Yesterday, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (proud to say that we are former classmates) gathered alongside representatives from Howard University (class of '95), Luma Labs, members of the DMV's technology, business and creative communities to break ground on the city's first ever "Inclusive Innovation Incubator." The massive 8,000 square feet space, will be located at Wonder Plaza, the hot retail location on the campus of Howard University. The incubator will support entrepreneurs and businesses that provide services to underserved communities. Luma Labs, a local tech startup, was selected to operate the new incubator. “This new incubator will support our growing technology and innovation sectors and ensure we address the needs of startups and entrepreneurs in the District. I look forward to working with Howard University and Luma Lab to foster innovation and equity in all 8 Wards", said Mayor Bowser. We believe that great ideas will spring for this new effort!
UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball
The annual UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball was held at the Capitol Hill Hyatt Hotel this past Saturday. Many area business, education and civic leaders gathered alongside DC Mayor Muriel Bowser to raise funds to continue the work of the United Negro College Fund. The 71 year old organization's mission remains to be a vehicle that provides education scholarships to students in need. Each year, deserving students from across the US deeply benefit from the tireless work of the UNCF and its supporters - are awarded scholarships This year's event sponsors were Vonage Business and AeroJet RocketDyne. The evening included a silent auctions and guests enjoyed live musical performance by legendary recording artists Morris Day and The Time.
A Restyled Way to Fly
Wheels Up showcased its new lineup of luxury aircraft yesterday at Dulles Airport's private jet hangars: XJET & Signature. The event provide local prospects and some existing Wheels Up members a look at its new luxurious King Air 350i and Citation Excel/XLS models. The evening was presented by Calkain Companies and CohnReznick and also featured exotic luxury vehicles, live entertainment, savory appetizers and sweet treats.
American Heart Association Gala
Washington, DC - The Mandarin Hotel
Last Saturday, the annual American Heart Association's Heart Ball was held at the Mandarin Hotel in downtown DC. The theme for the evening, "Light, Camera, Take Action" was so fitting given the fact that more action and attention need be focused on the risk that many will face with heart disease. The rate of men and women being affected is staggering - it is currently the leading cause of death for both groups.
But, despite the bleak news - the goal of the annual gala was not only to inform and inspire: but to raise lots of funds for heart disease research. The gala committee planned a great event event - featuring a Marilyn Monroe impersonator walking around in a beautiful "Seven Year Itch" inspired dress posing for pictures with guests, the Hollywood sign step and repeat was stationed near the entrance for eager guests to walk the red carpet and my favorite was the classic Hollywood films inspired photo booth - which featured a "Breakfast at Tiffany's" background - popular with the crowd.
However, the definite attention grabbing feature was that of sculptor Rick Casali. Many guests crowded around Mr. Casali and his model, just gazing at the beauty that was unfolding in front of them. It was indeed a sight to experience. The evening commenced as guests entered the ballroom, where heart disease survivors, family members of survivors, American Heart Association officials and sponsors opened the program with remarks. Many shared their personal stories of how heart disease had touched their lives and America Heart Association officials highlighted the work of the American Heart Association. The evening continued late into the night with dinner, a lively silent auction, dessert and dancing.
100 Point Wine & Fast Cars
Sterling, Virginia
Local executives gathered at the Ferrari of Washington dealership in Sterling, Virginia - the unique destination for Ferrari, Maserati and Lombardi - to enjoy its array of beautiful luxury vehicles and to participate in a 100 Point Wine tasting. This exclusive event, hosted by WashingtonExec - a purveyor of high-end professional network experiences - bought out local executives from many business sectors for a memorable evening.
JUST Beautiful
The great CreativeMorning had me up and out early yesterday morning for its monthly breakfast networking event featuring Baltimore rapper & artists Emmanuel "DDm" Moss. Moss came to speak at the newly opened Renwick Gallery on "Language." Since opening in November the Renwick Gallery has wowed the public with its opening exhibition WONDER. This colorful, electric and powerful exhibit has trended heavily on social media for weeks and and I now know why!
MPAA Welcomes Tichina Arnold
Washington, DC
The Motion Picture Association and the Multicultural Media, Telecom & Internet Council hosted actress Tichina Arnold, for a candid talk about her career and involvement to heighten awareness for the auto-immune disease Lupus. Ms. Arnold, famously known for her roles on hit television shows such as "Martin", "Everybody Hates Chris" and now the Starz Network "Survivor's Remorse" was in conversation with MPAA's John Gibson, Advisor for Diversity and Multicultural Outreach. From the beginning the program was a lively one - with impassioned opening comments and remarks by MPAA Chairman Chris Dodd and MMTC's President and CEO Kim Keenan - both speaking about the lack of diversity in Hollywood - RIGHTFULLY in the news recently. Sen. Chris Dodd remarked, "I share the disappointment expressed by Cheryl Boone Issacs, President of Academy of the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, about the results of the Oscar voting and the lack of diversity among the nominees. To echo her comments, while we celebrate the achievements of this year's nominees, the absence of diversity is undeniable and should initiate a healthy and productive debate about what can be done to make progress." After the opening comments concluded, Gibson and Arnold began an engaging talk - where Arnold shared candid personal stories about her career, family - explaining her dedication to the "We Win Foundation" - a nonprofit organization she started with her sister in 2013 - whom is suffering from lupus. The evening ended with yummy desserts and lots of guests taking selfies with the friendly and approachable actress.
Visit www.wewinfoundation.com for more information about the work Tichina and her sister are doing to make living with lupus more comfortable.
"Downton Abbey" Screening
WETA hosted the first episode screening of PBS's final season of "Downton Abbey" on the campus of George Washington University. After the event, Executive Producer Garreth Neame, Hugh Bonneville (Lord Grabtham), Allen Leech (Tom Branson), Kevin Doyle (Mr. Molesley), Phyllis Logan (Mrs. Hughes) and costume designer, Anna Robins participated in an engaging q&a.
The Middleburg Film Festival
(Top Left: Afrika, Lee Daniels and Pam Williams; Top Right: Vintage Coca-Cola Delivery Truck and bottom William Hasselberger and Bo Derek)
Another great weekend for the annual Middleburg Film Festival. This young film festival packs a punch with its stunning venue, on the Salamander Farm Resort and its stellar lineup of films and industry leaders.
My Trip to LA
Afrika and Stan Rosenfeld in his LA office.