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Los Angeles Event Shines Spotlight on Diverse Talent, Community Leaders and New Pageant Queens
The Los Angeles celebration honored diverse talent and community leaders while crowning four new pageant queens.
A new Los Angeles awards event brought together performers, media professionals, filmmakers, fashion designers, community leaders and advocates for an evening focused on recognition, representation and community impact.
The Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026, held August 22 at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, marked the first year of the awards program. The evening included a red carpet, live entertainment, fashion presentations and recognition of individuals working across entertainment, media, journalism, the arts, fashion and community service.
A major part of the evening was the Diversity Pageants USA 2026 Coronation, where four queens received official titles: Nancy Salim, Mrs. Diversity News USA 2026; Dawna Lee Heising, Mrs. Diversity USA 2026; H.E. Dr. Nathalie Beasnael, Mrs. Diversity America USA 2026; and Hasty Stella Poya, Little Miss Afghanistan USA 2026.
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The entertainment program featured vocalist Pepper MaShay (Jean McClain), Jazzlynne BaoChau, Miss Teen Asia USA, Joy Marivic, and Samba performer Jônia Queen.
Fashion was also featured, with presentations from BONIT GLAM by La Reyna del Glamour, Gabriel Escamilla Fashion & Mask Designs, and Kandahar Market by Helay Ayoub.
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One of the evening’s notable recipients was Russ Emanuel, who received three honors: Trailblazer in Film or Television, Inclusive Fashion Innovator, and Film Trailer Excellence Recognition for Staycation.
Multiple honors went to Clinton H. Wallace, Dawna Lee Heising, FAWN, Malou Zagala Toler, Kimmarie Johnson, and Lourdes Duque Baron.
Baron also received the Legendary Arts & Entertainment Legacy Award, recognizing her accomplishments as an artist, author, performer and creative visionary.
The program included additional recognition for individuals and organizations representing entertainment, healthcare, journalism, advocacy and community service, including Dr. Kevin A. Peng & The House Institute Foundation, Renay Grace Rodriguez & Stonewall Democratic Club, Nicole Hahn, Amaya Andrea Franco, Andrea Huynh, David C. Nguyen, and Bamby Salcedo, among others.
About Executive Producer Esteban Steven Escobar
The event was executive produced by Esteban Steven Escobar, Executive Publisher of Diversity News Magazine and founder of Diversity News Media Brands.
Escobar is a Los Angeles publisher, journalist and media producer whose work focuses on providing visibility to diverse communities, creative professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders and organizations. Through his media and production work, he highlights accomplishments in entertainment, journalism, fashion, culture, humanitarian service and community leadership.
The Diversity News Magazine Awards were established as an annual platform recognizing individuals and organizations making meaningful contributions in their respective fields.
More Information
Complete 2026 Awardees List:
https://diversitynewsmagazineawards.com/awardees/
Original Event Coverage:
https://diversitynewsmagazineawards.com/2026/08/28/diversity-news-magazine-awards-2026-celebrates-hollywood-excellence-diversity-and-community-impact/
Diversity News Magazine Awards YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DiversityNewsMagazineAwards
Diversity News Magazine Awards Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DiversityNewsMagazineAwards
