Celebrity Spotlight

Encourages Her Peer Teen Girls

One on One, Dr Dolittle, Fat Albert

What advice would I give teen girls with low self esteem?

You are beautiful because you are you. Regardless of what other people look like or what clothes they are wearing, beauty is what is on the inside. Try not to focus on looks & social status; because that will only get you so far in life.

How does teen girl stay focused on a positive self image with all the negative images in the media?

I did a show once were my character was having self image issues. She wanted to look like "the girls in the magazines". She was told "The girls in the magazines dont even look like the girls in the magazines!. I love that because it shows that all these negative images in the industry are not realistic. The average woman is not a size 0 or a size 2.

How do African American women in this industry survive the obstacles of the business?

This Business is a hard business for everyone. You never know when you will be working. But for women of color it is extremely difficult. There arent many roles out there for us. I believe things are getting better over time but still, there is a lack of positive roles. It is reality to negative roles sometimes but not in every single situation. I know many actresses who are now writing for themselves.

What are some characteristics of a young lady who wants to pursue a career in entertainment?

Persistance, High Self esteem without conceit, Endurance, Acceptance, & Common Sense because with out that its hard to do any thing. :)

"Education is essential for succeeding in anything you want to achieve in life.Unlike materialistic things, knowledge can never be taken from us and there's always room for more. Being smart with choices has allowed me to see all parts of the world and that's pretty cool!" M.H

Courtnee Draper, Ghost Whisperer CSI Miami

My Favorite Charity

The Los Angeles Mission. The Mission is located in the heart of downtown LA called Skid Row, which the Mission renamed Hope Central. It is a Christian based organization dedicated to getting homeless off of the street, cleaned up and drug-free, educating them at the Mission and providing the networking to land a job and become a working citizen. The people there are so dedicated and amazing. It's incredible to see how grateful and willing some are towards turning their lives around. One of the men who helps run the facility is named Eziell and once was one of the people the Mission helped! He is one of the sweetest, most kind-hearted, generous men I have ever met - and he is now married with a baby! The only requirement to join the Mission is willingness to grow and the spiritual foundation is laid out in front of each man and woman to pick up as he or she sees fit - both for themselves and their children that are sometimes on the street with them. www.losangelesmission.org

2. Are you currently involved in any charities? If so, why do get involved?

I absolutely am involved with charities! I was just as the mall a few days ago and this girl came up to me who I worked with 6 years ago. She lived in a group home and we all went on a camping trip to Catalina Island one weekend, and she just talked about how much it meant to her and how her life has just grown and grown and now she's about to get married and buy a house! It's so amazing to see someone become successful and realize that just by spending time with a person, you can impact her life.

KIMBERLEE PETERSON

Actress-West Wing, NCIS, CSI MIAMI

What is your favorite chatity? and why?

I have a few non-profit organizations that are dear to my heart. The Colorado Share Program, Arvada Child Advocacy Center and S.A.F.E. alternatives. All of these non-profit organizations are tremendously helpful to those in need and have been for years. The Share program has helped feed the hungry since 1983. As a child, I helped pack boxes of food for unfortunate families. I am very lucky to have grown up with a family who understands that giving is a part of living.I actually got my start in acting through the Arvada Child Advocacy Center. I took part in training videos to help law enforcement understand how to interview children of sexual abuse.

Are you currently involved in any charities? If so, why did you get involved?

This past year I hand delivered to the Colorado Share Program 4000 copies of the children's book "Adventure's in Puddle Creek," written/donated by my mother S.L. Peterson. It is because of my mother that I believe that we all have something meaningful to give to this world.S.A.F.E. Alternatives is wonderful organization that helps people who suffer from the disease of self mutilation, also known as "SI." The film I did in 2000 "Secret Cutting," has opened my eyes to a large number of people who feel like they don't have a voice. SI is a prevalent problem in this world that is unfortunately taboo even in the the year 2007. I currently mentor kids with this problem and have been in talks with S.A.F.E. Alternatives to try and get my film on their site to be sold. Every time it airs they get flooded with calls.

Comments

Track Olympian Michael Walton " In 2002 I put the thought of having a non profit into action by creating the Michael Walton Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides create outlets for under-privileged youth in the Washington D.C. metropolitan community. The signature program is entitled the Speak Out to Reach Out tour. I contribute directly to the tour by conducting motivational seminars for studentâs grades 6 - 12."

(Posted on 2007-10-11 02:44:00 by Track Olympian Michael Walton)
"This book will provide double insight for both the community and the celebrity. Often times, many people feel that celebrities do not support service based causes. However, there are many celebrities who accept their responsibility to make a significant difference in the lives of others. As a number of members within my family passed due to cancer, I am a huge supporter of the American Cancer Society. I hope that with my support and those of many others that we can one day find a cure." http://www.myspace.com/seangarrettmusic

(Posted on 2007-10-11 12:32:00 by Sean Garrett, Grammy Award Winning Songwriter)
"I think this book will be great because there are so many charities and non-profit organizations today that it's hard to know what's what and who's who. This book will allow celebs as well as everyday people to learn more and hopefully get involved."

(Posted on 2007-10-08 23:58:00 by Actress Camille Winbush, (Bernie Mac Show))
R & B ARTIST & ACTRESS Â Â MYA Â Â ÂÂ "Education is essential for succeeding in anything you want to achieve in life.Unlike materialistic things, knowledge can never be taken from us and there's always room for more. Being smart with choices has allowed me to see all parts of the world and that's pretty cool!"Â M.H

(Posted on 2007-10-08 13:18:00 by MYA)

"My favorite charity is the Ronald Mcdonald house because they provide opportunities for children to spend a days worry free and really allowing them to have fun. And my favorite non-profit org. is Loveisrespect.org which is a teen dating abuse helpline. I am the proud spokesperson for them. "

Camille Winbush.

Complete interview featured in Inside Out.

"Inside Out: Entertainment Thru Nonprofit Eyes"

Coming Soon - Podcast interviews with some of our participants

"This book will allow individuals to realize that 'hard work always paysoff' and to never give up on your dreams. There is no better joy when you can share your experiences and provide opportunities to the leaders of tomorrow."

Erin Baxter,

Senior Project Manager

The Recording Academy - (The GRAMMY'S)Atlanta Chapter