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