“Show Her the Money” creator Catherine Gray, left, joined executive producers Dawn Lafreeda and Sharon Gless at the event in West Hollywood. (photo courtesy of Jeff Hollingsworth/RMH Media)

A standing-room-only crowd filled the West Hollywood City Council Chambers on Oct. 11 as L.A. Tech Week launched with a Women’s Empowerment Movie Day celebrating women’s leadership, innovation and equality across film, tech and venture capital. 

Los Angeles native Sharon Gless – known for roles in “Cagney & Lacey” and “Queer as Folk” – was honored with the Legacy Impact Award, recognizing her acting career and decades of LGBTQ+ advocacy. Gless, who also wrote the foreword and narrates the audiobook for the newly released “Show Her the Money,” has long championed equality and amplified women’s stories. 

“Sharon has used her voice and her art to open doors for others,” said Catherine Gray, executive producer and creator of “Show Her the Money.” “She represents the courage, passion and integrity that continue to drive this movement forward.” 

The event included a meet-and-greet and book signing with Gless, Gray and fellow executive producers Dawn LaFreeda and Diana Greshtchuk, along with director Ky Dickens. The award-winning film “Show Her the Money” reveals the realities women face in raising venture capital and celebrates the visionary female investors supporting them. Screenings also included “Lilly,” the true story of equal-pay champion Lilly Ledbetter, and “Still Working 9 to 5,” a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the classic film and the continuing struggle for workplace equality. 

For information, visit showherthemoneymovie.com.