The Butterfly Effect: PEARLS for Teen Girls Hosts Annual Gala to Showcase Generational Impacts

MILWAUKEE – APRIL 2025 – PEARLS for Teen Girls is set to host its signature annual gala, Inspired to Lead: The Butterfly Effect, celebrating its enduring impact on young women and the broader Milwaukee community. The event will take place on April 17 at the Baird Center from 5:30- 8:00 p.m., bringing together supporters, mentors, girls and alumnae to honor the transformative power of mentorship and leadership development.

This year’s gala will highlight the butterfly effect, PEARLS girls and supporters have on the community through interactive performances and multimedia testimonies provided by girls and an alumnae. The night will be a celebration of the generational impact of PEARLS through the Gerry Howze Legacy Award by honoring longtime mentor, leader, and former PEARLS CEO, Danae Davis. A dedicated advocate for young women, Davis has played a pivotal role in guiding and inspiring countless PEARLS participants. Her commitment exemplifies the PEARLS mission, demonstrating how mentorship and empowerment can create a cycle of success that extends far beyond the initial connection.

“Our theme, The Butterfly Effect, perfectly captures how investing in one girl has the power to transform an entire community,” said Dr. Tiffany Tardy, President and CEO of PEARLS. “Danae Davis embodies this principle—her mentorship has set in motion a chain reaction of leadership, resilience, and success for generations of young women.”

The Inspired to Lead gala is a key fundraiser supporting PEARLS’ mission. This year, the event aims to raise $375,000 to continue providing life-changing programming for Milwaukee’s young women and gender-expansive youth. The gala will be emceed by Chauntel McKenzie, CEO of The PowHER Network. Entertainment will include musical performances by Brew City Soul, a Milwaukee-based soul music band specializing in music direction and curation. Featured dancers are from YWCA of Southeastern Wisconsin choreographed by award-winning choreographer and director, Frank Gatson, Jr. The event will be chaired by Board Members, Caitlin Cullen and Tiffany Henry.

Attendees will enjoy an evening of inspiration, catered dining experience and present an Alumnae with the PEARLS Chrysalis Award. The event will also include silent auction, live auction, wine pull, and a special appeal to directly support PEARLS’ work.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. The 2025 event will be on April 17, hosted at the Baird Center from 5:30-8:00 p.m. Early bird tickets are available for a limited time and can be purchased here: https://www.pearlsforteengirls.com/itl.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.