Stacie’s Remarkable Journey: From Norfolk to Hollywood

A once-in-a-lifetime experience that left a lasting impact on all of us.

We’re proud to share that Stacie Walls, LGBT Life Center’s CEO, was honored as a 2025 Remarkable Woman and traveled to Los Angeles as one of 125 finalists from across the country as part of Nexstar Media Group’s national celebration.

After being selected as the regional winner representing Norfolk, VA, Stacie joined an extraordinary group of women who are making real, lasting change in their communities. The women were selected for their self-achievement, community impact, and family contributions — and it’s no surprise to anyone who knows Stacie that she stood out in every category.

From a poolside reception catered by Wolfgang Puck to a tour of Hollywood and a powerful presentation at the Loews Ballroom with a performance by Deborah Cox, every moment of the trip was designed to honor the stories of these remarkable women. One of the most unforgettable experiences? Being surprised by Jennifer Hudson herself at a taping of The Jennifer Hudson Show.

🎥 Watch the video recap here:

This was more than a glamorous trip — it was a moment of connection, reflection, and recognition. Stacie represented not just the LGBT Life Center, but every staff member, volunteer, and community member whose life has been impacted by the Center’s mission. For over 23 years, she has helped shape an organization rooted in love, equity, access, and resilience.

The Center, and all of us who work alongside Stacie, will be forever enriched by this experience — and by the inspiration of the women she met along the way.

We’d like to thank Nexstar Media Group, The CW Network, and NewsNation for making this experience possible through their all-expenses-paid trip and national spotlight. And most importantly, we thank Stacie, for leading with vision, courage, and compassion.

You can catch the national broadcast of the Remarkable Women Awards Special here:
📺 The CW Network – Sunday, April 20 | 9–10 PM EST/PST
📺 NewsNation – Saturday, April 26 | 10–11 AM EST/PST
📺 WAVY TV – Saturday, May 10 | 7:00-8:00pm EST

🎉 Plus, a feature on The Jennifer Hudson Show airs Thursday, May 22, 2025

🖼️ View photos and more highlights: