Jessica HallLos Angeles, the city of angels, shines brightly with the extraordinary achievements of its women. As we bid farewell to International Women’s Month, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions and remarkable endeavors of women across this vibrant metropolis. From groundbreaking innovations to empowering activism, women in Los Angeles are making waves and leaving an indelible mark on history. Join us as we celebrate their resilience, creativity and unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for all. I would like to highlight some women who I have inspired me with how they are making this world a better place
Zulay Henao: Actress, Producer and CEO of Modern Muze
Before starting her artistic career, she enlisted in the United States Army in 1999, serving in an active field unit based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. While in the Army, she traveled to the jungle in El Salvador to support the country’s hurricane relief efforts.
After serving in the military, she drove to New York City to enroll at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, launching her acting trajectory shortly after. Her career spans film and television, rising to fame for her breakout role in Fighting alongside Channing Tatum, lead performance in Takers, and Tyler Perry’s Single Mom’s Club. The Medellín native has garnered acclaim for her work on hit television series such as The Oath and If Loving You is Wrong (OWN). She has also acted in films such as True Memoirs of an International Assassin (opposite Kevin James), Grand Isle, and Boy Wonder. During her trajectory, Henao has shared the screen with Hollywood A-Listers, including Zoe Saldaña, Kevin James, Idris Elba, Matt Damon, Nia Long, Nicholas Cage, Amy Smart, and Cuban telenovela star William Levy.
Over the last several years, Henao co-founded Modern Muze, a multimedia platform that marries her artistic and entrepreneurial passions to serve Latinas living in the 2000s. Modern Muze was born from Henao’s desire to create community, help others, and establish a meaningful space that honors the brand’s four pillars: soul, beauty, health, and society. In 2020, Henao welcomed her first daughter, Kennedy Cruz, with her life partner, actor/producer, Kevin Connolly, who she met while on the set of The Oath. Her journey into motherhood has expanded her vision of creating a world where every woman is their own muze, while exploring diverse aspects of the divine feminine. Henao resides with her family in Los Angeles, California.
Diana Madison: Actress, Influencer and Beauty Brand Founder
Diana began her career on YouTube and was able to create one of the largest digital media studios out of her parents garage. In 2020, she sold her YouTube channels to a major American media company. With the sale, she expanded her portfolio with acting, producing and her beauty brand, Diana Madison Beauty. In 2023, Diana was named a “Rising Star” in Cannes during the French Riviera Film Festival. Currently Diana is in production with Lionsgate producing a true crime documentary. She is also in production to direct and produce a documentary in Armenia this Fall about the Genocide of 2023 against the Artsakh Armenians. Diana is an activist for her Armenian cause regularly speaking out against all the injustice against her people. In 2023, LA Times nominated diana as Entrepreneur of the year for the success of her beauty brand Diana Madison Beauty. Struggling with a longtime case of eczema and dry skin conditions, Diana created her brand to help heal her skin. Diana Madison Beauty is now sold at retailers like Neiman Marcus, Revolve, Bloomingdales and Macys. What’s next for Diana? She is currently writing, producing and will be acting in two comedies around diversity and female empowerment. “As an actor, there aren’t too many roles that I can go and audition for. I believe if it doesn’t exist, then I must create the opportunities for myself. I want to tell stories about growing up in Los Angeles as an Armenian American. I can’t wait for people all around the world to see my movies and laugh. We all need a good laugh these days.” In regards to her purpose, Diana hopes she can always inspire people to DREAM BIG.
Dr. Neela Sethi: Doctor and Advocate
Dr. Neela Sethi was born and raised in Palos Verdes, California. She attended the University of California at Los Angeles for her undergraduate training, and graduated both Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a major in Psychobiology. She stayed a loyal Bruin and continued at UCLA Medical School, where she graduated with honors. She completed her residency in Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. She is currently practicing in Valencia, CA at Valencia Pediatric Associates where she resides with her husband Chuck, daughter Malika and son Aren. Her special interests include childhood obesity, teen mental health, nutrition and breastfeeding advocacy. She is also trained as a certified lactation educator, a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics and Co-Founder of Jaanuu, a medical apparel company.
Mandy Morris: Entrepreneur, Two Times Best-Selling Author, Philanthropist, and the Visionary Founder of Authentic Living
Mandy has touched the lives of over 3 million students across 80 countries through this esteemed educational organization. Her mission is to guide individuals in rewiring their mind, heart, and energy, paving the way for
abundant living in every facet of life. Mandy’s impact extends beyond the classroom, as she collaborates with medical professionals and scientists in clinical settings. She has empowered thousands of coaches with a groundbreaking methodology, now widely employed in trauma work, therapy, counseling, and life coaching. Her diverse clientele ranges from trauma survivors and veterans to world leaders, celebrities, teachers, and beyond-showcasing the universal applicability of her services.
Aside from being a trailblazer in her field, Mandy is a Hay House Author and is celebrated for her literary contributions, including the acclaimed “Love…It’s How I Manifest” and the widely embraced “8 Secrets to Powerful Manifesting: How to Create the Reality of Your Dreams.” Anticipating her third book, “The Promise,” slated for release in 2024, Mandy promises to delve even deeper into the art of manifesting and personal transformation—a testament to her unwavering dedication to empowering others on their journey. Her philanthropic efforts extend with her organization, Hustle and Heart, which has funded over 60 initiatives to date. It specifically aims to reduce hunger and assist underprivileged and ill individuals in the Philippines with supplies and entrepreneurial education.
Missy Carter: Charity Event Coordinator 
Those who have worked alongside Missy Carter, all know her for her unwavering dedication and enthusiasm. Currently serving as The Saticoy Club’s Director of Membership and Marketing. She began her career in the golf industry as a cart girl at the age of 18 years and moved into the membership department shortly after. In her current position, she organized and spearheaded a charity golf tournament for the family of Ryan Osler, a fallen firefighter who lived in Santa Clarita.
Carter has also given her time to various volunteer efforts in the valley, including being Past President of the Henry Mayo Hospital Guild, Co-Chaired the 40 under forty awards for the Junior Chamber International, is currently Co- Charing Bras for a Cause for Soroptimist International of Valencia, and is the current President of Carousel Ranch.
Brandie Newman: Entrepreneur
Not only is she the owner of the Temecula Stampede the biggest country music venue in socal she gives back to her community in so many ways. The Fairview Fires that happened last year she was able to rescue 713 animals ranging from pigs, chickens, horses, goats, sheep, birds, and many more on her ranch in Temecula. She has used her property and good fortune to help so many in her community. She continues to help pave the way for women in business and show them that they can accomplish it all and be seen and heard in the workplace. She hires many women and encourages them all to learn and grow and gives them an opportunity within her companies.
She supports Veterans, many cancer organizations and the Temecula Riverside County Sheriff’s dept. It’s no wonder why her business the Newman hospitality group is so successful.
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