Inaugural awards celebration takes place August 22 at Barnsdall Gallery Theatre
LOS ANGELES, CA — August 21, 2026 — The Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026 will bring together music, fashion, entertainment, community leadership, advocacy, and pageantry for a special inaugural celebration on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Presented by Diversity News Magazine, the event will take place at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre inside Barnsdall Art Park, bringing together award recipients, honorees, performers, designers, media professionals, community leaders, pageant queens, and special guests.
The evening will celebrate excellence, diversity, creativity, leadership, representation, and positive community impact.
🏆 Honoring Excellence
The 2026 honorees and award recipients include:
- Pepper MaShay — Legendary Voice in Dance Music Award
- Lourdes Duque Baron — Honorary Recognition: Legendary Arts & Entertainment Legacy Award
- Dr. Kevin A. Peng, MD & The House Institute Foundation — Excellence in Hearing Health & Medical Innovation Award
- Renay Grace Rodriguez, Esq. & Stonewall Democratic Club — Champion of Equality & Community Leadership Award
- Nicole Hahn, Miss Asia USA — Global Excellence & Leadership Award
- Jazzlynne BaoChau, Miss Teen Asia USA — Rising Star of Inspiration & Talent Award
- Amaya Andrea Franco, Miss Teen Latina Global — Youth Empowerment Ambassador Award
- Andrea Huynh, Mrs. Asia USA — Women’s Legacy & Empowerment Award
- David C. Nguyen — Community Leadership Excellence Award
- Bamby Salcedo & The TransLatin@ Coalition — Transgender Advocacy & Community Empowerment Award
🎤 Live Performances
The evening will feature live performances by Pepper MaShay, Joy Marivic, Jônia Queen, and Jazzlynne BaoChau, Miss Teen Asia USA.
Pepper MaShay will open the ceremony with a special live performance. Joy Marivic will showcase her award-winning vocal artistry, while Brazilian dance artist and choreographer Jônia Queen will bring the energy and traditions of Samba to the stage.
Jazzlynne BaoChau will perform the National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
👗 “Fashion for Unity” Fashion Show
A major highlight of the evening will be the “Fashion for Unity” Fashion Show, celebrating fashion, culture, creativity, diversity, and unity.
Featured designers include:
- BONIT GLAM — Edith C. Mercado, La Reyna del Glamour
- Gabriel Escamilla Fashion & Mask Designs
- Kandahar Market by Helay Ayoub
The runway presentation will bring together designers and models for a celebration of fashion and cultural expression.
👑 Diversity Pageants USA 2026 Royal Court
The evening will also feature the official Crowning of the Diversity Pageants USA 2026 Royal Court:
Nancy Salim — Mrs. Diversity News USA 2026
Dawna Lee Heising — Mrs. Diversity USA 2026
H.E. Dr. Nathalie Beasnael — Mrs. Diversity America USA 2026
Hasty Stella Poya — Little Miss Afghanistan USA 2026
🎬 Hosts & Red Carpet
The awards ceremony will be hosted by Esteban Steven Escobar, Publisher & Executive Producer of Diversity News Magazine, with co-hosts Dawna Lee Heising, Nancy Salim, and H.E. Dr. Nathalie Beasnael.
Naiia Lajoie will serve as the Official Red Carpet Host, conducting interviews with honorees, performers, designers, and special guests.
📍 Event Details
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Barnsdall Gallery Theatre — Inside Barnsdall Art Park
4800 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Red Carpet: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Awards Ceremony & Show: 5:00 PM – 8:15 PM
🎟️ Tickets
Tickets are available through multiple payment options.
Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-diversity-news-magazine-awards-tickets-1990365937097
Tickets may also be purchased for cash at the door, through Venmo, or through PayPal, subject to seating availability.
For Venmo and PayPal payment information:
📸 Media Credentials
Media credentials are limited and must be approved in advance.
Press outlets, journalists, photographers, and videographers interested in covering the event may request credentials by contacting:
About Diversity News Magazine Awards
The Diversity News Magazine Awards recognizes individuals and organizations advancing excellence, innovation, leadership, diversity, and positive community impact across multiple industries.
The inaugural awards celebrate established and emerging voices making a difference locally, nationally, and globally.
Official Website:
https://diversitynewsmagazineawards.com
Media Contact:
Alex, Leon, World Wide Vital Marketing & PR