ATLANTA - eTradeWire -- Honorary Co-Chairs Ambassador Andrew J. Young, former U.S. Ambassador to the UN, and Virginia W. Harris, National President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. will host the 11th Annual LEDI International Life Changers Awards & Fundraising Gala on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. EST at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel in College Park, Georgia.

Themed "We Are The Light," this milestone black-tie event underscores LEDI's commitment to reducing poverty, expanding literacy, and empowering communities worldwide. The gala will celebrate four exceptional honorees:

• Sean "The Science Kid" Atitsogbe: 12-Year-Old STEM Educator, Science Communicator, and Mensa Member — Youngest recipient in LEDI history, recognized for inspiring 2M+ youth and promoting literacy.
• Charletta Wilson Jacks: 32nd International President & CEO, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, a transformational executive and former City of Atlanta zoning official, currently leading nearly 400,000 women globally.
• Donna W. Hyland: Former President & CEO, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - a visionary healthcare executive recognized for her extraordinary contributions to pediatric care, clinical innovation, and community health access across Georgia.
• Gerald "Gee-Bee" Barclay: Acclaimed Filmmaker & Documentarian - an award-winning director and visual storyteller honored for documenting vital cultural movements, music history, and empowering narratives across global media.

"It is a privilege to champion LEDI's mission of uplifting youth and expanding global literacy," said Ambassador Young. Harris added, "We warmly invite community partners to stand with us in celebrating these remarkable leaders."

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The evening features a VIP reception, silent auction, fine dining, cultural performances, and the Liberian Grand March. Proceeds support LEDI's U.S. and Liberia projects, including Liberia's first modern public library and tech center serving 200,000+ people annually.

Event Details:

• Date & Time: Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 5:30 PM EST
• Venue: Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel, College Park, GA
• Attire: Formal, Black Tie, or African Attire
• Tickets: $150 General | $500 VIP | Sponsorships from $2,500
• RSVP (by 10.10.26): https://www.ledifundraiser.org

About LEDI
Founded in 2007, the Liberia Economic Development Initiative (LEDI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reducing poverty and transforming lives — one child, one book, and one library at a time. Learn more at www.ledinow.org.

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