Lisa Subrize & Copa & Copa Style Magazine 2024 "Woman of the Year" Reema Kapani
Teacher Fest 2024
Lisa Subrize
Lisa Subrize
Copa Style Magazine Fashion Events Correspondent
(All photography by Suleman John)
The 2024 Teacher’s Festival Award Night was an evening that left everyone in awe, filled with celebration, style, and heartfelt recognition. Held in a setting where fashion met honor, the event showcased the incredible achievements of some truly outstanding individuals. The event’s host and emcee was Asia Chandler, a dynamic radio personality from 102.3, who brought her charisma and energy to the evening. Among the crowd were notable guests like Reverend Dr. Iyanla Vanzant, best-selling author and coach; Mayor Cashenna A. Cross from Glenarden; and Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, who sent a video message as he was unable to attend in person. The event honored several influential leaders with Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards, celebrating their dedication to over 4,000 hours of community service
In addition to these honors, the event presented 10 Academic Excellence Awards, selected from a competitive pool of nominees. Among the 400 attendees, anticipation filled the air as nominees eagerly awaited the announcement of the winners. The highlight of the evening was when the Teacher of the Year Award was surprisingly given to a teacher who flew in from Los Angeles, nominated by Stevie Wonder’s daughter, with Stevie Wonder’s wife in attendance
A special mention goes to a Kenyan teacher who, despite facing logistical challenges, will receive his award by shipment. The Teacher’s Festival partner organization, Purposeful Living & Giving, awarded $1,000 to Donovan Griffin, recognizing her dedication and impact
Throughout the night, certain moments and individuals stood out, making the event not just memorable but extraordinary. These people brought the evening to life in unique ways, and their contributions to the community added depth to the Teacher’s Festival Award Night, making it truly special. Five individuals, in particular, played a significant role in shaping the night: Ron Cooke, Gilda Mizrahi, Derrick Rutledge, Reema Kapani, and Donovan Griffin. Their remarkable community contributions, through professional excellence and personal dedication, left a lasting impact on everyone present.
Ron Cooke: Master of the Runway
The night began with an amazing runway show led by the legendary Ron Cooke, who has been organizing fashion showcases for Teachers Fest since 2020. Ron is known for his expertise in fashion and has trained many top models throughout his career, even helping me win my first national beauty queen title. This year’s showcase featured stunning gowns from Signature boutique, owned by Gilda Mizrahi, and men’s formalwear from The Debonaire Club, designed by John Waller. Models, both professional and students, along with hair and makeup artists, volunteered their time and talents for this worthy cause. Ron said, "Always a pleasure to work with Dr. Soyini Richards and her Teachers Fest board," highlighting the teamwork behind the event.
(left) Ron Cooke
Gilda Mizrahi: The Heart of Signature Dresses
Spending time with Gilda Mizrahi, the owner of Signature boutique, was a highlight of the evening. Gilda personally styled me in a beautiful blue floor-length gown that made me feel like royalty. Gilda is more than just a fashion icon; she’s a close friend and a successful businesswoman. Her boutique, Signature, has been a symbol of elegant fashion for over 30 years, known for its rich history, personalized service, and commitment to quality. Gilda’s passion for her work and her community shines through in every dress, making each customer feel special. Her contributions to the Teachers Fest runway show added an extra touch of class and sophistication to the event.
Spending time with Gilda Mizrahi, the owner of Signature boutique, was a highlight of the evening. Gilda personally styled me in a beautiful blue floor-length gown that made me feel like royalty. Gilda is more than just a fashion icon; she’s a close friend and a successful businesswoman. Her boutique, Signature, has been a symbol of elegant fashion for over 30 years, known for its rich history, personalized service, and commitment to quality. Gilda’s passion for her work and her community shines through in every dress, making each customer feel special. Her contributions to the Teachers Fest runway show added an extra touch of class and sophistication to the event.
Derrick Rutledge: A Captivating Performance
Derrick Rutledge, a renowned celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert who has worked with icons like Oprah Winfrey and First Lady Michelle Obama, also took the stage during the evening. He performed a stunning rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner and an impressive musical arrangement between the awards, captivating the entire room. Derrick’s performance added a special touch to the night, further enhancing the event’s atmosphere and leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
Derrick Rutledge, a renowned celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert who has worked with icons like Oprah Winfrey and First Lady Michelle Obama, also took the stage during the evening. He performed a stunning rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner and an impressive musical arrangement between the awards, captivating the entire room. Derrick’s performance added a special touch to the night, further enhancing the event’s atmosphere and leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
Derrick Rutledge
Reema Kapani: A Visionary in the Arts
Reema Kapani’s recognition at the event was particularly special. She was honored with the Teacher’s Award for her exceptional contributions to arts education. Reema is also celebrating the premiere of her new film, “Believe it! Miracles Still Happen," and a series of impactful music videos at Regal Cinemas on September 2, 2024. This event will showcase her unique ability to blend artistic expression with holistic healing, offering an experience filled with joy, suspense, and triumph. Renowned for integrating dance, yoga, and pranayama, Reema’s holistic approach has greatly impacted the community, fostering physical well-being and emotional harmony. Her accomplishments reflect her dedication to promoting unity, love, peace, and healing, inspiring and uplifting both the creative and educational fields.
Reema Kapani’s recognition at the event was particularly special. She was honored with the Teacher’s Award for her exceptional contributions to arts education. Reema is also celebrating the premiere of her new film, “Believe it! Miracles Still Happen," and a series of impactful music videos at Regal Cinemas on September 2, 2024. This event will showcase her unique ability to blend artistic expression with holistic healing, offering an experience filled with joy, suspense, and triumph. Renowned for integrating dance, yoga, and pranayama, Reema’s holistic approach has greatly impacted the community, fostering physical well-being and emotional harmony. Her accomplishments reflect her dedication to promoting unity, love, peace, and healing, inspiring and uplifting both the creative and educational fields.
Lisa Subrize & Reema Kapani
Donovan Griffin: The Epitome of Style and Dedication
Meeting Donovan Griffin on the way to the event was a delightful surprise, and her recognition that evening felt especially meaningful. Donovan, an outstanding figure in education, was honored with a surprise $1,000 check for her exceptional work with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Her notable collaboration with the White House on the White House Initiative on HBCUs underscores her dedication to uplifting her community. This recognition at the Teachers Fest was a fitting tribute to her incredible contributions and the positive impact she continues to make in the educational sector.
Meeting Donovan Griffin on the way to the event was a delightful surprise, and her recognition that evening felt especially meaningful. Donovan, an outstanding figure in education, was honored with a surprise $1,000 check for her exceptional work with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Her notable collaboration with the White House on the White House Initiative on HBCUs underscores her dedication to uplifting her community. This recognition at the Teachers Fest was a fitting tribute to her incredible contributions and the positive impact she continues to make in the educational sector.
As the evening unfolded, the 2024 Teacher’s Festival Award Night proved to be more than just an event; it was a celebration of creativity, excellence, and the spirit of selflessness. After an evening of dancing and soaking in the moments of celebration, I left feeling inspired and deeply moved. The night served as a powerful reminder of the difference each of us can make in our communities, I am already looking forward to next year’s festival, eager to once again, honor those who are shaping a brighter future.
Host Lisa Subrize &Donovan Griffin
|
|
|
|
|
|
