Girls With Impact 3rd International Women’s Day Concert to Advance Women on March 8, 2023
On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, a powerful trio of performances from Valerie Simpson, composer for Diana Ross, to rising superstars Ally Brooke and Darci Lynne, performed as headliners for Girls With Impact’s 3rd Annual International Women’s Day Benefit Concert.
The March 8th event raises funds to turn girls into leaders with Girls With Impact, the nation’s leading Business and Leadership Academy for under-resourced young women. The event is presented by Citi with support from Eagle Point Credit Management and Live Nation Women.
Ms. Simpson of the duo Ashford & Simpson — ranked among the most important female songwriters in history — is known for her work as a powerful performer and composer for such artists as Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and others. Among her famous #1 hits are Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing, Solid As a Rock and I Am Woman. Her work has placed her among the top 20 Greatest Duos of All Time (Rolling Stone) and in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
“As a performer and partner to such famous artists as Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, and Patti LaBelle, I know first-hand what it takes to achieve dreams,” said Simpson. “That’s why I’m so excited to join Girls With Impact at this year’s International Women’s Day Benefit Concert in New York.
“I want every young woman to have the opportunity to achieve her dreams — to know, ‘there ‘ain’t no mountain high enough’ — if she has the confidence and tools that Girls With Impact offers,” she continued. “I can’t wait to see the impact of Girls With Impact’s program on young women in the Bronx, where I grew up, and beyond. Come join us — celebrate and escalate women.”
Ally Brooke Hernandez, 29, a multi-platinum recording artist who became known for the band Fifth Harmony, and Darci Lynne, 18, whose unique performance as a singer and ventriloquist garnered the most votes ever on America’s Got Talent, are both paying it forward: Each will be awarding Girls With Impact scholarships for under-resourced young women in their hometowns of Texas and Oklahoma, respectively.
“I think it is so important to educate young women because these women are going to pave the way for our future generations,” said Lynne. “As a young woman myself, I’ve struggled with feeling confident in my own skin. I’ve had several women in my life empower me and encourage my creative passion. It so important to have a supportive community — Girls With Impact offers that and so much more.”
The Opening Act will be delivered by the powerful family band from New York — Infinity Song — represented by Roc Nation.
“This is a fantastic family event with something for everyone — for those of us who grew up with Valerie’s music to today’s youth who follow Ally and Darci,” said Girls With Impact CEO Jennifer Openshaw. “These performers know through grit, talent and passion — what it means to succeed. For this International Women’s Day, they are paying it forward, helping the generations to follow through scholarships that will help close the wealth gap and change futures.”
Ali Harnell, president of Live Nation Women, said “Live Nation is proud to play a role in using the platform of live music to help empower the next generation of female leaders in the world, especially during Women’s History Month.”
This year’s event will also recognize top leaders in business, philanthropy and public service for their contributions in advancing women.
