The L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Gala 2024: Honoring the Lifesaving Impact of Nonprofit Leaders

On November 21, 2024, the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Gala honored 10 extraordinary women whose nonprofits are transforming lives and inspiring change. Among them was Laura Pahules, founder and president of Control Alt Delete, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Survivors escape domestic violence.

Hillary Cohen, Danelle Umstead, Jahnavi Rao, Rania Zuri, Meymuna Hussein-Cattan, Wawa Gatheru, Dr. Tonya Stafford, Lisa Hoeve, Laura Pahules and Sheri Mathis attend the 19th Annual L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Celebration at NeueHouse Hollywood on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Jordan Strauss/AP Content Services for L’Oréal Paris)

The evening was filled with emotion and empowerment, including a moving statement from Dame Helen Mirren, a passionate supporter of the Women of Worth program. Speaking to the unique struggles faced by Survivors, Mirren remarked, “Only someone who’s been through that would understand it.” Her words captured the depth of pain endured by those in abusive situations and the courage required to break free—a journey Laura knows all too well.

For Laura, this recognition came at a transformative moment. In October 2024, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Control Alt Delete received a lifesaving $25,000 grant that enabled the organization to meet the new levels of unprecedented demand.

“That funding truly saved many, many, many lives,” Laura shared. “October is one of our busiest months, and with election-year tensions adding to the crisis, we saw an increase in requests for help. The grant allowed us to go from facilitating 30 escapes a day to 50, and now, as we head into the holiday season, we’re preparing to help hundreds escape every single day.”

The gala provided a powerful platform to spotlight the urgent need for support and the life-saving work Control Alt Delete is doing. For Laura, the evening was made even more special by the presence of her daughter, Allison Thomison, one of her greatest supporters.

In a moment that touched everyone in attendance, Allison’s voice rang out from the audience at the NeueHouse Theater: “That’s my mom!” Laura beamed as she reflected on how her journey from Survivor to advocate had come full circle.

“It means the world to share this moment with my daughter,” Laura said. “She’s been my rock and one of my biggest cheerleaders. Hearing her pride reminds me why I do this work—for family, for hope, and for brighter futures.”

Legendary phrases like L’Oréal Paris’ “Because I’m worth it” carried special significance throughout the night. For Laura, the tagline is more than an affirmation—it’s a rallying cry for Survivors.

“‘Because I’m worth it’ isn’t just a slogan; it’s a reminder to every Survivor that they are worth it—worth safety, worth freedom, and worth a life free from violence,” Laura said. “Every escape we facilitate is a testament to that worth, and it’s why our work matters so much.”

As the holidays approach—a season when domestic violence calls spike—Control Alt Delete is preparing for their busiest time of the year.

“The holidays are about new beginnings,” Laura shared. “For so many Survivors, this is the time they find the courage to escape. We’re here to make sure they know they’re not alone and that they are worth safety, peace, and joy.”

The L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Gala was more than a celebration; it was a call to action. For Laura, the honor highlighted her relentless mission to help Survivors reclaim their lives, and it underscored the importance of the platform L’Oréal Paris provides to inspire hope and change.