RAW SPIRIT AWARDS 2008 UPDATE
	Los Angeles, CA - February 9, 2008 Winners are honored at Amazing Woman's Day 2008 presented at Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles Photos | Video Clips
Michele Bohbot BISOU BISOU Esteemed Entrepreneur of the Year Wo	About Michele Bohbot After departing Paris in 1987, fashion designer Michele Bohbot arrived in Los Angeles with her husband and three children in search of the “American Dream.” Two years later, the Bohbots launched BISOU BISOU (French slang for “a little kiss”), a fresh, contemporary collection that blends Parisian street fashion with a modern American twist. The first BISOU BISOU collection, which included sportswear, denim and dresses along with licensees for shoes, outerwear, handbags, and accessories, took the American apparel industry by storm and was met with immediate success. In its 20 year history, BISOU BISOU has become a global fashion leader. With offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Paris, BISOU BISOU has sold its garments internationally at high-end department stores all over the world. For her innovative design, Michele has been the recipient of multiple awards. In October 2001, she was recognized as the “Best Contemporary Designer” at the Dallas Fashion Awards. In April of 2002, she was honored as one of “The Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World.” In 2003, the Bohbots signed a licensing agreement with JCPENNEY, giving exclusive distribution rights to this fabulous retail chain. The agreement also gave BISOU BISOU the opportunity to add multiple categories such as plus sizes, petites, sleepwear, shoes, handbags, swim, maternity and more. In 2006, Michele launched her first junior line, MISS BISOU, a chic, spicy little sister to BISOU BISOU.  MISS BISOU is also available at JCPENNEY. Michele attributes her success to the support of her family. “If it weren’t for Marc – giving me the opportunities to meet so many challenges, I would not be the woman I am today.” As for her seven beautiful children, Michele says that “they are not only my pride and joy, but my greatest inspiration!”
Dr. Sharron Stroud Esteemed Feminine Leader of the Year Sharron Stroud is a woman dedicated to healing the planet. The slogan "Think Globally And Act Locally" would describe what she has been about for the past 32 years. She is an author, professional speaker, and a spiritual leader. She has served the New Thought movement for 32 years as a spiritual leader. Dr. Stroud now serves as the Spiritual Leader of Innerfaith Ministries Worldwide in Palm Springs, CA. Dr. Sharron Stroud has been acknowledged extensively for her work in the humanities. She was featured in "Outstanding Young Women of America", "Who’s Who in California", Who’s Who in New Thought, Who’s Who in Metaphysics", The World Who’s Who of Women, the International Who’s Who of Professional and Business Women, and the International Directory of Distinguished Leadership. She is active in various community programs and has served on the Religious Advisory Council of the United States 42nd Congressional District. Her latest commitment has been to THE WELL IN THE DESERT, feeding the homeless of the Coachella Valley. The Reverend Doctor Sharron Stroud received her Ministerial Degree at the Ernest Holmes College in Los Angeles, CA, and it is relevant to note that she was the first female to serve as the President of the Ernest Holmes College. She also served as the President of United Clergy of Religious Science. Dr. Stroud received her doctoral degrees in Humanities from the Heritage Institute of Santa Barbara, California, the Aspen Theological Seminary in Lakeside, Colorado. She considers herself a Jungian Theologian as her movement espouses a spirit, mind, and body relationship. She has been honored by the National Forensic League for which she received 5 speaking awards. The Soroptimists of the South-West named her Woman of Religion. The International Biographical Center, Cambridge England, awarded her The International Woman of the Year, 1991-1992. She has just received the OUTSTANDING WOMAN OF THE 20TH CENTURY award from the American Biographical Institute. The list of nominees comes from around the world whose contributions to populations are helping others bridge the transition into the new century. A small number of nominees were accepted of persons of International repute. She has just received the 2006 Top Communicators of the World Award from the International Biographical Centre for her outstanding speaking abilities. She was also honored with the LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2006 for her work in the Humanities. The LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is the highest honor given by the International Biographical Center, Cambridge England. The Advisory Board of the IBC, have unanimously singled out Dr. Stroud's accomplishments as being beyond compare. The respect and admiration engendered is implicit. The IBC pays homage to a leader who has reached an unsurpassed level of excellence and achievement. A leader who has gone far beyond the standard obligations to become a driving power in shaping our society and Global Community. Dr. Sharron Stroud is a world renowned inspirational lecturer and teacher. She has lectured in South Africa, Japan, Korea, Canada, and Costa Rica.  Her work has been acknowledged by Time Magazine, Newsweek, and the front pages of the San Diego Union newspaper. Her greatest commitment is to the transformation of the planet and world peace. She was a presenter at the Human Unity Conference, served as a Chairperson of the Board for the Planetary Commission and was an active participant in the World Peace Event. Dr. Stroud’s ministry has taken part in the First Earth Run, Hands Across America, United Nations Walk for Peace, and she has spoken at the United Nations University for Peace in Costa Rica, Central America.
	Women's Organization of the Year                             Women in Technology International Carolyn Leighton, Founder Founded in 1989, WITI is the nation's leading trade association for professional, tech-savvy women committed to using technology, resources and connections to advance women worldwide.  With a global network of smart, talented women and a market reach exceeding 2 million, WITI has established powerful strategic alliances and programs to provide connections, resources and opportunities within a supportive environment of women committed to helping each other.  WITI's mission is to empower women worldwide to achieve unimagined possibilities and transformations through technology, leadership and economic prosperity.
	Thank you JAKKS CARES! JAKKS Cares™, A Division of JAKKS Pacific, is please to make a generous donation of toys to the favorite children's charity of each of our RAW SPIRIT AWARD 2008 Honorees.