L’Oréal Paris USA, the world’s largest cosmetics company, recently announced its L’Oréal Paris 2023 Women of Worth, celebrating “founders and leaders of grassroot non-profits” that address some of the most important issues facing our country.
Among the 10 women recognized for this award from thousands of nominations is Stephanie Woodward, Brand Ambassador Coordinator for Quantum Rehab®. She is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Disability EmpowHER Network, based in Rochester, New York.
Each honoree receives a grant of $25,000 through GlobalGiving. Jill Moore White, a fellow Quantum brand ambassador, nominated Woodward for the distinction.
“I am honored that L’Oréal Paris selected me as one of the 2023 Women of Worth, but it means even more to me that other women in Disability EmpowHER Network felt that I was deserving of this recognition and took the time to nominate me,” Woodward said. “I’m so grateful for this honor and thrilled about how this award will positively impact Disability EmpowHER Network and the amazing people that we serve.”
In 2020, Woodward dedicated her time to help uplift other women and girls with disabilities, and with some help of others that shared her vision, Disability EmpowHER Network was launched.
Since then, the organization has gone from fully volunteer-based to an operational nonprofit with seven successful national programs. Through the Disability EmpowHER Network, hundreds of girls and women have received paid work opportunities and promotions, connected with disabled women mentors, and began leadership development programs.
White, a mentor for the inaugural class of EmpowHER Camp and a strong supporter of Disability EmpowHER Network to this day, was inspired to submit Woodward’s name through a nomination.
“I’m proud to call Stephanie both my mentor, and my friend,” White said. “She has taught me such strength and how to find pride in my identity as a disabled woman. We all become stronger, braver, prouder, and most importantly empowered – just by being part of this organization that she has created and so fiercely leads.”
In addition to financial support, Woodward and the other honorees will have their stories shared over the coming months on MAX and Warner Bros. Discovery’s apps and sites. The content will direct audiences to WomenofWorth.com to learn more.
One of the first sponsors of Disability EmpowHER Network, Quantum Rehab remains a proud supporter of the organization to this day. Quantum recognizes that through mentorship and skill building, young women with disabilities can be empowered to realize their full potential and develop the confidence to be leaders in their communities.
For the last 17 years, L’Oréal Paris has recognized leaders who are advocating for a better world across of multitude of causes as L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth. An awards gala for the 2023 honorees will be held in November in Los Angeles and can be seen on MAX.