New Friends New Life will welcome Kerry Washington, an Emmy-winning, and SAG nominated actor, producer, director and lifelong advocate and activist, as the speaker at its annual luncheon, a celebration of the nonprofit’s Silver Jubilee.

Washington, known for her role as Olivia Pope on the hit ABC drama Scandal as well as her film credits in Django Unchained, Ray, The Last King of Scotland, Save the Last Dance, Our Song, The School for Good and Evil, and, most recently, Unprisoned on Hulu, is also an advocate and activist dedicated to using her voice to fight for justice. She has spearheaded an effort to support grassroots organizations that empower marginalized groups, fought violence against women, raised money to protect the civil liberties of minorities, advocated for the arts and more.