Five-time NAACP Image Award winner Tatyana Ali was the night’s master of ceremonies. (photo courtesy of Girls Inc. of Los Angeles)

Girls Inc. of Los Angeles brought together Hollywood leaders, celebrities, and corporate partners on May 9 for the third annual “L.A. Girls Rise” event, held at Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood.

For 160 years, Girls Inc. has championed girls by providing support and research-based programming to build self-esteem, develop life skills and enable academic achievement. Girls Inc. of Los Angeles currently serves elementary and middle school-aged girls in South Los Angeles, Watts and Venice, providing programming focused on inspiring girls to be strong, smart and bold. Girls Inc. of Los Angeles empowers girls at critical stages in their development and is designed to be the premier program for girls in Los Angeles.

“We are proud of the work we have done in our community, but our service does not end tonight,” said Nicole Sams, board chair of Girls Inc. of Los Angeles. “These young women are our future leaders, and we must stay committed to their full potential being realized, by giving them the tools and skills they need, and the access to opportunity they deserve.”

More than 400 guests were on hand to celebrate achievements of the past year and raise critical program funds. The inspiring evening kicked off with a reception and silent auction at the beautiful Paramount Theater. Guests bid on items ranging from hotel stays and trips, to one-of-a-kind dining experiences and many other items, including VIP concert tickets, stunning jewelry and beauty and wellness packages. Attendees were also treated to a special “Barbie” activation while they enjoyed appetizers and delicious food stations.

The evening’s master of ceremonies was five-time NAACP Image Award winner, performer and activist Tatyana Ali, who took the stage to introduce Ingrid Villeda, the community schools coordinator from 93rd STEAM Academy, who spoke about the impact Girls Inc. L.A. has had on her students during the last three years.

Erin Ross, CEO of Girls Inc. of Los Angeles, spoke about program expansion into new schools, including a high school pilot, and premiered an emotional new video.

“The unique challenges facing girls today are difficult to navigate and overcome, and our urgent mission continues,” Ross said. “We thank all of our sponsors and partners this evening, your support ensures that we can expand our efforts to inspire more girls in our community to be strong, smart and bold.”