Second Chance Gala – “Wings of Empowerment”
LEAP’s Second Chance Gala Celebrates 15 Years of “Wings of Empowerment” in a Magical Evening of Unity and Support
The Second Chance Gala, hosted by the Ladies Empowerment & Action Program (LEAP), took place on September 14, 2024 with resounding success at Suite SVN, celebrating 15 years of empowering justice-impacted women. This year’s “Wings of Empowerment” theme brought together over 200 attendees, who joined in an unforgettable evening of inspiration, entertainment, and philanthropy to support LEAP’s transformative work.
The evening began with a warm welcome from emcee Constance Jones of NBC News, setting the tone for a night filled with hope and joy. Guests enjoyed an all-female lineup of entertainment, including The Bango Bango’s, a high-energy, all-female band who captivated the audience with renditions of rock classics spanning the decades. LEAP graduate Casey “Casper” Perkins delivered a heartfelt speech, sharing her personal journey and highlighting LEAP’s life-changing programs. A special performance by the Florida Grand Opera added grace and artistry to the celebration, moving the audience with its beauty.
Throughout the evening, guests mingled while enjoying custom-crafted specialty cocktails and mocktails and savoring a delectable selection of dishes.
This year, LEAP honored two remarkable women: Ashaki Rucker, Senior Vice President at Telemundo Enterprises, and Yvette Bravo, LEAP’s Board Chair Emeritus, both recognized for their unwavering support and commitment to empowering justice-impacted women. Their dedication exemplifies LEAP’s mission of resilience and transformation.
Generous sponsorship from Telemundo, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Perito Urology, along with contributions from individual donors, made the evening’s fundraising efforts a resounding success. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit LEAP’s educational and entrepreneurial programs, which provide a comprehensive re-entry path for incarcerated women—from in-prison classes to community support through transitional housing and employment at Dragonfly Thrift Boutique.
The evening concluded with dancing and celebrating not only LEAP’s inspiring 15-year journey but also the ongoing impact of their mission to uplift and empower women re-entering society.
LEAP Women’s Reentry Hub Grand Opening
On January 27, 2024, After 14 years of dedicated service, Ladies Empowerment & Action Program (LEAP) proudly hosted the grand opening of its new Re-Entry Hub, an empowering center designed to support women transitioning from jail and prison. Located in the heart of South Miami, this facility marks a significant milestone in LEAP’s mission to break the cycle of incarceration and stands out as the sole provider of comprehensive programming for women transitioning from jail and prison in the state of Florida.
The new Re-Entry Hub is set to revolutionize the way women transition back into society by offering a range of classes and services tailored to their unique needs. LEAP’s holistic approach encompasses entrepreneurship programs, employable skills training, and trauma-informed substance abuse classes. This comprehensive programming sets LEAP apart as the only organization in the state to provide such a diverse and impactful range of services.
Key features of the Re-Entry Hub include:
1. Entrepreneurship Courses: LEAP recognizes the importance of economic empowerment in breaking the cycle of incarceration. The Re-Entry Hub will offer entrepreneurship programs to help women develop the skills and confidence needed to start their own businesses and become self-sufficient.
2. Employable Skills Training: LEAP understands the significance of equipping women with practical skills for the workforce. The Re-Entry Hub will provide training in various employable skills, ensuring that women are well-prepared for the job market upon release.
3. Trauma-Informed Classes: Recognizing the impact of trauma on the lives of many incarcerated women, LEAP’s Re-Entry Hub will offer trauma-informed substance abuse classes. These classes are designed to address the root causes of addiction and provide a supportive environment for healing.
The grand opening of the Re-Entry Hub is a testament to LEAP’s ongoing dedication to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for justice-impacted women in Florida. By providing a comprehensive and supportive environment, LEAP aims to empower women to build new, fulfilling lives beyond the confines of the prison system.
More Than a Fashion Show
LEAP’s first ever More Than a Fashion Show was from 6-8 PM on Thursday, April 28th 2022 in central Coral Gables. Guests made second chances trendy while enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music and more. CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES OF THE EVENT.
The fashion show featured LEAP graduates who modeled our More Than collection and up-cycled Dragonfly fashion from Dragonfly Thrift. 100% ticket sale proceeds benefit LEAP.
The Compassion Project
The Compassion Project is a photo, installation and art film project, featuring LEAP graduates opening at the Coral Gables Museum on June 7, 2019 for sixteen weeks.
For more project details, the participants and how you can support it through underwriting and sponsorship opportunities, click the button below.
Second Chance Soiree
On September 26th, 2019, LEAP celebrated its 10 Year Anniversary at the Second Chance Soiree, an evening of Arts, Songs, and Stories. The night included Cocktails, Elegant hors d’ oeuvres, Silent Auction, Art of Compassion Portraits, Stories and Songs of Compassion show PLUS an Anniversary Cake and After Party!