1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards Will Bring Acclaimed Entertainers, Community Leaders, Advocates, Fashion Designers and Cultural Changemakers to Barnsdall Gallery Theatre on August 22
LOS ANGELES, CA — August 13, 2026 — Hollywood will welcome a new awards celebration recognizing individuals and organizations making an impact across entertainment, music, television, journalism, healthcare, advocacy, fashion, community leadership and the arts.
The 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026 will take place Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, bringing together acclaimed entertainers, community leaders, advocates, fashion designers, media professionals and cultural changemakers for an evening of recognition and celebration.
Among the notable honorees and nominees are Pepper MaShay, recipient of the Legendary Voice in Dance Music Award; actress Kate Linder; recording artist Taylor Dayne; actress Vida Ghaffari; Bamby Salcedo and The TransLatin@ Coalition; Dr. Kevin A. Peng, M.D. and The House Institute Foundation; Lourdes Duque Baron; Renay Grace Rodriguez, Esq.; and David C. Nguyen, West Valley Area Representative in the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
“Our inaugural awards program celebrates the remarkable people and organizations whose dedication, talent, and leadership continue to make a meaningful difference,” said Esteban Steven Escobar, Executive Producer of the Diversity News Magazine Awards and Publisher of Diversity News Magazine. “We congratulate every nominee for earning this recognition and look forward to honoring their accomplishments during an unforgettable evening in Hollywood.”
The official show host lineup includes Esteban Steven Escobar, Publisher & Executive Producer of Diversity News Magazine; Dawna Lee Heising, Nancy Salim and H.E. Dr. Nathalie Beasnael as Co-Hosts; and Naiia Lajoie as the Official Red Carpet Host.
The awards will also recognize Jazzlynne BaoChau, Miss Teen Asia USA, with the Rising Star of Inspiration & Talent Award; Amaya Andrea Franco, Miss Teen Latina Global, with the Youth Empowerment Ambassador Award; and Andrea Huynh, Mrs. Asia USA, with the Women’s Legacy & Empowerment Award.
The evening will feature live performances by Pepper MaShay, Joy Marivic and Jônia Queen, as well as a “Fashion for Unity” runway presentation featuring BONIT GLAM By La Reyna del Glamour, Gabriel Escamilla Fashion & Mask Designer and Kandahar Market by Helay Ayoub.
The event will culminate with the official crowning of the Diversity Pageants USA 2026 titleholders:
👑 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
EVENT DETAILS
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Red Carpet: 4:00 PM
Awards Ceremony: 5:00 PM
Barnsdall Gallery Theatre
4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Media attending will have opportunities for red-carpet interviews, photography, entertainment and fashion coverage, and interviews with honorees, performers, hosts and pageant personalities.
📸 MEDIA CREDENTIALS
Media outlets interested in covering the event are invited to request press credentials in advance:
worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com
Please include your name, media outlet and type of coverage in your request.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Esteban Steven Escobar
Executive Producer, Diversity News Magazine Awards
Publisher, Diversity News Magazine
(213) 321-9408