The 2025 Expose Fundraising Gala lit up the historic Santa Monica Bay Women’s Club on October 18, celebrating hope, empowerment, and opportunity for women and youth worldwide.
Hosted by Expose founder Monalisa Okojie, the annual gala united celebrity guests, community leaders, and sponsors for a night dedicated to education, mentorship, and transformation.
“At Expose Gala 2025, every story shared and every hand extended represents a ripple of hope,” said Okojie. “Tonight, our purpose isn’t just to raise funds — it’s to inspire lasting transformation and remind everyone that together, we can build brighter tomorrows.”
The red carpet shimmered with appearances by Alice Amter (The Big Bang Theory), Emmy-nominated actress/producer Bella Cruz, Callie Rose Deets (Griselda), Dustin Quick, Omono Okojie (Legacies), Gudrun Giddings (Honorary Consul General of Sweden in Los Angeles), news anchor Palmira Perez, and Jordan Watland (The Kelly Clarkson Show, Steve Harvey Show).
Guests were treated to live dance performances from Wahala Crew, music from Latin Grammy winners Pauline Aguirre and Pablo Aguirre, and a surprise finale by Jimmy Demers.
A Night of Purpose
This year’s gala was powered by a community of sponsors and partners, including Hive 20, ACTS Law, Law Office of Odion Okojie, Phyllis Mungai, Dr. Bahareh Talei, Dr. Ijeoma Mbadugha, Senait Admassu, and Samuel Akinboro. The event was also supported by Expose’s dedicated team, Aineakhor Ojior, Seye Tesfazgy, Norma Dalke, Nfagie Koroma, and Mesi Usiade.
Honoring Legacy, Building Futures
“Our mission — uplifting and empowering those who are most vulnerable — is both urgent and enduring,” noted Okojie. “Every ticket purchased and every donation made moves us closer to breaking cycles of poverty and hopelessness.”
Proceeds from the gala will fund the expansion of Expose LA and its STEM initiatives, continuing the organization’s decade-long effort to eliminate poverty and illiteracy through mentorship, education, and economic opportunity.
As Okojie reflected, “On this special evening, we not only celebrated progress — we planted the roots of lasting change.” Take a look at a few photos from the event below:
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