Diversity News Magazine names 2026 honorees, including Virgelia Productions queens

Diversity News Magazine has named its first annual awards honorees for Aug. 22 in Los Angeles, with four titleholders from Virgelia Productions among the recipients. The event will recognize leaders across entertainment, healthcare, advocacy, fashion and community service, and will include performances, runway showcases and media access.

Why it matters: - The inaugural Diversity News Magazine Awards aims to spotlight people and organizations advancing diversity, inclusion, leadership and community impact. - The event gives Virgelia Productions national recognition for its pageant titleholders and nearly four decades of cultural and empowerment-focused work. - The awards also connect entertainment, advocacy, healthcare and public service in one Los Angeles showcase.

What happened: - Diversity News Magazine announced the honorees for the 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026. - Four Virgelia Productions titleholders are among the honorees: Nicole Hahn, Miss Asia USA; Andrea Huynh, Mrs. Asia USA; Jazzlynne BaoChau, Miss Teen Asia USA; and Amaya Andrea Franco, Miss Teen Latina Global. - The awards ceremony is set for Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at Barnsdall Gallery Theatre inside Barnsdall Art Park in Los Angeles. - Red carpet coverage begins at 4:00 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 5:00 p.m. - Tickets are available through Eventbrite. - Tickets also may be purchased via Zelle by sending $100 to 213-321-9408.

The details: - Nicole Hahn will receive the Global Excellence & Leadership Award. - Andrea Huynh will receive the Women’s Legacy & Empowerment Award. - Jazzlynne BaoChau will receive the Rising Star of Inspiration & Talent Award. - Amaya Andrea Franco will receive the Youth Empowerment Ambassador Award. - Additional honorees include Lourdes Duque Baron, Pepper MaShay, Dr. Kevin A. Peng and The House Institute Foundation, Renay Grace Rodriguez and Stonewall Democratic Club, and David C. Nguyen of the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. - Lourdes Duque Baron is being recognized with the Legendary Arts & Entertainment Legacy Award. - Pepper MaShay, also identified as Jean McClain, will receive the Legendary Voice in Dance Music Award. - Dr. Kevin A. Peng, MD and The House Institute Foundation will receive the Excellence in Hearing Health & Medical Innovation Award. - Renay Grace Rodriguez, Esq. and Stonewall Democratic Club will receive the Champion of Equality & Community Leadership Award. - David C. Nguyen will receive the Community Leadership Excellence Award. - The event will include performances by Pepper MaShay, Joy Marivic and Jônia Queen. - Pepper MaShay is scheduled to open the show. - Joy Marivic is listed as the second performance. - Jônia Queen will close the program with a Samba performance. - Guests will also see honoree recognition and award presentations, live awardee announcements, a fashion runway showcase called “Fashion for Unity,” a film trailer showcase, a music showcase, Diversity Pageants USA Queens Coronation and special honorary recognitions. - “Fashion for Unity” will feature BONIT GLAM By La Reyna del Glamour, Gabriel Escamilla Fashion & Mask Designer, and Kandahar Market by Helay Ayoub. - Media credentials are available for approved reporters, with access to the red carpet, interviews and event reporting opportunities. - Press credential requests go to worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com.

Between the lines: - The awards mix pageantry, activism, performance and civic recognition, signaling an effort to frame diversity as both cultural celebration and public service. - Including pageant queens alongside clinicians, advocates and city officials suggests the event is positioning titleholders as community-facing leaders, not just entertainers. - The performance and runway lineup adds a entertainment-forward layer that could broaden audience appeal beyond traditional awards coverage.

What's next: - Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026 will move from announcement to live ceremony on Aug. 22 in Hollywood. - Approved media can seek credentials before the event for coverage and interviews. - Virgelia Productions and Diversity News Magazine will use the night to showcase honorees, performers and community partners before a live audience. - More information is available through the Diversity News Magazine Awards website and Virgelia Productions.