Visionary Women is celebrating 10 years of driving change for pressing issues facing women and girls. The organization, founded by three-time Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse and Angella Nazarian, author and former professor, works to “build community, invest in high impact initiatives and activate individual potential.”
A decade ago, Bosse and Nazarian met at the Beverly Hills Hotel Polo Lounge to discuss their shared excitement in creating a nonprofit together that would improve the lives of women and girls everywhere.
“In my field of politics, I was often surrounded mostly by men. I have often felt the most motivated by other women whom I can learn from, be inspired by, and who are in different fields doing incredible things,” said Bosse.
Bosse said Nazarian also felt that women were “yearning for a sense of connection” and believed that bringing female changemakers from around the world would be inspiring.
The organization now consists of a diverse group of more than 300 women from the Los Angeles area, committed to raising grant money for nonprofits. Since its founding, Visionary Women has donated more than $3 million in grants to over 240 nonprofits benefiting women and girls in areas such as emergency relief, the arts, economic empowerment, education and social services. The grants have gone to local nonprofits including the Boys and Girls Club of Hollywood, Upward Bound House, and Hope in a Suitcase, but also to crisis regions around the globe. Last year, Visionary Women raised $541,500 in grantmaking and benefitted 41 grantees. Additionally, in March 2023, the organization awarded its second annual Visionary Prize for Women’s Economic Empowerment to Shelley Omilàdè Bell, Founder and CEO of Black Girl Ventures.
The organization hosts several salons throughout the year, including one in the fall and spring, as well as various members-only events. In the past, Visionary Women has hosted a Female Founders Salon and a Women in Design Salon.
Visionary Women has also hosted several guests for its yearly International Women’s Day Summit, including Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda, Former Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice and Madeline Albright. On Oct. 28, Visionary Women will host its Fall Salon with Venus Williams, who will discuss her new book, “STRIVE.” The event will take place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and all attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the book.
“We are thrilled for Visionary Women’s upcoming salon celebrating the remarkable Venus Williams and her new book, ‘STRIVE,’” said Jennifer Bond and Shirin Yadegar, the salon co-chairs. “Venus embodies the very essence of resilience, ambition and empowerment that Visionary Women stands for. Her journey continues to inspire, and we are honored to share this special evening with such a trailblazer and our wonderful community in Beverly Hills.”
Thomas J. Blumenthal, president and CEO of Gearys Beverly Hills, has been one of the organization’s most high-profile community supporters. He echoes Bond and Yadegar’s enthusiasm for the Williams appearance.
“I am proud to support the contributions of women in all capacities. Visionary Women gives creative, visionary, changemakers a platform to support and inspire each other. This is how the future generation of women and men get to make a lasting impact on the future of our planet. It’s time to celebrate and collaborate! Venus Williams is an excellent spokesperson for this mission. This event is not to be missed,” said Blumenthal.
