Inspired In New York Honors Mike Ruiz and Nigel Barker

Inspired In New York Honors Celebrated An Electrifying Evening with

Mike Ruiz and Nigel Barker
Presenters Juli Piechovski (ABC’s “Don’t Trust the B---- in Apt 3”) & Martin Berusch

L to R:  Mike Ruiz and Nigel Barker


On behalf of the Inspired In New York Series we would like to thank the following:  The honorable Councilman Ruben Wills and team, our wonderful presenters Juli Piechovski & Martin Berusch, Camille Evans, George Harrell, Richard E. Pelzer II, Wendy McLean, Shana Gladden, Marlene Tapper, Von Boozier Twins, Thuli Dumakude, Ema, Maria McDonald, Sandi Bass, Anthony Underwood and the entire team at Cover Girls For Change and Celebrities For Justice along with Earnest Flowers III, Candidate for New York City Council (31st District).

MIKE RUIZ, world-renowned photographer, TV personality, former model, actor, spokesperson, creative director and director and NIGEL BARKER, acclaimed photographer, filmmaker, former model, author and philanthropist were honored by INSPIRED IN NEW YORK on May 22, 2012 at the trè chic Toro Lounge at the Smyth Hotel in historic Tribeca, New York.  MIKE RUIZ and NIGEL BARKER were chosen to receive this recognition by the honorable COUNCILMAN RUBEN WILLS due to their many years as innovators and trendsetters in the arts media and entertainment industries.  Both honorees received a proclamation from New York for their contributions.

Camille Evans, Founder of Inspired In New York proudly announced last night DIONNE WARWICK, former Ambassador of Health for the Reagan administration and U.S. Ambassador of the 46664 Mandela Foundation has joined forces with THULI DUMAKUDE of the Thembalethu Beaders and legendary models MARIA MCDONALD, founder of Cover Girls For Change and SANDI BASS to launch a global campaign to bring awareness to women’s rights and the fight against HIV/AIDS globally.



Contributing Sponsors: TORO Lounge at the Smyth Hotel, CME Management, Promotional Pro Entertainment, MEGA Personalities, Ellique Inc., Denim Lounge, Lez Play Radio, Nina Ferrell, illUstriam, MNS Media, GMAD25, Cake Man Raven, Daphnee Fortunate, Chef John Creger and Red Carpet by Steven Littles & Lunchbox Series.                       

                                                                                
All Photos Courtesy of Getty Images

DIONNE WARWICK PRESENTS THE COVER GIRLS FOR CHANGE 46664 CAMPAIGN

with SANDI BASS, THULI DUMAKUDE & MARIA McDONALD

Photographer PETER BEARD
Confirmed Models  Alek Wek, Chanel Iman, Pat Cleveland, Sandi Bass, Maria McDonald

**Launch announcement made at Inspired In New York event April 24th honoring Constance C.R. White. Kevin Liles and Phillip Bloch.
 

DIONNE WARWICK, former Ambassador of Health for the Reagan administration and U.S. Ambassador of the 46664 Mandela Foundation has joined forces with THULI DUMAKUDE, of the Thembalethu Beaders and legendary models MARIA MCDONALD, founder of Cover Girls For Change and SANDI BASS to launch a global campaign to bring awareness to women’s rights and the fight against HIV/AIDS globally.  South Africa has the highest number of people infected with HIV in the world.   The estimated rate of new HIV infections for black women in the U.S. was more than 15 times as high as the rate for white women, and more than three times as high as that of Latina women.

In recognition of Nelson Mandela’ 94th Birthday on July 18th Warwick, McDonald, Bass and Dumakude with support from several celebrity, fashion, and film notables will showcase the works of The Thembalethu Beaders.  Led by Thuli Dumakude 45 rural women of South Africa will create beaded jewelry to signify 46664 (four, double six, six four) which takes its name from the prison number (prisoner number 466 of 1964) given to Mr. Mandela when he was incarcerated for life on Robben Island, off Cape Town, South Africa.

This is the catalyst to a global human rights campaign for economic stability, racial equality, health reform/education and women’s rights.  Proceeds from the campaign will benefit the Thembalethu Beaders and the 46664 Mandela Foundation.

The campaign will kick off with a photo-shoot to be shot by iconic photographer PETER BEARD.   A documentary on the history of these iconic women’s fight for racial equality from America to Africa is set for release in 2013. 

Cover Girls for Change, is a platform spotlighting the Beauty, Fashion & Film Industries with the global initiative for social transformation through charitable contributions and innovative events.

Thembalethu Beaders is a South African based company helping in the fight against HIV / AIDS and creating jobs for rural women.