2026 UNCF LA Masked Ball
Celebrate an unforgettable night at the 2026 LA Masked Ball—the premier event on the city’s social calendar.
This distinguished evening—backed by leading celebrities, corporate partners, local leaders and notable supporters—promises sophistication, inspiration and impact.
Connect with dignitaries, civic leaders and top executives united in advancing UNCF’s mission to empower the next generation through education. Experience the glamour, the purpose and the community spirit that make this Ball a can’t-miss occasion.
Your support fuels UNCF’s critical work: scholarships and emergency aid; college readiness and completion programs; support for HBCUs and institutional capacity building; career readiness and internships; STEM and innovation initiatives; and advocacy that expands access and affordability for students.
More than a gala, it’s a powerful moment to honor legacy, champion excellence and create lasting change in our community.
For sponsorship and ticket information, please contact Regional Development Director Dr. Veda Ramsay-Stamps at veda.ramsay-stamps@uncf.org.
Melvin Robert is an Emmy, Golden Mike, and L.A. Press Club award-winning journalist who is thrilled to return to the KTLA family! He previously served as co-anchor of GOOD DAY LA weekday mornings. Additionally, he was senior correspondent and weekend host on the Emmy award-winning nationally syndicated entertainment news magazine EXTRA. He has also be seen as a special correspondent on THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW.
Robert is no stranger to Southern California morning audiences. In 2018 he joined Spectrum News 1 as a member of their original talent team, launching the network and introducing audiences to their unique brand of hyperlocal news. He served as co-anchor of YOUR MORNING ON SPECTRUM NEWS 1, alongside former KTLA Morning News anchor Giselle Fernandez, and host of the arts and culture news magazine THE SOCAL SCENE. Known for his infectious energy, authenticity, and relatability, he is committed to expanding the consciousness of the human collective through the craft of storytelling. Robert’s work uplifts, inspires, and educates through his unique ability to connect with interview subjects and viewers.
He has anchored some of the biggest local and national news stories, including the 2025 Southern California wildfires that ripped through the Pacific Palisades and Altadena communities, the inauguration of President Joe Biden, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2020 civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd. Additionally, he covered the 2019 Los Angeles teachers’ strike, Saugus High School shooting in the Santa Clarita community, and the Ridgecrest earthquake. He also reported on the deaths of Rep. John Lewis, George H.W. Bush, Kobe and Gianna Bryant, and Nipsey Hussle. In 2022, he was awarded Broadcast Journalist of the Year at the 14th annual National Arts & Entertainment Awards, presented by the L.A. Press Club.
A Southern California native, Robert was born and raised in Inglewood. He is a graduate of Loyola High School of Los Angeles, and matriculated to Loyola Marymount University, where he earned his BA in English and MA in Educational Studies focused in Human Development and Counseling.
Prior to his career in television, Robert spent 12 years as a teacher, counselor, administrator, and consultant. His career in education led him to serve the needs of diverse populations, from at-risk and severely emotionally and psychologically challenged students to those learning the English language, minority college students, and adults within the corporate sector.
A lover of people, song, dance, food and the arts, he believes that life is more fulfilling when we choose to be happy and let that which we are most passionate about be our compass.
Dr. Dawnn Lewis, a multitalented and multifaceted individual: President & CEO of Morning Jewel Inc. – a multi-platform production company in the areas of film, television, animation, music / music publishing & experiential events. She is also the Founder & CEO of the A New Day Foundation – a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, that provides financial & programmatic support to underprivileged youth and grassroots community based nonprofit organizations.
In 2019, Dawnn received an Honorary Doctorate in the Humanities for her more than 40 years of unwavering service and support to underserved youth and communities across the county and abroad. She is a: Trumpet Award, Grammy Award-winning singer, multiple NAACP Image Award, BMI & ASCAP Award-winning songwriter, film, television & stage actor, a Series TV creator/producer and an inductee into the Women Songwriters Hall Of Fame 2021. She is presently filming the new NETFLIX series NEMESIS (slated for a Fall 2025 release).
Dawnn was nominated for a 2025 NAACP Image Award in the BEST VOICE ACTOR Category for her performance as Captain Carol Freeman in the hit Paramount + Series: STAR TREK:;OWER DECKS; where she won the Women’s Image Award as BEST FEMALE VOICE ACTOR in 2021. Dawnn was added to the cast for season 3 of the hit series YOUNG ROCK, about the life of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. She currently co-stars in the NETFLIX animated series: KARMA’S WORLD, created by Chris “Ludacris” Bridges – now in it’s 4th season, FUTURAMA as “LaBarbara”. Her holiday film BLACK JACK CHRISTMAS, written & Directed by Victoria Rowell premiered on BET+.
Since 2014 Dawnn voices the character of Bernice Hibbert and several others in THE SIMPSON’S ; including their Disney short crossover films: LOKI & LISA JOINS THE CLUB! , as villains Ursula & Kah. You can also hear her do a variety of voices in the FOX series: HOUSEBROKEN and DUNCANVILLE as well as the feature films SING 2! & MINION’S 3 !
Dawnn was recently seen guest starring alongside Angela Bassett in the hit FOX TV series: “911” ; AMAZON series THE BOYS and simultaneously recurred on three hit series: NBC’s THIS IS US!, TNT’s MAJOR CRIMES & the CW’s IZOMBIE! She returned to Broadway in the original cast (2019-2022), of the exhilarating TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL (12 TONY Nominations), co-starring as ZELMA BULLOCK, Ms. Turner’s mother. Dawnn can also be “heard” giving voice to several animated characters such as “The Chief” in Where In The World Is Carmen San Diego”, “Patty” in APPLE & ONION, “Mrs. Hanshaw” & “Mrs. Buttercup” in SOPHIA THE FIRST, “Granny McStuffins” in DOC MCSTUFFINS “, CURIOUS GEORGE & Disney/Pixar’s Academy Award winning animated feature hits INSIDE OUT! and MONSTERS UNIVERSITY!
She’s served for several years on the National Advisory Board of the NATIONAL CENTER FOR CIVIL & HUMAN RIGHTS & the SAG-AFTRA National Board of Directors, while also serving as the Chair of the SAG-AFTRA Singers Committee. She currently serves as a Trustee for the SAG Pension Plan.
Her TV & Film credits include:VERONICA MARS, MAJOR CRIMES, A DIFFERENT WORLD (composer of shows theme song: ASCAP & 4 BMI Awards), HANGIN’ WITH MR. COOPER, I’M GONNA GIT U SUCKA, A CHRISTMAS RETREAT, DREAMGIRLS, BE THE LIGHT, ANY DAY NOW, THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER and ONE TREE HILL.
Dawnn’s record label, Morning Jewel Music, released her successful solo CD Worth Waiting For; the title song is featured in the Disney movie THE POOF POINT soundtrack, in which she starred. Dawnn’s CD’s: “Worth Waiting For” & “Donny McCullough & Friends: CANDLES IN THE WINDOW” are available on Amazon & ITunes. Her music has been used in several other Film and TV soundtracks, for Disney, ABC, NBC, HBO and WIGS Films. She’s recorded with or composed for Everett Harp, Patrice Rushen, Vanessa Williams, Nancy Wilson, Take 6, Wayman Tisdale, Grover Washington Jr., Quincy Jones & Tom Scott to name a few.
Look for more detailed information about Dawnn:
Website: www.DAWNNLEWIS.com www.ANewDayFoundation.net
FaceBook: Dawnn Lewis Official Fan Page FaceBook: A New Day Foundation
Twitter & Instagram: @dawnn_lewis
Tabitha Brown is an Emmy Award-winning host, actress and vegan food star who is affectionately known as “America’s mom.” She has provided millions with food for the body and soul with her everyday wisdom rooted in love, kindness, and compassion.
She is a 4 time New York Times Best Selling Author of Feeding the Soul, Cooking from the Spirit, I Did A New Thing (30 days to Living Free), and Hello There Sunshine, her first children’s picture book. Tabitha is the co-creator and host of her own children’s show, Tab Time, as well as the recipient of several NAACP Image Awards.
She is also the co-founder and CEO of her own healthy haircare line, Donna’s Recipe, and Fragrance company Tab&Chance. She has launched multi-category products with major retailers like Target and McCormick and never fails to bring sunshine to everyone’s home. Her proudest accomplishment that she holds close to her heart is spreading love & joy all over the world.
Valeisha Butterfield is one of the world’s most renowned women leaders, recognized for her paradigm-shifting impact across tech, entertainment and politics. Valeisha is the founder of SEED Media and Global State of Women, global platforms dedicated to advancing women, families and communities worldwide.
Her cross-generational impact and influence is award-winning, building and shaping some of the most iconic brands of our time, unlocking opportunity and access for more than 1M next generation leaders and counting.
Valeisha currently serves as a Board Trustee at her alma mater Clark Atlanta University, board member at GRAMMY Global Ventures, Honorary Chair of the GRAMMYs Black Music Collective, and a member of the GRAMMYs Television Committee, helping to produce the most highly rated and inclusive GRAMMY awards telecasts in recent history.
Valeisha is the former Vice President of Global Partnerships for Google, Inc., co-President at the Recording Academy / GRAMMYs, Deputy Director of Public Affairs for International Trade in the Obama Administration, and National Youth Vote Director for the Obama for America campaign helping to deliver one of the highest youth voter turnouts in American history.
Valeisha has been honored by ADCOLOR, ADWEEK, Step Up, McDonald’s 365, ESSENCE, EBONY Power 100, The Root 100, and others, including landing the cover of Billboard Magazine.
A proud daughter of public servants, graduate of Clark Atlanta University, and devoted mother, Valeisha is redefining leadership and modern business.
VIP Reception
Dinner and Program
Live Entertainment & Dancing
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
