CONTACTS:
Bernadine Stallings, NCNW, bstallings@ncnw.org
Whitney Guilford, NCNW. wguilford@ncnw.org
Tonita Perry, APR, Eaddy Perry & Associates, Inc., tperry@eaddyperry.com, 704-965-6956
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2023
WUSA9 LESLI FOSTER AND DJ QUICKSILVA TO HOSE, EMCEE
18th Biennial Uncommon Height Award Gala
WASHINGTON, D.C. – WUSA9 Anchor Lesli Foster and the Party Kingpin DJ QuickSilva will serve as host and emcee at the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) 18th Biennial Uncommon Height Awards Gala, on Dec. 8, at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort in Oxon Hill, Md. This event is the organization’s signature fundraising event, with proceeds raised being used to fund programs of critical concern known as the core four – health, education, economic justice, and social justice.
This year’s event host, Ms. Foster, can be seen each weeknight at 5, 6 and 11 PM. In addition, she also leads the station’s “Impact” series that links WUSA9 journalists with the community to solve problems. In 2017, this show became the signature vessel for the work that speaks most to her heart: shining a light on issues and people that allow the team to explore the vast space of humanity.
Since launching her career at WEYI-TV outside of Flint, Mich. and reporting for WBAL-TV in Baltimore, Ms. Foster’s career work has been recognized with numerous awards including three Emmys for Best Anchor – plus numerous other Emmys, Edward R. Murrow, Gracies, NABJ Salute To Excellence, Associated Press, and TEGNA Make A Difference awards.
In 2012, Ms. Foster established Girlfriends Give Back, an event that introduces women to everyday philanthropy through the power of a small donation. The money is directed to small but impactful organizations that change the trajectory of families through their services.
Roberto “DJ QuickSilva” Sliva, the night’s emcee, has won multiple awards for his skills including two Global Spin Awards, the East Coast #1 at the MixShow Power Summit, and being ranked No. 1 in DC for the past two decades and recognized for the last ten years in a row, ranking in the top 10, among the 30 most powerful DJs in radio by The Source magazine. Recently, he was honored at the legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl for over 20 years of community service and was added to their Wall of Fame.
He can be heard on the ones and twos on his daily, nationally syndicated radio show, “The QuickSilvaShow”, which airs weekdays during afternoon drive time. You can also catch him on hit television series “Love & Marriage DC” on OWN.
When he is not working, DJ QuickSilva serves as a motivational speaker at schools and is an active community servant and philanthropist. He is the proud owner of two DJ schools, located in Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
From the signature fundraiser, NCNW is hoping to raise $1M to bolster programs coming out of the new era that make a difference and touch lives, not only here in the US, but also abroad. Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor and President of the Dorothy I. Height Education Foundation Alexis Herman and President and CEO of The Memorial Foundation and Chair of the NCNW Charles L. Franklin Associates Harry E. Johnson, Sr., Esq. are co-chairs of this year’s event. Toyota Motor Company of North America will once again be the presenting sponsor.
The gala is named in honor of NCNW President Emerita, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, who led the organization for over 50 years and achieved notoriety due to her immense contributions to economic justice, civil rights, and education. To further honor her, the Crystal Stair Award is awarded to an individual who demonstrates a lifetime devoted to the protection of freedom and pursuit of excellence in career and personal dedication to humanity as did Dr. Height. This year’s recipient will be Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie.
NCNW is an “organization of organizations,” comprised of 330 campus and community-based sections and 33 national women’s organizations that enlighten, inspire, and connect more than 2,000,000 women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, their families, and communities. It was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist.
To attend and for more information, visit https://uncommonheight.com or https://ncnw.org/.
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