May 5, 2009, was a beautiful day for Florence, our favorite Shoe Goddess. I’m so sad that I wasn’t able to be there this year, but Florence was the recipient of the 2009 Girl Power Award, along with Vanessa Morrison, president of Fox Animation Studio and Beth Styne, branch manager for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Beverly Hills. Thyonne Gordon, who is A Place Called Home’s executive director, was honored with the 2009 Legacy Award.

The recipient Thyonne Gordon, Beth Styne, Florence Azria , Vanessa Morrison

The recipients Thyonne Gordon, Beth Styne, Florence Azria, and Vanessa Morrison


The event was held at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.  The Girlz in the Hood Celebrates Women of Achievement Award luncheon benefits A Place Called Home’s Be Girlz Project, which is a year-long program that inspires inner-city girls to discover the beauty and strength of their minds and spirits, and teaches them skills that will empower them to lead more productive lifestyles. The program is designed to break the vicious cycle of gang activity and show these girls a way out by reaching within.

The Girl Power Award celebrates women who have empowered themselves and achieved success in their professional and personal lives. These women inspire young girls to embrace their potential and direct their lives in a positive and rewarding direction. And those of us who know Florence know just how much she emulates these qualities and cares about her children at A Place Called Home.

Shoe Goddess Florence Azria
Shoe Goddess Florence Azria
The Girl Power Award

The Girl Power Award

Thyonne Gordon and Florence Azria
Thyonne Gordon and Florence Azria

Florence with several of her students from APCH.
Florence with several of her students from APCH.