Shining a Light on Compassion and Contribution

Our annual GWEN Luminary Awards celebrates individuals who are making a difference in the world through acts of kindness, leadership, mentorship, community building, and human rights activism.

Due to the Hollywood lockdown, charity events and concerts have elevated engagement, using streaming platforms to reach their fanbase and donor base to raise funds for their charity activities.
Global Women’s Empowerment Network (GWEN.GLOBAL) has partnered with M.A.C. (Managing Artistic Concepts) for the 5th Annual GWEN Luminary Awards & Concert, to continue to shine a spotlight on individuals and organizations who are making a difference in the world.
NOVEMBER 14th, 2020 at 11:00am PST (7:00 Nigeria) will air a 2+ hour concert and awards ceremony filled with concert performances linking artists between the two continents (United States and Nigeria/Nollywood).
Stage It (www.StageIt.com) will air the event on their industry-leading streaming concert platform, which allows donations for live auction items, to be made from the date of ticket sales throughout the broadcast. Tickets go on sale October 15th, 2020 Midnight PST.
Headliner performer is African’s treasure, 2Face Idibia (AKA 2Baba), with other performers, Brothers Koren (USA) Lizzie Sider (USA) Nya Jolie (USA) Asabe (Nigeria) Sonita (Refugee Rapper from Afghanistan who escaped childhood marriage) and a SURPRISE unveiling of a new artist from the producers of Lady Gaga, for this years New Artist Award. Jasmine Star will co-host from Los Angeles (16 year old protegee of rock/blues/classical/pop) with CEO/Founder GWEN Global, Tess Cacciatore who will host the show from the heart of Hollywood at the W-Hotel above the legendary Walk-of-Fame.
2020 GWEN Luminary Award Honorees, include Iconic artist, Dionne Warwick, (Legendary Luminary Award) along with other honorees from the United States, Cat Cora (Food Network/Chefs for Humanity), Verdine White (Earth Wind & Fire), Sonita (GWEN Gal/Rapper/Musician), SECRET NEW ARTIST AWARD (from the producers of Lady Gaga).
Nigeria (Nollywood) honorees include 2Face Idibia (2 Baba/Foundation) Julie Okah-Donli (NAPTIP – survivors of sex trafficking), Dr Elisha Attai (African Women Leadership Organization) and Alisha Sambo (Youth 4 Youth).
“During these challenging times we get to rise to the occasion and make things work in for the betterment of the world. Utilizing the digital/streaming space is something I have been doing since 2001, so it is with gratitude that all of these individuals and companies have come together with the dedication of all who are taking part in this year’s awards. We are raising awareness and funds for Human Rights and Education.” Tess Cacciatore
 Proceeds from merchandise sales, created and operated by Represent, along with ticket sales for the concert, and live auction items will go to help fund programs in the United States and Nigeria, Africa. Merchandise for the “Hold My Hand” and “Power of 1” campaign will commence sales on October 8th, 2020.
Proceeds from the event on the United States side will assist with a food program for children from low income families who are suffering from COVID without their school lunch programs (Chefs for Humanity), along with an education scholarship for refugee girls who have their lives threatened in their home countries.
Proceeds from the event on the Nigeria side will assist in the following: build of school (Lagos/Abuja) “Say No to Rape” campaign (Niger Delta Region) clean water campaign in partnership with Water Bearers, funds to help rehabilitate sex trafficked survivors and surgeries for women with VVF due to early childhood marriage.
Live Auction Items include a live performance speed painting of 2Baba, along with celebrity memorabilia, one-of-a-kind crafted jewelry, and more.
GWEN Initiatives (NGO status Nigeria) along with Global Women’s Empowerment Network (USA) will continue efforts beyond this event with a documentary series to provide focus and funding, furthering the efforts of the programs set forth from this concert.
Media Contact: Tess Cacciatore tcacciatore@gwennetwork.org