About this Event
We're thrilled to host Nicole Avant in discussion on her book, THINK YOU'LL BE HAPPY. Nicole will be joined in conversation by Diana Snyder Ritter, Chair of the Associate Board at Our House Grief Support Center.
About the book:
The USA Today bestseller, a spirit-lifting memoir on how to turn pain into purpose, how to live always in gratitude, and how to face down tragedy and turn it into love.
Nicole Avant—diplomat, philanthropist, filmmaker—grew up surrounded by some of the most extraordinary artists of our time: Bill Withers, Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones, Sidney Poitier. Her parents—entertainment mogul, Clarence Avant, and legendary philanthropist, Jacqueline Avant—turned their home into a place of refuge and inspiration for a generation of geniuses. Nicole drew on that magical upbringing to create a stellar career in the music business, become the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas, and produce critically acclaimed award-winning films and documentaries. Then, an unthinkable tragedy struck: her mother was fatally shot in December 2021.
In this searing and inspiring memoir, Nicole turns the pain of her family’s loss into the fuel that pushes her forward into an even more committed life of love and activism: “We can’t banish evil,” she writes. “We have to learn to swim through trauma and live for all of those who can’t.” Turning tragedy into inspiration, Think You’ll Be Happy—her mom’s last words to Nicole—provides a roadmap for anyone working to remain positive and anchored in hope.
About the speakers:
Nicole Avant is the best selling author of “Think You’ll Be Happy- Moving Through Grief with Grit, Grace and Gratitude”.
Ms. Avant served as the 13th U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas after being nominated by President Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, becoming the youngest as well as the first African American woman to hold the position. In addition to her international diplomatic work, Ambassador Avant brings deep commercial insight and knowledge of the media and entertainment industries having worked in the music business for over 25 years and serving as Vice President of Interior Music Publishing, founded by her father, entertainment mogul, Clarence Avant.
Avant currently focuses her efforts in film and television production and has produced the critically acclaimed and award winning films “The Black Godfather” and “Trees of Peace”
and also serves on the Board of Membership Collective Group, Inc., the holding company of the Soho House social clubs.
Throughout her career, Ambassador Avant has also pursued an array of business and philanthropic ventures. Ambassador Avant graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from California State University, Northridge in 1991.
Diana Snyder Ritter serves as the Chair of the Associate Board at OUR HOUSE, LA's premier grief support organization. Having joined the board in 2018, she plays a pivotal role in guiding the organization's mission to aid thousands of grieving children, teens, and adults on their journeys toward hope and healing. Notably, OUR HOUSE is renowned for Camp Erin, a summer camp program dedicated to supporting children coping with the loss of a family member.
Diana's personal connection to OUR HOUSE runs deep, having found solace and empowerment through the organization's services following the passing of her father. Her participation in a grief support group was transformative, shaping her commitment to advocate for others in similar circumstances.
Beyond her impactful work at OUR HOUSE, Diana is a television writer, credited with creating and selling shows for major networks such as Freeform, Paramount +, HBO, Disney, and Warner Brothers. Currently, she is engaged in the exciting project "Dee Takes Seoul," for Apple International.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1113 Montana Ave, 1113 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, United States
USD 0.00
