The Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) today announced that Lori Stokes, the award-winning co-host of Good Day New York, will serve as emcee of the organization’s first-ever New York Gala.
The “Education Changes Everything” Gala will take place on May 9th at 583 Park Avenue. CAMFED, an international nonprofit eradicating poverty in sub-Saharan Africa through education, is celebrating 25 years of empowering girls and advancing women’s leadership.
Lori Stokes, a Cleveland native, is a nine-time Emmy award-winning journalist and news anchor. Currently a co-host of Good Day New York on Fox 5, Stokes was the first African American to broadcast on MSNBC.
“It is simply remarkable what the Campaign for Female Education has been able to accomplish over two and a half decades,” said Stokes. “Their impact, and the girls they have reached, is worth celebrating not just for one night, but for years to come. I am honored by this opportunity to emcee this event for an organization that cultivates and celebrates the success of girls and women across Africa, and the world.”
Stokes is known as a champion for social causes. And she has covered many historic, watershed events over her career, including the Columbine High School shooting, the death of John F. Kennedy, Jr., and the capture of Osama bin Laden. As a result of her work, Stokes has received multiple awards, including a George P. Foster Peabody Award for her coverage on the September 11th World Trade Center attacks. Her Emmy awards include one for her in-depth investigative reporting on violence against children.
Beyond the newsroom, Stokes received the 2003 Congressional Black Caucus Celebration of Leadership Award in recognition of her civic service. Most recently, she was included on the 2016 Ideagen Power 100 List, recognizing individuals empowering women and girls across the planet.
“We cannot think of a better steward for the ‘Education Changes Everything’ Gala than Lori Stokes,” said Brooke Hutchinson, Executive Director of CAMFED USA. “Her body of work speaks volumes to the kind of champion she is when it comes to creating a more just and equal society for women and children in particular. We are thrilled to have her anchor such an exciting night as our emcee.”
Since its launch 25 years ago, the Campaign for Female Education has supported the education of 2.6 million children across sub-Saharan Africa. Its first-ever gala will bring together A-list celebrities, business leaders and philanthropists as they celebrate and support a movement of women transforming the continent of Africa and beyond.
Currently, more than 120,000 CAMFED graduates make up the organization’s rapidly growing Alumnae network, CAMA. These inspiring women are mentoring and educating the next generation of girls through school and into careers as a means of improving the health and wealth of their communities and the world.
For more information about sponsorships, purchasing tables or tickets, please visit camfed.org/nycgala/.
