Photo Credit Caroline Fiss
HALO held a discussion of notable female leaders who are making a difference called INSPIRED BY WOMEN on Nov. 7 at the Gramercy Park Hotel Terrace in New York. Moderated by Cheddar Anchor Jill Wagner, panel speakers included Actress and Film Director Bryce Dallas Howard, Moroccanoil Co-Founder Carmen Tal, Veronica Beard Co-Founders Veronica M. Beard and Veronica S. Beard and HALO Founder Rebecca Welsh – all entrepreneurs use their platform to give back to HALO and to other organizations.
HALO Founder Rebecca Welsh shared, “Empathy is taking your heart out of your chest and letting it beat in someone else’s...HALO is not just about providing the basic needs, it’s about the mentorship and ongoing love of a family...We say, at HALO, love heals. By sharing your time, talent and treasure, you can truly change the world.”
Special guest was 19-year-old HALO youth Marjai where she shared her experience with HALO and the resources that helped her defy the odds of youth homelessness, “I’ve taught two poetry workshops at HALO, and it was life-changing to see kids that were just like me, and I know that it’s possible for them to come out of it. I have been on the black side, and I have come out on the rainbow side. I’m really grateful that HALO has been this mother figure in my life that I have never really had...They have been great mentors...the aunts that I never had...the big sister that I always wanted. I’m so grateful that they call and check up on me when nobody else has. HALO is a key part of me. Now, I’m this vessel, and I provide a voice for the voiceless. I have turned into this beautiful butterfly, and I’m just spreading the good word of poetry and healing.”
Marjai then performed a powerful poem she wrote called “Home”. At 13 years old, Marjai was featured in the Moroccanoil INSPIRED BY WOMEN short film of HALO directed by Bryce Dallas Howard and led by Moroccanoil Co-Founder Carmen Tal.
Howard passionately shared on the importance of giving back, “We’re the grownups right now, and this is our time on the planet. There are things that are just not working... [We must] find ways to show up as adults, be present and get involved.” Howard is the November Veronica Beard Gives Back spokesperson where $10 of every sale benefits HALO.
Watch the full Facebook Live video coverage of the panel discussion and hear Marjai’s story and poetry performance. Additional event media coverage includes Modern Salon, The Daily Front Row, and PEOPLE. Event photos are here. All proceeds raised benefit HALO.
Photo Credit: Caroline Fiss
Photo Credit: Janet Mayer
Photo Credit: Caroline Fiss