L’Oréal Paris has announced the 2018 Women of Worth Honorees — and is asking fans to vote to choose this year’s 
National Honoree.

Now in its 13th year, Women of Worth is the signature philanthropic program inspired by the L’Oréal Paris tagline, “Because You’re Worth It,” and honors the intrinsic worth of everyday women inspiring others and creating positive change. Each with their own inspiring journey, the Women of Worth are united by a singular vision of giving back to their communities to champion a range of charitable causes. 

This year’s 10 Honorees join a group of 130 extraordinary Women of Worth who have turned their vision into reality. Past Honorees impacted national and local legislation mandating free sepsis education in schools, private insurers to cover the costs of diagnostic assessments for autism and required food service businesses to recycle their waste oil. Through their collective power, Women of Worth have gone on to provide resources to more than 78,000 homeless women in need across the country, funded nearly 50 childhood cancer research grants and rescued thousands of adults and children living in abusive situations.

Selected by a distinguished panel of judges, the 2018 L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Honorees were chosen from thousands of nominees for their unwavering commitment, drive and desire to better the lives of those around them.

In addition to receiving $10,000 to support her charitable cause, each 2018 L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Honoree will be supported by national paid media, receive educational and training opportunities and a platform to tell her story on a national scale.

This year’s National Honoree will receive an additional $25,000 to support her cause for a total of $35,000.

Tim Coolican, President, L’Oréal Paris, says, “This year’s Honorees beautifully exemplify the L’Oréal Paris mission and we look forward to continuing to champion our Women of Worth to make an impact in their communities and around the world.”

Karen T. Fondu, President Emeritus and Chairwoman of L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth, adds, “We are inspired by these breathtaking Women of Worth whose courageous spirit and incredible strength has sparked worth within others and it is our privilege to share their causes and stories with the world.”

The 2018 Women of Worth Honorees

• Shreya Mantha – Charlotte, N.C.; Founder,  Foundation For Girls, a youth-led social venture that endeavors to change the life trajectory for at-risk girls and youth through programs in financial wellness, leadership, digital literacy and health and well-being.


• Alisha Zhao – Portland, Ore.; Founder, Kids First Project, a non-profit that brings programs and services to youth who are homeless and living in shelters.


• Hannah Dehradunwala – New York, N.Y.: Founder of New York-based Transfernation, which provides a platform for companies and corporate hospitality groups to donate extra food through on-demand pickups. The excess food is then delivered to community-based organizations that feed hungry and food insecure New Yorkers.


• Genevieve Chase – Sun Valley, Idaho.; Founder, American Women Veterans, is focused on raising awareness of women’s contributions to the military and giving female veterans a place to connect and advocate on behalf of military women and veterans. 


• Dr. Holly Jacobs – Coral Gables, Fla.; Founder, Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, a non-profit that serves thousands of victims of cyber sexual assault around the world and advocates for technological, social and legal innovation to fight the offense.


• Jennifer Maddox – Chicago, Ill.; Police Officer and Founder, Future Ties, a non-profit organization that helps young people and families on the South Side of Chicago become the best version of themselves by providing life skills training, mentoring, academic support, field trips, conflict resolution, resume building, community volunteerism and workshops.


• Laura Reiss – Boca Raton, Fla.; Founder, The Samaritan365 Foundation and Kindness Matters Movement. The Kindness Matters movement educates and inspires children about the importance of being grateful for who they are, showing kindness to themselves and others, and the many different ways that they can give back so they can make a positive impact within their own communities and the world.


• Christy Silva, – Thorndale, Pa.; Founder, Aidan’s Heart Foundation, a non-profit that is committed to providing awareness, education and support to create heart-safe communities for youth regarding the prevention and response to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.


• Betty Mohlenbrock – San Diego, Calif.; Founder, Reading Legacies, an organization committed to empowering children and youth in underserved, low-income areas and/or those who have incarcerated parents or family members through intergenerational shared-reading experiences.


• Carolyn Keller – Miami, Fla.; Founder, EBeauty Community, a non-profit that supports women undergoing treatment for cancer through a wig exchange program.