A Look Inside the L.A. Woman Luncheon Celebrating Olivia Munn with Los Angeles Magazine
Los Angeles Celebrates Women’s Leadership at Annual Luncheon
The Beverly Hilton played host to an influential gathering on March 13, where leaders, creatives, and changemakers came together to honor notable women shaping Los Angeles. The event, organized by Los Angeles magazine, focused on recognizing contributions from diverse sectors including entertainment, business, philanthropy, and media.
The luncheon celebrated the release of the magazine’s L.A. Woman issue, which spotlights prominent women making an impact in the community. This year’s gathering particularly honored actress and advocate Olivia Munn, the cover star for March, whose efforts in breast cancer awareness continue to inspire national discussions.
Chris Gialanella, the magazine’s publisher, opened the proceedings, while Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Sharona Nazarian welcomed guests via video from the International Ballroom.
Before formal programming began, attendees enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere as they arrived on a pink carpet, exploring an elevated brand marketplace that transformed the garden patio into a lively showcase of fashion, beauty, and wellness. Sponsors, including Maison Perrier and HRC Fertility, hosted activations, allowing guests to mingle and experience unique brand offerings.
The event attracted a diverse array of attendees, including Jennie Garth, Jane Seymour, and Eva LaRue, among others. Notable guests also included Corinne Foxx and Ruth E. Carter, a two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer nominated this year for her work on Ryan Coogler’s Sinners.
During the luncheon, two-time Emmy-winning television personality Carly Steel moderated a panel featuring women recognized in the L.A. Woman issue. The heartfelt conversations emphasized the crucial challenges and victories encountered by women in various industries.
Olivia Munn delivered a keynote address, sharing her personal journey with breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection and proactive health measures. Her experience following a significant health assessment has not only altered her life but also her mother’s, underscoring the critical nature of vigilant health practices.
“That test not only saved my life, but also my mother’s,” Munn told the audience, reflecting on her decision to pursue further testing after receiving results indicating an elevated risk.
Munn stressed the urgency of addressing health concerns, stating, “For any woman who goes through this or has a loved one who goes through this, being as aggressive as possible is the way out. You have to fight with everything you have.”
She also recounted advice from the late actress Shannen Doherty, who emphasized the importance of tenacity in the face of health challenges. “She said to me, ‘Just be so aggressive,’” Munn recalled.
As the afternoon drew to a close, the gathering exemplified the spirit of The L.A. Woman initiative, celebrating the profound influence of women in shaping culture, industry, and community across the region.
