The PennZone

ATLANTA - PennZone -- Liberia Economic Development Initiative (LEDI) will host its milestone 10th Annual International Life Changers Awards & Fundraising Gala on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. EST at the Marriott Gateway Hotel Atlanta Airport. This year's theme, "The Time Is Now," underscores LEDI's mission to reduce poverty and change lives through education and economic empowerment.

The evening will be led by Honorary Co-Chairs, Virginia W. Harris, President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., and Thomas "Trey" Dortch III, CEO of TWD, Inc. "It is a privilege to stand with LEDI for 18 years of impact uplift communities worldwide," Harris said. Dortch added, "We will be celebrating amazing honorees who embody the ideals of leadership and service."

Legendary Emmy Award–winning journalist Monica Kaufman Pearson will serve as Host bringing star power and prestige to this celebration honoring:

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Judge Glenda A. Hatchett, Jurist, Television Personality, and Author — Georgia's first Black Chief Judge of a State Court, known nationally from "Judge Hatchett" and "The Verdict", and for her advocacy on behalf of children and families.

Dr. Layli Maparyan, President, University of Liberia — The first African American woman to lead Liberia's flagship university, advancing higher education through modernization, research, and equity.

Egbert L. J. Perry, Chairman & CEO, Integral Group — A pioneer of the "Atlanta Model" of urban redevelopment, credited with transforming blighted neighborhoods into vibrant, sustainable communities.

Dr. Spirit, PhD, LPC, NCC, CPCS, Psychotherapist & Founder, T2S Enterprises — A global mental health leader and media personality who has championed stigma-free mental healthcare and access.

The Gala will feature a networking reception, silent auction, cultural performances, fine dining, and an inspiring awards ceremony. Proceeds will support the completion of Liberia's first state-of-the-art public library and technology center, projected to serve over 200,000 children, students, and professionals each year.

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"Education is the bedrock of economic development," said Joan Curran Darkortey, LEDI Co-Founder & CEO. "This library will be a turning point for Liberia." Rufus N. Darkortey, Co-Founder & President, added, "Our honorees reflect the very spirit of the type of change LEDI champions."

Event Details:
Attire:     Formal, Black Tie or African Attire
Tickets:  $150 General | $500 VIP
Sponsorships: From $2,500 with premium visibility
RSVP By 10.10.25: https://www.ledifundraiser.org

About LEDI
Co-founded in 2007 by Joan Curran Darkortey and Rufus N. Darkortey, Liberia Economic Development Initiative (LEDI) is a nonprofit dedicated to reducing poverty and transforming lives through education, literacy, economic empowerment and more. LEDI's flagship project, the modern public library and technology center in Liberia, represents the organization's commitment to providing hope and opportunities for generations to come.