Women Leaders Across Industries Joined for Impactful Conversations Led By Nina Westbrook, Cari Champion, Anna Malaika Tubbs, Tabitha Brown & Mara Brock Akil This Thursday At The Beverly Hills Hotel In Los Angeles
Credit: Aleah Clark @byaleahclark
[LOS ANGELES, CA – May 29, 2026] — Yesterday afternoon, Russell Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation partnered with Bene by Nina to present the 4th Annual Women’s Wellness Brunch, an impactful afternoon of meaningful conversations from women leaders across industries. Moderated by Nina Westbrook and hosted by award-winning broadcast journalist Cari Champion, the event featured main stage panelists Anna Malaika Tubbs and Tabitha Brown, and a fireside chat with TV writer and producer Mara Brock Akil.
The intimate brunch was attended by Melanie Lynskey, Jada Paul, Akilah Releford Gould, Amanda Murray, Amber Grimes, Rebecca Gross, Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins, Jasmine Washington, Brittany Perry-Russell, Lana Gomez (Maniscalco), Shaun Robinson, Kimberly Coleman, Noelle Bailey, Dominique Everline, Eka Eyoh, and California Senator Laura Richardson, among other notable guests.
Highlights of the afternoon included:
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Grounding moment led by Life and Wellbeing Coach Alicia “Ace” Easter.
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Panel discussion with New York Times Bestselling Author Anna Malaika Tubbs and Emmy Award-Winning Host, Actress, and Entrepreneur Tabitha Brown.
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Fireside chat led by Nina Westbrook with Peabody Award-winning Showrunner, Writer, and Author Mara Brock Akil.
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Video screening highlighting recent initiatives in Los Angeles and Altadena by the Why Not? Foundation this May.
This year’s brunch revolved around the theme, “Rooted: Wellness That Runs Deep.” In addition to the panel discussion and fireside chat, the event featured networking opportunities, curated wellness experiences, and a marketplace highlighting complimentary wellness and beauty products, including Bear Method, Bask Body, Drywater, Momentous, Tower 28, Lola Ade, LYS, Danessa Myricks Beauty, Tab & Chance, Brown Sugar Babe, and more.
The annual women’s brunch serves as a signature fundraiser for the Why Not? Foundation, with proceeds directly funding initiatives across Los Angeles. Culminating a series of activations for Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the women’s brunch follows partnerships with Shepherd’s Door, The Jenesse Center, and Neighborhood Survants – bringing restorative wellness and community resources to domestic violence survivors and fire-impacted youth and families across Los Angeles and Altadena.
Click here for event photos.
About the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation
Founded in 2012, the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation aims to create pathways of empowerment for underserved populations. The foundation is committed to the perseverance of underserved communities by implementing structured educational opportunities, workforce development, and accessible mental health resources. With “Why Not?” being a personal ignition mantra for Russell Westbrook, the foundation looks to instill this mindset in the youth while offering resources to set children and their communities up for continued success. For more information, please visit: whynotfoundation.org.
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