Event Spotlight: International Women’s Day Gala Hollywood Style

Trailblazers, trendsetters, and titans of our time gathered to celebrate the 2025 International Women’s Day Gala celebration a stone’s throw away from Hollywood.  The exciting event exuded pomp and grandeur with lots of colorful, rich, and splendid displays of pageantry.

International Women’s Day on March 8th honors the achievements of women and promotes women’s rights globally and has been a national holiday in numerous countries, and sponsored by the United Nations since 1975.

The day also commemorates women’s fight for equality and liberation along with the women’s rights movement. International Women’s Day gives focus to issues such as gender equality and violence and abuse against women.

The evening’s festivities were held at the glamorous Taglyan Complex, a well-known extravagant venue for charity galas. Guests were treated to a delicious array of hors d’oeuvres during the Happy Hour, live music, and a thriving social gathering in the courtyard.

Those in attendance were able to feast on a five-course dinner, and enjoy live performances and a fashion extravaganza showing designs from Project Runway winner Ken Barlis, fashion designer Tommy Le, and Will Franco. The fashion show titled “The Golden Era of Beauty” was a crowd-pleaser and considered to be a highlight piece of the program.

Grammy Award-winning trumpeter, songwriter, singer, and music producer David Longoria wowed the crowd. Two-time Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Carol Conners also headlined the entertainment in addition to several others who showcased their talents to a diverse audience.

The crown jewel of the production was the Women’s Inspiration Awards honoring women who have made groundbreaking contributions, reshaped our world, and who have profoundly had an impact.

One of the night’s honorees was Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Grammy, and Emmy Award-Winning songwriter Diane Warren, who was honored for her illustrious career and was praised for her many contributions to the entertainment industry.

Notable tributes were made to honorees such as American martial artist and actress Cynthia Rothrock and pageant producer Virgelia Villegas, and recognition was given to others for their significant contributions across various fields.

But, the night belonged to former U.S. Congresswoman and foreign ambassador Diane E. Watson. The international icon was so gracious and stood proud as the first woman of the night to receive her award. “I am so honored to be here with you tonight,” said Watson. “I want to thank each one of you for being present at this moment.”

The evening was more than a celebration for women leaders and activists — it was a call to action and an affirmation of empowerment and unity from speakers, hosts, and attendees.

“I’m happy to be here this evening and to see the fine work that the Women’s Empowerment Summit is doing,” said Dr. Ken Rochon, Jr. The publisher was on hand taking photos to commemorate the spirit-filled evening. Also supporting the event was author and entertainment insider Larry Buford who told me, “It is such a pleasure to be here. It’s great to see people coming together like this to support a good cause.”

Truly a remarkable evening celebrating women and the historical, cultural, and political achievements of female trailblazers who are leaving a lasting legacy.