As a passionate advocate for social causes, Daisi Pollard Sepulveda dedicates her time and talents to philanthropic work. Through her roles with numerous nonprofit organizations, she amplifies awareness and funds for critical issues.

Early in her career, Daisi was honored as a committee member for the National Meningitis Association’s annual gala, supporting research for the disease. She went on to serve as Board President for the Meningitis Foundation of America, overseeing operations.

Striving to empower women and fight inequality, Daisi joined the Women Like Us Foundation as a Global Ambassador. The nonprofit advocates for the end of human trafficking, body positivity, equal pay, and an end to harassment initiatives through global awareness campaigns.

Additional philanthropic involvements include advocacy with the Minority AIDS Project, Dress for Success, and the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. Daisi lends celebrity participation to fundraising events such as celebrity golf tournaments and fashion shows benefiting worthy causes.

By donating her influence, time, and creative talents, Daisi Pollard uplifts underserved communities worldwide. She remains dedicated to advocating through charitable partnerships and developing initiatives that drive meaningful change.

Women Like Us Foundation

As a Global Ambassador for the Women Like Us Foundation, Daisi utilized her extensive experience and connections in the modeling industry to bring awareness to issues of human trafficking, body positivity, equal pay, and harassment. She organized fundraising events like fashion shows and golf tournaments benefiting WLU, as well as educational workshops for models. Daisi also created educational content and social media posts to raise awareness of the organization’s initiatives. Her goal was to educate the fashion industry on trafficking issues, attract corporate sponsors to support WLU’s mission, and empower women both within her field and beyond.

Daisi on the Red Carpet at the WLU "Doing Good While Looking Great" event
Daisi Pollard at Women Like Us Foundation Event 3
Women Like Us Global Ambassadors
Daisi Pollard at Women Like Us Foundation Event 2
Daisi with fellow Global Ambassadors at the "Doing Good While Looking Great" fundraiser
WLU Live Train Campaign

Meningitis Foundation of America

As President of the Board of Directors, Daisi Pollard provided critical leadership and oversight for the Meningitis Foundation of America. In this role, she worked diligently to advance the Foundation’s mission of supporting meningitis research, patients, and families affected by the disease. Daisi oversaw day-to-day operations and long-term strategic planning. She also represented the Foundation at key events and partnered with organizations in the fight against meningitis. Under Daisi’s direction, the MFA expanded patient and community services, increased public education efforts, and raised greater awareness of meningitis prevention and treatment options. Her experience navigating both nonprofit and private sector work proved invaluable in helping the Foundation make meaningful progress in combating this serious illness.

Daisi Pollard, Board President of the Meningitis Foundation of America

JWCH Institute Ladies of Diversity Initiative

Daisi Pollard supported the JWCH Institute’s Ladies of Diversity Initiative by participating in their holiday party event serving women in the Skid Row community. As a former Miss Jamaica, Daisi recognizes the importance of empowering underserved groups. At the event she and fellow beauty pageant winners sang Christmas carols, provided makeup tutorials and supplies, took photos with attendees, and spoke about self-care, community support and personal development. Through interactive workshops and her words of encouragement, Daisi aimed to lift the spirits of the women during the holiday season. She generously donated her time and expertise in cosmetics to boost confidence and morale. By cheering participants and advocating for the initiative’s mission of uplifting diversity, Daisi helped enhance the positive impact of JWCH Institute’s community outreach programs serving the most vulnerable populations in Los Angeles.
Daisi and fellow pageant sisters singing Christmas carols for attendees
Daisi and her pageant sisters serving meals to the women of Skid Row
Daisi Pollard and employees of JWCH
Daisi Pollard hosting a workshop with attendees

Minority AIDS Project

Daisi Pollard supported the important work of the Minority AIDS Project (MAP) through her participation in a fundraising fashion show. As one of the first organizations established and run by people of color addressing HIV/AIDS in the U.S., MAP provides vital education and support services to underserved communities in Los Angeles disproportionately impacted by the epidemic. Daisi graciously co-hosted their fashion event, helping to promote attendance and donations for MAP’s community programs. These include in-home nursing care, benefits assistance, PrEP referrals, testing, health education and more. By lending her public profile and emcee talents, Daisi was able to shine a greater spotlight on MAP’s mission of empowering minorities through culturally competent HIV/AIDS care. Her commitment exemplifies how philanthropic efforts can strengthen crucial advocacy and aid for those most in need.

Daisi on the Red Carpet at the Minority AIDS Project Los Angeles fundraising event
Daisi co-hosting the MAP fundraising fashion show

National Meningitis Association

Daisi Pollard was honored to serve on the events committee for the National Meningitis Association’s annual gala. This high-profile fundraising event supports critical research into the disease. As a committee member, Daisi played an integral role in gala planning and execution. She helped secure corporate sponsors, celebrity attendees, auction items, and other donations to maximize proceeds for NMA’s work. Daisi also volunteered at numerous other NMA educational events, lending her time and public profile to raise awareness of meningitis prevention and treatment options. Through her dedicated efforts with both NMA and the Meningitis Foundation of America, Daisi has contributed greatly to advancing the fight against this serious illness. She remains passionate about supporting the meningitis community through philanthropic partnerships.

Daisi Pollard with the President and Board Members of the National Meningitis Association

Ryan Paul Martin Charity Golf Tournament

While serving as President of the Meningitis Foundation of America, Daisi Pollard helped to underwrite and support the annual Ryan Paul Martin Charity Golf Tournament. This event honors the memory of the Martin family’s son who passed from meningitis, and raises crucial funds to support the Foundation’s work. Daisi provided financial backing to make the tournament possible each year. She also lent her expertise, recruiting modeling industry contacts to help staff the event and promote sponsors’ holes. This boosted fundraising efforts. Working alongside the Martin family who organize the memorial outing, Daisi played a key role through both her donation and by bringing in additional promotional support. The Ryan Paul Martin Tournament benefited greatly from her collaborative spirit and dedication to the cause.

Daisi with Martin family and promo models
Daisi and promo models at the Ryan Paul Martin Charity Golf Tournament

Hurricane Katrina Bikini Car Wash benefitting the Red Cross Los Angeles

In response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Daisi Pollard organized a philanthropic initiative to support relief efforts. She hosted a “Bikini Car Wash” event, securing sponsorships from Just Tires and AutoZone to underwrite the costs. The car wash featured Daisi and other models washing vehicles in bikinis, garnering publicity and attracting a large crowd who donated to have their cars cleaned. All proceeds from the day were donated to the Red Cross Los Angeles chapter to aid their work rescuing and rehousing victims displaced by the hurricane. Daisi utilized her industry connections and unique creative concept to spearhead a massively successful fundraiser. Her leadership and promotional skills helped raise substantial funds that directly benefited those suffering from this terrible natural disaster. It demonstrated Daisi’s commitment to supporting communities in need through impactful grassroots campaigns.

Daisi Pollard during the Hurricane Katrina Bikini Car Wash with Just Tires sponsors

Stew's Shoot-out Charity Golf Tournament

As President of the Meningitis Foundation of America, Daisi Pollard championed the organization’s representation at Stew’s Shoot-out Charity Golf Tournament. She helped underwrite the MFA’s involvement to raise vital funds and awareness for the cause. Daisi worked diligently to promote the Foundation and its mission of expanding access to meningitis vaccines. At the tournament, she educated attendees about the availability of low-cost meningitis shots nationwide through partners like Walgreens. Daisi also shared information on the MFA’s ongoing public outreach efforts to get more people, especially young adults, vaccinated against this dangerous illness. Her leadership and advocacy at events like Stew’s Shoot-out were instrumental in driving support for the Foundation’s work to prevent meningitis infections.

Daisi Pollard promoting partnership with Walgreens to promote the Meningitis vaccination shot
Daisi engaging with donors and golfers at MFA Charity Golf Tournament
Daisi representing MFA at the Helicopter Ball Drop

Confederation of Meningitis Organizations

As President of the Meningitis Foundation of America, Daisi Pollard played an active role in the Confederation of Meningitis Organizations (CoMO). She represented the MFA at CoMO events and meetings to collaborate with other global partners in the fight against meningitis. Through her membership in CoMO, Daisi advocated for increased awareness, prevention programs, vaccinations, and research funding on an international scale. She helped elevate the U.S. perspective and priorities within the influential CoMO network. Daisi also promoted strategic information sharing between the MFA and fellow member organizations. Her leadership and participation strengthened the united front of the Confederation in working to defeat meningitis across borders through aligned initiatives and advocacy.

Dress for Success

As an advocate for empowering women, Daisi Pollard generously supported the mission of Dress for Success. She visited their West Coast offices to learn more about the organization’s work helping women in need attain professional attire for job interviews and employment. Daisi donated many new suits from her own wardrobe to bolster Dress for Success’ inventory available to clients. Understanding the confidence that proper workwear can instill, Daisi was committed to helping the nonprofit provide that experience for as many women as possible. Her donations directly enabled Dress for Success to outfit more clients embarking on career paths or job searches. Daisi also promoted the organization through her platforms to further their ability to serve communities worldwide. Her philanthropic contributions of both attire and publicity strengthened Dress for Success’ impact.

Daisi Pollard gets a tour of Dress for Success Worldwide West Offices
Daisi donates suits to Dress for Success
Daisi with Dress for Success Worldwide West President

Give Kids A Shot Gala

As a dedicated supporter and early advocate for the National Meningitis Association, Daisi Pollard served as Co-Chair for their prominent annual fundraising gala, “Give Kids A Shot”. Held in New York City, the gala aimed to raise critical funds and awareness for the organization’s efforts to battle meningitis. Daisi played an instrumental role in the event’s success through her industry connections and passion for the cause. She commissioned designer Laurie Elyse to create the eye-catching “Meningitis Statement Dress” specifically for the gala, which was then auctioned off to boost proceeds. The unique gown prominently displayed meningitis stories and photos to educates donors. Daisi’s leadership and creative initiatives as Co-Chair elevated the gala’s impact. Through her work organizing and promoting “Give Kids A Shot”, she strengthened the NMA’s ability to support meningitis research, outreach and prevention.

Daisi with co-chairs and former Miss USA
Daisi Pollard wearing the Meningitis Statement Dress at the National Meningitis Association's Gala in New York City
Daisi with Black Tie Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Joyce Brooks
Daisi with National Meningitis Association President and Board Members

Meningitis Statement Dress

For the 2012 “Give Kids A Shot” gala benefiting the National Meningitis Association, Daisi Pollard conceptualized and commissioned a unique gown from designer Laurie Elyse to be auctioned off and raise additional funds and awareness. Called the “Meningitis Statement Dress”, the piece featured a classic black dress complemented by a removable skirt adorned with lamented newspaper fabric. This apron portion proudly displayed real stories and photos of lives forever impacted by meningitis. Accompanying jewelry was also handcrafted by Elyse. Daisi modeled the eye-catching ensemble at the event, using her platform to spotlight the creative work which highlighted poignant patient narratives. Through collaborating with Elyse on the concept and presentation, Daisi harnessed the power of fashion and art to philanthropically honor victims while educating attendees and driving more support for the NMA’s critical efforts. Her vision in producing this statement dress exemplified creative, impactful advocacy.
 
CREDITS:
Dress & Jewelry Designer: Laurie Elyse
Hair & Makeup: Norma BLAQUE Studios
Photography: Oscar Urrutia
Model: Daisi Jo Pollard Sepulveda
Daisi Pollard modeling the Meningitis Statement Dress
Daisi Pollard commissioned the Meningitis Statement Dress Jewelry for charity auction
The Statement Dress featured a LBD with an exposed zipper
The jewelry was handcrafted featuring antique stones.
The detachable apron skirt features biographical stories and photos of lives touched by meningitis