Sheryl Lee Ralph Rebrands, Expands The Diva Foundation Nonprofit
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
The Diva Foundation, the nonprofit charitable organization founded by Emmy-winning actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph, has undergone a rebranding and is expanding its programming efforts.
Founded by Ralph in 1990, the Diva Foundation was initially established to help raise awareness and help prevention of HIV/AIDS. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the various battles for social justice in recent years, the foundation is seeking to broaden its remit in helping to empower communities to achieve better health outcomes.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
As well as the new branding, the foundation has expanded its programming centered across five pillars: Health Awareness, Women and Girls, LGBTQ+, Social Justice & Racial Equity, and Food & Housing Insecurity.
“I have always believed that the core of effective artistic activism is trusted messengers. Trusted messengers make a world of difference because they make people feel seen and heard. They are transparent vessels that bring their lives and full experiences to the table to help others,” said Ralph in a statement.”The Diva Foundation works hard to ensure that the people who serve are represented by messengers they can trust. I’ve been blessed to have the support of many volunteers, fellow celebrities and influencers, and corporate partners to make this vision a reality.”
Ralph has tapped colleague, tech executive, and 18-year volunteer, Norman Lee, to serve as the Diva Foundation’s executive director to carry out the rebrand and execute her expanded vision. “I have been so blessed to have been a part of this work for the last 18 years,” Norman said in a statement. “When I began volunteering with The Diva Foundation, it started with DIVAS Simply Singing! and me dedicating my time and work in memory of two of my beloved aunts who died from AIDS complications. Over the years, getting to do work in South Africa with our Sisters Circle program or launching new virtual programming like DIVAS Health Awareness Week and hearing the feedback from persons impacted by our service to the community motivates me to want to keep going to reach even more people.”
Throughout the remainder of 2023, the Diva Foundation will be focused on three key initiatives:
DIVAS Simply Singing! Raising Health Awareness — a highly anticipated annual benefit concert, that raises awareness and funds for programs that educate audiences on awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening health conditions. The event will be held at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. The foundation will announce a date soon at www.divassimplysinging.com.
DIVAZine — the launch of the foundation’s bi-annual health and lifestyle publication centered around Black women.
DIVAS Health Awareness Week — a week of virtual programming will include panels, fireside chats, and creative entertainment, all aimed at raising overall health awareness, promoting well-being and self-advocacy, and addressing stigmas associated with comorbidities. Health and Wellness industry experts will contribute content to the week’s slate and special programming crafted by the foundation’s team of experts. DIVAS Health Awareness Week kicks off Nov. 27 and concludes Dec. 1 (World AIDS Day).
Best of The Hollywood Reporter
