This past September the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn was the site of the Finding Ashley Stewart 2018 Finale. The 2nd Annual celebration of the Ashley Stewart community and their continued support of women’s empowerment, education, and fashion. Stars such as The Real host Loni Love and Power star Lala Anthony came together alongside founder of Starfish Media, Emmy-Award winning journalist Soledad O Brien to spark the star-studded gala. The evening was hosted by actor Rob Riley and Plus Model Magazine editor Maddy Jones and featured performances by legendary trio Naughty By Nature, as well as the iconic SWV and MC Lyte. At the helm on the music side was none other than DJ Kid Capri.
Special guests on hand included Real Housewives of Atlanta star Peter Thomas, Author of “The Sister Accord: 51 Ways To LOVE Your Sister” Sonia Jackson Miles, President of Interactive One media Detavio Samuels, and Talk Show Host Sharon Quinn to name a few.
The winner on the evening was Chester, Pennsylvania’s own Tiffany Gosa-Falmer a 2006 Widener University graduate with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. A tenured teacher with Master’s level accreditation, Gosa-Farmer has a passion for not only teaching but fashion as well. In her own words, “Becoming Ashley Stewart 2018 means that I have a great opportunity to empower girls, teens and women across the nation, and share my story of how I turned my life around. It’s a true privilege and honor, and I’m proud to say that ‘I Am Ashley’.”
Aside from the festivities another residual impact was the donation of close to $150, 000 in scholarships and other charitable donations to phenomenal individuals: Chicago State University student Amber Green, Medgar Ever College students Asha Newton and Cristal Munoz, Rutgers University student Tia Ryans, Mott Hall Bridges Academy winners Arkeema Chandler and Dominique Harrell, Clark Atlanta University Student Regine Stepherson, Temple University student Anisa Ara, and Texas Southern University student Sydney Sexton. Last but certain not least donations were announced as pledged to the American Cancer Society, Black Retail Action Group, Soledad O’Brien’s PowHERful Foundation and La La Anthony’s La La Land Foundation.
