Written in Partnership with Devan Leos
In a world where women continue to strive for gender parity, Diana Dixon, founder of DixonCo—a woman-owned creative agency based in Santa Monica, California—has taken a significant step forward by launching the non-profit organization, ChangemakeHERS.
This women’s leadership initiative is dedicated to Helping Each other Rise (H.E.R.) through year-round events that provide inspiration, mentorship, networking, community and coaching. The inaugural event took place on March 28th, in Santa Monica, and it was a landmark occasion.
Dixon addressed attendees, saying, “It’s incredible to launch during Women’s History Month in this Historic Women’s Club that was founded by a suffragette. With the launch of ChangemakeHERS, we will be providing female leaders with the tools and resources they need to excel. We celebrate incredible women who are making an impact—and everyone is welcome in this community. It takes a village to help each other rise.”
Her creative agency, DixonCo, has been a prominent player in the entertainment industry since its inception in 2008, with its mission to: Be Good. Do Good. Create Good. The recent launch of Dixon Originals, the content production and development arm, further emphasizes the company’s dedication to telling diverse stories. The team consists of passionate storytellers determined to make a difference in the world, one project at a time.
A dynamic entrepreneur and adventurer, Dixon has traveled the world and once climbed into a volcano with Ashley St. Pierre, DixonCo and ChangemakeHER executive producer, to bring a client’s vision to life.
At the ChangemakeHERS launch event, Dixon shared why she was compelled to bring her longtime dream into fruition, “A small effort can make a big impact in someone else’s life. ChangemakeHERS is about asking each other how we can help one another: What are you looking for? How can you help someone else? How can someone help you?”
She added, “Let’s go beyond networking and take initiative to Help Each other Rise. We believe that everybody has the ability to make a difference in another person’s life—a simple email connection, book recommendation or mentoring moment could change everything for someone. Let’s give others more access to opportunity.”
The event kicked-off with nationally-acclaimed expert on women, power and leadership, Gloria Feldt, named in Forbes magazine’s “50 over 50,” and former president and CEO of Planned Parenthood. She is the co-founder and president of Take the Lead, an organization preparing, developing and propelling women of all diversities to take their fair and equal share of leadership positions across all sectors by 2025.
The notable speakers at the event shared personal, vulnerable and inspirational stories regarding how they got started and how they got to where they are today, including all the bumps and challenges along the road.
Helen Huang shared her journey from humble beginnings to becoming an executive at Showtime Networks for 13 years, where she is credited for giving many people of color their big break by putting them on TV—from Trevor Noah to Tiffany Hadish.
Huang is recognized as the first film acquisitions executive of Asian descent in U.S. television history, and in 2016, she was a nominated Changemaker at the “United State of Women,” the inaugural women’s summit convened by The White House. She is dedicated to financial fluency for women as the Chief Empowerment Officer at her company, Enrich Fiscal Fitness.
The impressive line-up also included Washington D.C.-based Nicole Strong, creative director at National Geographic; Lara Richardson, chief marketing officer at Hallmark Media; Altanta-based LaTasha Ezell, senior creative director at Creative Studios, Scripps Networks; and Sydney-based humanitarian and global business advisor Cathy Dimarchos, founder of Solutions2You.
The event consisted of speakers first sharing their powerful stories in TEDx-style short-form talks, followed by a panel discussion and an audience Q&A, moderated by Dixon.
A networking reception with a variety of sponsored food and beverage partners capped the night and provided an invaluable opportunity for attendees to connect and engage in meaningful conversations with each other, as well as the featured speakers.
The following morning, a two-hour Women’s Financial Workshop was led by finance experts Cathy Dimarchos and Helen Huang.
ChangemakeHERS is a testament to the power of women supporting women, going beyond just networking and taking the initiative to Help Each other Rise.
By creating opportunities for women to share their knowledge, experience, and resources, ChangemakeHERS aims to help women advance both personally and professionally.
As more individuals join the movement and contribute their unique skills and perspectives, the impact of ChangemakeHERS is destined to grow. Dixon has a global vision and expects to have branches and events worldwide.
Feldt summed it all up during the panel discussion, “Partnering is the key. Together, we can make things happen.”
It’s a powerful time to work together to make a difference in each other’s lives.
ChangemakeHERS is a potent initiative that is bringing us one step closer to creating a more connected and empowered world.
To join this fantastic community and help others rise, sign up for the newsletter and follow ChangemakeHERS on social media.
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Photo Credit: Jordan Ring Photography
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