A Day of Legacy, Resilience, and Empowerment

The 2nd She Makes History Award was a day to remember—where legacies were celebrated, dreams were shared, and history was made. With more than 130 guests hailing from over 25 cities, the event embodied the spirit of transformation, unity, and female empowerment, all held against the backdrop of the stunning Tustin Ranch Golf Club. Let’s relive the most unforgettable moments from this incredible evening.

Legacy and Audacity: @Samia Khair’s Powerful Words

Award Judge @Samia Khair kicked off the event, who delivered an awe-inspiring speech on legacy—not as a static concept but as a living, breathing force of change. Her words were profound:

- “Legacy is the audacity to dream and change the culture of the impossible.”

- “It’s the story of the effort we put into this world to make it a better place.”

- “It’s the light carried from one person to another to complete the race for success.”

- “It’s the courage to stand here and say, ‘I am weak, but in God, my strength is renewed.’”

Khair’s words resonated with every guest in the room, inspiring them to reflect on the legacies they are creating. It was a call to action for all of us to dream boldly and impact the world for future generations.

Mayor Gracey Larrea-Van Der Mark: The Unstoppable Story

Taking the stage next was Mayor Gracey Larrea-Van Der Mark, whose life story can only be described as the embodiment of resilience. From being a teen mom facing homelessness to running for council twice, she has defied the odds in every sense. Now, as the “unstoppable mayor of the impossible,” Gracey shared her journey with raw honesty, proving that no dream is too big and no obstacle is insurmountable. Her story reminded us that the path to success is not always straight—but it’s always worth fighting for.

Honoring the 2024 She Makes History Awardees

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of the 2024 She Makes History Awardees—women who are breaking barriers, making waves, and writing their own chapters of history. Each awardee was honored with:

- A Certificate of Recognition from She Makes History and NPB Design Studio

- Letters of recognition from leaders like Councilmember Letitia Clark (City of Tustin),Mayor Gracey Larrea-Van Der Mark (City of Huntington Beach), Mayor Todd Gloria (City of San Diego), and Assemblymember Diane Dixon (72nd District)

- Congressional recognition from Congressman @Scott Peters, representing California's 50th District

This powerful moment celebrated not just individual accomplishments but collective progress. These women are paving the way for a brighter future for all of us.

Elinda Frithiof: Sweden’s Superwoman of Pop and Soul

And then, the magic happened. The event reached its musical crescendo with a breathtaking performance by Elinda Frithiof, Sweden’s very own “Superwoman” of Pop and Soul. With three stunning songs, Elinda electrified the room, her voice radiating pure positivity. Known for touring with the original musicians of ABBA and recording demo vocals for Celine Dion, Elinda brought the house down with her infectious energy. Her music was a perfect blend of American pop, soul, and her rich Swedish heritage.

Elinda has performed for the Swedish Armed Forces in Afghanistan and across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., and her performance that night was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Every note she hit echoed the theme of the evening—joy, resilience, and triumph.

Noura Bishay: Ethics, Design, and Social Impact

Noura Bishay, founder of NPB Design Studio, took the stage to speak about her studio’s mission of blending high ethics with social impact. She spoke from the heart, reflecting on her personal experience of living through two Arab Springs and how that shaped her drive for creating meaningful change. Noura emphasized that NPB Design Studio is not just a business—it’s a force for good, setting the bar high in design and client relationships because, as she put it, “I care.”

Her reflections on living through turmoil and coming out stronger deeply resonated with the audience. In the comfort of the U.S., we often take security for granted, but Noura reminded everyone that resilience is the foundation of true success.

A Massive Thank You to Our Partners

Behind every great event is a team of incredible people who make it all possible. Special thanks to:

- Raffle Sponsor: Bucket List Coach Travel & Tours

- Event Organizer, Graphic Designer & Social Media Campaign: NPB Design Studio

- DJ Deon, Photographer Ken Culver, Amin from SCORE Orange County , and Jose Belmontes from JBC Design & Build,

Staci Reidinger, APR(M) MBA with Cause San Diego , Secret Knock , Arab American Business Chamber, and Sunny from Conroy's Flowers Newport Beach

- Lara Sinanian, our hidden soldier working tirelessly behind the scenes

- MCs Trez Ibrahim and Rohan, who kept the energy high throughout the evening

We couldn’t forget our amazing volunteers like Susan, Tari, Stephany, and Cammy for decorating the stunning centerpieces, and Rohan from Mini Motors for his invaluable help. Lastly, heartfelt gratitude to Tustin Ranch Golf Club for being such gracious hosts, and to Noura’s family, Rev. Kate, and all the other friends and volunteers who made this event possible.

Looking Ahead: A Night That Will Shape the Future

The 2nd She Makes History Award wasn’t just an event—it was a movement. A movement of women who refuse to be defined by limitations, who dream big and act boldly. As the night drew to a close, there was a collective feeling of excitement for the future.

Stay tuned for next year’s She Makes History Award—we’re only getting started! Together, we’ll continue to break barriers, redefine success, and, most importantly, make history.

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