Tuesday, February 24, 2009

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!”

No comments: