Spark is about getting young people involved in giving back to advance gender equality. Nothing is more inspiring to us than learning from the women leading the movement through their philanthropy and business acumen. Our 2018 Black & Pink Ball Honorary Host, Suzanne Lerner, epitomizes our ideals. Suzanne has been giving and leading for many decades, well before she had the resources to amplify her impact.

The Catwalk for charity “Agent of Change” is embodied by one who deeply wants to make a difference, through uplifting impoverished children and providing them with access to quality education in an inspiring way. Agents of change and lives of service and work for those less fortunate, to make the world a better place.

Starting with just screen-printed tees, Michael Stars has evolved into a luxury brand of women's and men's apparel and accessories.

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Children Mending Hearts' 10th annual fundraiser, Empathy Rocks,  transformed the Walton-Laurie Estate into a fairground with candy stations and arts and crafts tables. Founded by Lysa Heslov, the organization was created to teach children empathy through the arts. 

Suzanne took her dreams and ran with them and today runs the luxury essentials brand while also dedicating her time to philanthropy and activism.

“If you’re dedicated, and you want it — I believe people have that opportunity to do it and achieve.”

A Q&A from the “Women By Example” series from soulpancake.com

Suzanne Lerner has been nominated as this year’s recipient of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) Fashion Pioneer Award on November 17, 2017 at the United Nations. She has been recognized for her incredible achievements and game changing global impact, specifically as a visionary pioneer towards female entrepreneurs and designers. Suzanne will join Goldie Hawn, Bobbi Brown and other distributed speakers on this day dedicated to empowering women in business.

Suzanne awarded Fashion Pioneer award from Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) / #ChooseWOMEN was founded in 2013 as a non-governmental, non-racial, non-gender, and non-political volunteer non profit organization. Our movement was established to bring awareness to the 250 million girls living in poverty globally that deserve to be given a chance in life, while simultaneously inspiring and empowering the 4 billion women on the planet! 

This summer, Michael Stars and FabFitFun partnered up to release a limited edition ruana collection in support of Joyful Heart Foundation. 25% of each piece sold supports Joyful Heart’s mission to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. Get behind the scenes with Michael Stars’ co-founder Suzanne Lerner to find out why this partnership was a perfect fit.

On the road with the Women in Retail Leadership Circle in San Francisco, Nov 9,2022!

Calling all women leaders! Join the Mount Saint Mary’s University Women's Leadership Conference on September 16 and hear Suzanne Lerner speak on 'The Legacy We Leave: Shaping Our World for Those Who Come Next'.

We’re so proud to partner with the Joyful Heart Foundation to celebrate their community of supporters, partners, and advocates at the 10th annual Joyful Revolution Gala. Not only that, Joyful Heart Foundation also happens to be our charity partner for the Summer Box!

“The president and co-founder of Michael Stars is extremely passionate about many things. Rebuilding Haiti is at the top of a list that includes empowering women and educating girls, equal justice for all and, of course, ultra luxurious cotton T-shirts!”

“When they married in 1988, Michael Cohen and Suzanne Lerner said their “I dos ” dressed in the ultimate union of casual and cool: She wore an ivory-and-black jumpsuit and he, a checkered suit jacket, jeans, and (Michael Stars) graphic tee. ”

"Every one of us must live as models to others. Honored as a Woman of Vision by Gloria Steinem and the Ms. Foundation, Suzanne Lerner has been recognized many times over for her lifetime commitment and achievements furthering the agenda and rights of women worldwide."

Making a tribute to late co-founder Michael Cohen, the LA-based brand Michael Stars is reviving its very first collection of T-shirts.

Michael Stars President, Suzanne Lerner, spearheads the Project For Women's social revolution, The Power of One, a series dedicated to influential leaders who take small steps to ignite big changes within their community, outside communities, and the world at large.

Southern California Apparel Awards 2015 - “This year’s Social Responsibility Award goes to a company, Michael Stars, for its remarkable founder and leader, Suzanne Lerner, an entrepreneur, political activist and philanthropist.”

Women Moving Millions invests in women and girls as agents of change. The organization featured Suzanne in its monthly publication.

Read the thoughtful Women Moving Millions profile of Suzanne in its August 2015 newsletter.