousands of applicants by an elite group of judges, which includes: Carol Hamilton, President L’Oréal Paris, Dayle Haddon, author and L’Oréal Paris spokesperson, Soledad O’Brien, CNN Anchor and Special Correspondent, Denise Resnik, a 2006 Women of Worth Award winner and founder of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, Susan L. Taylor, Editorial Director of Essence Magazine and Louisa Terry, Co-Executive Director of The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Shamika will be honored in New York City on October 29th at the CNN Inspire Summit where she will receive $2,500 on her behalf for Graham Windham plus a matching $2,500 monetary donation in her name to The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, the ten-year charitable partner of L’Oréal Paris. Shamika is one of 13 honorees from across the country, who will be celebrated for their outstanding community achievements and positive impact in tackling some of society’s most difficult issues.
Shamika volunteers at Graham-Windham. Founded in New York in 1806 by Elizabeth Hamilton, widow of Alexander Hamilton, and Isabella Graham, widow of Dr. John Graham, the organization aided orphaned, abandoned and neglected children. The organization provides preventive services, foster care, adoption, day care services, parenting services and a boarding school for foster children. As a former foster child under the auspicies of Graham Windham, Shamika brings first hand experience and familiarity with the foster care system to help affect change.
Shamika says “I’m delighted to be honored as a L’Oréal Paris Woman of Worth and be in the company of such amazing women.”
The other 12 honorees are a cross section of women from all across America, dedicated to a range of causes and are exceptional representatives of the current trend in grassroots activism.
Women of Worth National Honoree
Following the voting period, one woman will be named the Women of Worth National Honoree. The National Honoree, an ultimate recognition introduced this year to the program, will receive an additional $25,000 donation in her name to her associated non-profit.
The voting period for the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth National Honoree as part of the second annual Women of Worth program will begin at noon on October 1st and continue through the 15th at www.womenofworth.com. Visitors are invited to logon to the site to vote for the woman who has made the greatest impact on her community.
The Women of Worth initiative is inspired by L’Oréal Paris’ iconic brand philosophy, “Because I’m Worth It” and recognizes the achievements of real women who embody the spirit of the L’Oréal brand-women who possess self-confidence and are committed to distinguishing their own lives by making a difference in the lives of others.
“The four simple words ‘Because I’m Worth It’ continue to serve as the inspiration for the L’Oréal Paris community,” said Carol J. Hamilton, President, L’Oréal Paris. “We’re thrilled to be honoring these thirteen amazing women from all across the country for their dedication to their communities.”
For more information about the Women of Worth Program, honorees bios and to vote for this year’s Women of Worth National Honoree, please visit www.womenofworth.com. Get out and vote to support Shamika!!!