Monica Pearson to Host the 10th Annual LEDI International Life Changers Awards Gala

ATLANTA - Aug. 19, 2025 - PRLog -- Monica Kaufman Pearson, legendary broadcast journalist and Emmy Award-winning news anchor, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for the 10th Annual LEDI International Life Changers Awards and Fundraising Gala, themed "The Time Is Now."

Pearson, who became Atlanta's first woman and minority to anchor the city's evening news, is widely recognized as a trailblazer in journalism. Over her distinguished career, she has earned more than 30 Emmy Awards and is celebrated for her commitment to community service, mentorship, and advocacy, cementing her legacy as both a media icon and civic leader. "I am honored to serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for this milestone event and to support LEDI's mission of literacy and empowerment," said Pearson.

The gala will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Marriott Gateway Hotel Atlanta Airport, 2020 Convention Center Concourse, Atlanta, GA 30337. Guests will enjoy a power networking reception, silent auction, gourmet dinner, awards ceremony, live cultural entertainment, and more.

The LEDI International Life Changers Award—LEDI's highest honor—recognizes extraordinary individuals and organizations whose leadership, philanthropy, and innovation uplift communities and change lives worldwide. The 2025 Honorees, to be announced soon, will join a distinguished legacy of past awardees, including Xernona Clayton, Civil Rights Icon and Founder of the Trumpet Awards Foundation; Teri Badour, CEO of the American Red Cross of Georgia; and Ambassador Andrew Young, Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

"This year is a milestone in every sense of the word," said Joan Curran Darkortey, Co-Founder and CEO of LEDI. "For 10 years, the LEDI Gala has united visionary leaders and philanthropists in advancing education and economic empowerment. The Time Is Now is more than a theme—it is a call to action to support LEDI's mission."

Proceeds support the completion of Liberia's modern public library and technology center projected to serve more than 200,000 children and students each year.

Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities

• Tickets: $150 per guest
• Sponsorships: Begin at $2,500 with premium recognition and visibility
• Program book advertising:
• Dress Code: Formal, Black Tie or African Attire

Event Schedule

• Power Networking Reception & Silent Auction: 5:30 PM
• Main Program & Awards Ceremony: 6:00 PM

Secure Your Spot Today

For ticket purchases, sponsorship opportunities, and program book advertising, visit www.ledifundraiser.org or email info@ledinow.org.

About LEDI

Founded in 2007, the Liberia Economic Development Initiative (LEDI) is a U.S.-based international nonprofit organization with a mission to reduce poverty, empower communities, and transform lives—one child at a time, one book at a time, one library at a time. Learn more at www.ledinow.org.