Usher's New Look Celebrates Its Commitment to Youth Empowerment

Usher's New Look, the non-profit organization founded by Usher Raymond IV and committed to developing future leaders, will celebrate its Sweet 16 anniversary at the 2015 United to Ignite Luncheon at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta. Rapper and actor Ludacris will join Usher to emcee the event. The luncheon is an opportunity for New Look supporters and community influencers to come together, enjoy live music performances by the students, mingle with community influencers and recognize the award honorees whose efforts have transformed the lives of underserved young people around the globe.

"This organization has made an impact on thousands of youth worldwide," said Usher Raymond IV. "100% of New Look students graduate from high school and 98% go onto college. Today is about celebrating the accomplishments of our award winners who work tirelessly to improve their community. Without them, Usher's New Look would not be the strong organization it is today."

Each year, New Look honors individuals, organizations and corporations that are creatively empowering youth as leaders and change agents around the world. This year's honorees include Ludacris, award-winning artist and founder of The Ludacris Foundation; Casey Cagle, Lt. Governor of Georgia; Michele Lai, founder of Kids 4 Kids; and Elizabeth Williams, cofounder of Books IV Bonding.

Elizabeth will be presented with the Ignitor of Global Youth Leadership Award for her efforts in forming the nonprofit, Books IV Bonding, alongside her sister Rebecca. Elizabeth joined Usher's New Look Detroit as a struggling high school student and is now a senior at Grand Valley State University. "Before New Look, I had much insecurity and doubt about what mark I wanted to make on the world," said Elizabeth. "This organization has taught me to how to have confidence in my craft no matter what. Many important people made that possible, and Usher Raymond is always the glue that holds the New Look experience together."

The 2015 United to Ignite Luncheon is presented by Ford Motor Company Fund and sponsors include Arby's, WNBA Atlanta Dream, Bank of America, BET Networks, FedEx, General Electric, Georgia Power Company, The Home Depot, MGM Resorts International, PayPal, Sony Records, Southwest Airlines, Travelers and many more.

For more information about Usher's New Look and the President's Circle Awards Luncheon, please visit www.ushersnewlook.org. To purchase a ticket or get involved, please contact Melissa Wood at mwood@ushersnewlook.org.

About Usher's New Look:

Established in 1999, Usher's New Look has trained and certified over 25,000 youth across its four leadership pillars - talent, education, career and service. Through the development of innovative programs and a culture of consistent evaluation, reflection and refinement, New Look has achieved the gold standard in leadership development and success for youth. Now, in its sixteenth year, New Look has seen 100% of participating youth graduate from high school and go on to higher education or job placement.

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