Expose Team: Nfagie Koroma,Mesi Usiade,Norma Dalke, Monalisa Okojie, Seye Tesfazgy, Aineakhor-Ojior
The 2025 Expose Fundraising Gala shined a spotlight on hope and opportunity in support of youth and women’s empowerment at the historic Santa Monica Bay Women’s Club on October 18th. Hosted by Expose founder Monalisa Okojie, the gala assembled celebrity champions, cultural leaders, and committed sponsors in support of transformational programs bridging education, mentorship, and community upliftment.
Actor Sean Hill, Expose founder Monalisa Okojie, producer The Kelly Clarkson Show Jordan Watland, Emmy-nominated actress_producer Bella Cruz
“At Expose Gala 2025, every story shared and every hand extended represents a ripple of hope for youth and women having limited access to opportunities,” said founder Ms. Okojie. “Tonight, as we gather in celebration and solidarity, our purpose is not only to raise funds but to inspire lasting transformation. Each guest, supporter, and artist present is a beacon—reminding us that together, our impact can break barriers and build brighter tomorrows for those who need us most.”
The red carpet lit up with VIP arrivals including Alice Amter (Big Bang Theory), Emmy nominated actress/producer Bella Cruz, Callie Rose Deets (Griselda), Dustin Quick, Honorary Consul General of Sweden in Los Angeles Gudrun Giddings, Eve Richards (A Line of Fire), Jordan Watland (executive producer The Kelly Clarkson Show, Steve Harvey Show), Omono Okojie (Legacies), news anchor Palmira Perez, Tyrone DuBose, and many others. Guests enjoyed silent auction bidding, a live raffle, dance performances by Wahala Crew, and a special musical appearance by Latin Grammy winners Pauline Aguirre and Pablo Aguirre, with the evening capped by a surprise performance by Jimmy Demers.
Pascale Fortunat, Nicole Muj, Monalisa Okojie, Gudrun Giddings
Expose’s 2025 event drew support and attendance from key sponsors and partners, including Hive 20, ACTS Law, Law Office of Odion Okojie, Phyllis Mungai, Dr. Bahareh Talei, Dr. Ijeoma Mbadugha, Senait Admassu, and Samuel Akinboro, as well as the tireless Expose team Aineakhor Ojior, Seye Tesfazgy, Norma Dalke, Nfagie Koroma, and Mesi Usiade. The gala’s collective mission, to expand access to education and opportunity for youth and women locally and globally, advancing the organization’s decade-long legacy.
Dr. Ijeoma Mbadugha, Dr. Bahareh Talei
“Our purpose—uplifting and empowering those who are most vulnerable—is both urgent and enduring,” adds Ms. Okojie. “Every ticket purchased, every donation made, moves us a step closer to breaking cycles of poverty and hopelessness. On this special evening, we not only celebrated progress but we’ve planted the roots of lasting change.”
Expose remains dedicated to eliminating poverty, illiteracy, and hopelessness through mentoring, economic opportunity, and educational enrichment. The gala’s proceeds will directly fund the expansion of Expose LA and STEM programs, nurturing future leaders and change-makers among underserved youth and women in Los Angeles and abroad.
About EXPOSE – EXPOSE is a dynamic 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 2013, dedicated to fostering educational, mental, and physical health awareness, as well as promoting social justice opportunities for women and youth. Our team is deeply committed to forging impactful partnerships on both national and global scales, aiming to address health disparities, alleviate poverty, and inspire individuals to enhance their overall well-being. Our initiatives are designed to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset, facilitate educational access, and enhance financial literacy skills. These include Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) programs implemented in various U.S. school districts, mentorship initiatives for youths in both the United States and Africa, and engaging in local community service projects. At EXPOSE, we firmly believe in empowering individuals to become lifelong learners, advocates, and proactive contributors to society. www.expose.ngo
Wahala Crew
#EXPOSEGala2025 #HopeInAction #EmpowerChange #WomenEmpowerment #YouthLeadership #STEMforGirls #MentorshipMatters #BreakingBarriers #TogetherWeRise
