Lisa Ann Walter Presents Sheryl Lee Ralph with HRC's National Ally for Equality Award 2022

Sheryl Lee Ralph, an Emmy Winner, Tony Award nominee, NAACP Image Award nominee, and Independent Spirit Award winner, is a staple in the entertainment industry, with an acclaimed career spanning over three decades. Sheryl can currently be seen starring on ABC’s smash hit comedy series “Abbott Elementary” for which she won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Sheryl starred in over 100 episodes of “Moesha,” three seasons of Nickelodeon’s hit series “Instant Mom,” “Ray Donovan” for Showtime, and currently has a recurring role on Freeform’s “Motherland.” On the big screen, she has starred in “The Mighty Quinn,” “Mistress,” “To Sleep with Anger,” and “Sister Act II.” In theater, Sheryl is known for creating the role of Deena Jones in the legendary Broadway musical “Dreamgirls” which earned her Best Actress nods for Tony and Drama Desk Awards. Sheryl most recently appeared on Broadway as Madame Horrible in “Wicked,” becoming the first African-American actress to take on the classic role.
Sheryl is also a passionate health advocate and honored AIDS activist, as the founding director of the DIVA (Divinely Inspired Victoriously Anointed) Foundation 501(C)3 which she created in memory of the many friends she had lost to HIV/AIDS. She also created the critically acclaimed Divas Simply Singing!, an evening of song and entertainment that is the longest consecutive-running musical AIDS benefit in the country. Sheryl was awarded the first Red Ribbon Award at the UN for her unique use of the arts in HIV/AIDS activism and was recently appointed as an AIDS Ambassador for Jamaica’s Ministry of Health. Sheryl is a mother of two with a blended family of four and loves every moment of motherhood and marriage. She is happily married to State Senator Vincent Hughes of Pennsylvania.
The Events program reaches over 20k members each year through 30 fundraising dinner events, allowing us to elevate LGBTQ+ candidates around the country, keep volunteers engaged, amplify our work in the local community, and solicit corporate sponsorships and donations through our auctions. It also gives these members the opportunity to hear from important speakers who highlight our work.
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