Nia Long Adopts HerShe as her Favorite Charity

Award-winning actress, Nia Long, adopted the HerShe Group as her all-time favorite charity. When asked why Long chose to passionately support the HerShe Group, Nia explains, “I had been contemplating several charities that I was considering to get involved with for about two years. But as I continued to get to know Kenadie, the HerShe girls, and the life-changing work that was being done, I realized that this is where I was meant to be. HerShe gives young women the guidance, skills, and love to move beyond unfortunate circumstances and create greatness for the future. I have dedicated my time, talent and resources to these girls and feel blessed to be accepted and appreciated. Together, we grow, laugh, cry and love!”

Nia’s friend, a HerShe volunteer (Daphne Wayans), invited Long to speak to the girls during HerShe’s first Camp Cinderella. This specialized camp for girls in foster care is held annually on Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus. During her talk, Nia spoke candidly about her own childhood struggles, the thrilling details of her rise in Hollywood as one of the industry’s most beautiful and talented leading ladies, and the importance of forgiveness.

Eight months later, the HerShe Group honored her with the nonprofit’s first ever Essence of Being Extraordinary Award. During her acceptance speech, Nia revealed, “I didn’t grow up in foster care, but there is a little HerShe in me, too.” She courageously shared circumstances in her life that she overcame to be successful.

She returned again that summer to HerShe’s Celebrity Barbecue Bash along with friends Sanaa Lathan and Regina Hall. Responding to their easy-going presence, a HerShe teen commented, “It was so cool hanging out with them. They really are just like regular people. I feel like I can talk to them about anything.”

HerShe Group’s founder and executive director, Kenadie Cobbin-Richardson, enjoys working so closely with Nia and is more hopeful about the organization’s future than ever. She shares, “Because of Nia’s involvement, HerShe will be providing transformational programs for girls in foster care well into the future!”

Yahoo! Donates HerShe’s Largest Grant To-Date

The Yahoo! Employees Foundation (Yahoo!) demonstrated the highest level of confidence in HerShe Group’s innovative and effective programming by donating $32,000 -- the largest grant ever received by the nonprofit to-date.

Yahoo! was at first reluctant to award a grant that is 21% of the organization’s budget. Normal industry practice is 10 to 15%. However, the grants committee was so impressed with the organization’s proven track record of success; they saw their donation as an opportunity to help HerShe leverage larger donations from other companies as a result of their leadership contribution.

Christi Turner, a three-year veteran mentor and Yahoo! employee at the time, encouraged HerShe to apply for the grant. Only Yahoo! employees can submit grants for consideration and must champion the organization throughout the lengthy application process. “I love how HerShe helps to transform the lives of girls in foster care. I will do whatever I can to support the organization’s mission,” said Christi regarding her involvement.

Kenadie Cobbin-Richardson, HerShe Group’s founder and executive director is thankful for Christi’s leadership and initiative. Kenadie noted, “She exemplifies what being a part of the HerShe community is all about!”