We went to the Grand Hyatt Friday evening for the YWCA USA Women of Distinction Awards Gala to celebrate the achievements of leaders who are role models for women and girls. We snapped the host, actress and advocate Robin Givens, right, with her lawyer, Debra Katz. Givens has served as spokesperson for the National Domestic Violence Hotline and has worked for 20 years to help women, children, and families facing domestic violence.

The gala was part of the YWCA’s annual conference and honored leaders in the areas of women's empowerment, racial justice, and advocacy. Here, YWCA USA Chair Paula Penebaker and CEO Dara Richardson-Heron, and YWCA Beaumont’s Bridget Johnson.

Guests snacked on passed mini quiche and spring rolls during the open bar reception. Here, YWCA’s Susan Byrd and Dorri McWhorter.

Hosts and honorees: Dara Richardson-Heron, Robin Givens, star of the hit show Judge Hatchett Judge Grace Hatchett, Bridge Project co-director Gaby Pacheco, NETWORK exec director (and author of A Nun on the Bus: How All of Us Can Create Hope, Change, and Community) Sister Simone Campbell, Deloitte’s Deborah Dehaas, who accepted the Corporate Social Responsibility Award, and Final Salute founder Jaspen Boothe.

Erica Moody and Mary-Kate Rasa contributed to this issue.