By Tanasha Allwood
Los Angeles is no stranger to star-studded events, but every so often, an evening comes along that transcends celebrity and entertainment—one that centers humanity, healing, and urgent action. That was the case at a recent invite-only benefit hosted by Tiffany Haddish and her She Ready Foundation, alongside Daphne Ziman, founder of Justice for Women International.
The evening blended comedy, music, and community with a powerful mission: raising awareness and funds to eradicate human trafficking in Los Angeles, particularly among foster care youth—one of the city’s most vulnerable populations.
As confirmed media, I had the rare opportunity to experience the event beyond the red carpet. While guests mingled, enjoyed curated bites, cocktails, live performances, and vendor activations, the true energy of the night pulsed behind the scenes—where purpose met action.
Some of the VIPs received special gift bags featuring Cotrini’s luxury night cream made with salmon DNA and Viuearth mineral water.
A Room Full of Influence—and Intention
The crowd reflected a cross-section of entertainment and advocacy, with appearances by the Roney Boys, BRAVA Paulina Aguirre, Marina V., Max & Mini, comedian Brad Williams, and a standout musical performance by Sevyn Streeter, whose voice and presence brought both warmth and soul to the evening. Streeter later took time to connect with me and a few others backstage, an authentic moment that reflected the spirit of the night.
Unlike many industry events where media remains fixed on the carpet, this experience offered deeper access. I was able to move freely throughout the venue, engage with guests, observe meaningful conversations, and even step backstage—where I had the opportunity to briefly meet Tiffany Haddish in her dressing room.
While she was understandably focused and preparing for her performance, Haddish graciously took a moment to connect, take a photo, and share her hope that more people—including media—become actively involved with the She Ready Foundation.
Tiffany Haddish’s Story: From Foster Care to Foundation
What made the night especially powerful was Tiffany Haddish’s transparency. In her remarks, she shared her personal journey through the foster care system—moving from place to place, often feeling unsafe, unwanted, and judged. For many in the audience, these were new revelations. For others, particularly those who have worked with foster youth, her story felt heartbreakingly familiar.
In 1999, long before her rise to fame, Haddish began a simple but life-changing act of service: donating luggage to foster youth. Many children enter the system carrying their belongings in trash bags or with nothing at all. What may seem like a small gesture—providing a suitcase—became a powerful symbol of dignity.
Today, that mission has grown. The She Ready Foundation now partners with Travelpro Luggage, expanding its reach and impact while continuing to center foster youth at every stage.
As someone who relocated to Los Angeles from Dallas, Texas—where I previously worked as an human resources manager at a foster care home—this moment resonated deeply. I worked closely with teenagers, many of whom aged out of the system at 18 with nowhere to go. Too often, these young people are left vulnerable to homelessness, exploitation, and trafficking.
To hear Tiffany’s story, and to see her turning lived experience into sustained action, was both validating and inspiring.
Addressing a Crisis Head-On
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came from Daphne E. Zinman, who announced the formation of Los Angeles’ new anti-sex trafficking task force. The initiative will unite the DEA, LAPD Chief, City Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, and Mayor Karen Bass’s office in a coordinated effort to combat sex trafficking across the city. The room erupted in applause.
Los Angeles faces a devastating reality: girls as young as 11 to 13 years old are being trafficked, beaten, raped, and forced to survive on the streets. These are not statistics—they are children.
To witness two women-led organizations standing in the gap—offering protection, advocacy, and long-term solutions—was nothing short of powerful.
Community, Commitment, and What Comes Next
She Ready Foundation board member and President Dion Gordon also shared details about an upcoming event in May, where the foundation will donate prom dresses to foster youth, ensuring they can experience milestones with confidence and dignity. I look forward to returning to cover and support that event.
Before the night ended, I purchased Tiffany Haddish’s book, I Curse You With Joy, which she personally signed—another meaningful reminder that joy, when shared, can be radical.
This experience affirmed something I already knew: these are the stories that matter. These are the assignments that create impact. And this is the lane I’m proud to occupy as an emerging entertainment journalist—where access meets advocacy, and storytelling becomes a tool for change.
How to Get Involved
Community involvement is essential to sustaining this work. Those interested in donating, volunteering, or learning more can connect directly with the She Ready Foundation.
Volunteer Opportunities: admin@shereadyfoundation.org
Because awareness is powerful—but action is transformative.
Featured image: Daphna Ziman, B Howard, Tiffany Haddish
All photos courtesy of She Ready Foundation and Justice for Women.
