Bionic Buzz® covered the red carpet of the 2025 Expose Fundraising Gala at the historic Santa Monica Bay Women’s Club in Santa Monica, CA. The event shined a spotlight on hope and opportunity in support of youth and women’s empowerment. 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.
“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.”
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.
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.
“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. http://www.expose.ngo
Red carpet interviews with Tyrone Dubose (actor/R&B Historian), Mesi (Ada) Usiade, PHD (Expose – Team/Staff Member), Monalisa Okojie (Expose Founder/CEO), Norma Dalke (Publicist / Expose Team/Staff Member), Mekai O’Dell (Expose Student Speaker), Bahareh Talei, Psy.D (Expose Advisory Board Member), Pascale Fortunat (Producer, Passions Productions), Linda Gray (Fashion Producer – Global Couture Gala), Jordan Watland (Producer of Kelly Clarkson & Steve Harvey Show), Paulina Aguirre (Music Artist & Latin GRAMMY Winner), Eve Richards (Actress/Host from Surviving the Cartel, A Line of Fire, The Discovery Pod with Eve), Charles Anchang (CEO of Immigrant Magazine), Pamela Anchang (Founder of Immigrant Magazine), Alice Amter (Actress from Big Bang Theory, Hot in Cleveland, and A Man Apart), Nbalia Marie-Ange Soumah, D.O. (OB/GYN – Facey Medical Group), Amberr Washington (Film Producer & Co-Founder of HAPAwards), Callie Rose Deets (Actress from Captain Marvel and A Star is Born), Palmira Perez (News Anchor / Reporter), Omono Okojie (Actress from Legacies, Gook, and NCIS), Aineakho Ojior (Expose Board Member), Augucine Opubor (Guest – Mother of Dancer in Expose Gala), and Fernando Escobar (Actor/Host).
Host/Producer: Jackie Lewis. Videographer/editor: Sheri Determan. Intro and addition edits by Steve Sievers of Bionic Buzz®