Portraits by: Carmelo Donato; Photo Reportage by: Sioux Nesi

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Schinnell Leake: Founder of Extra-Ordinary Birthdays

Her Mission:
As a mom and former owner of Extra-Ordinary Moments, a business that provided unique children's birthday parties, Leake set out to do the same for homeless kids. In 2010, Extra-Ordinary Birthdays was born. Now partnered with eight Washington, D.C.–area shelters, the 2015 L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth honoree gives each birthday boy or girl an "hour of magic" with gifts from their wish list and a personalized cake. She says, "I want these children to know that regardless of circumstances, they are special."

You can vote for the L'Oréal Paris 2017 Women of Worth from October 10 to 28 at WomenofWorth.com.

Her New Look:
The clothes: She's around kids, crafts, and cake all day, so Leake, 57, favors flats, a denim shirt, and an apron. "I am always covered in icing!" she says. With this red-hot Jovani gown, she traded sweet for spicy. A plunging back, dramatic bell sleeves, and a sweeping train update a simple but elegant silhouette.

The hair and makeup: To style her straightened hair, Melville applied a texturizing cream without alcohol, which can be drying. He pinned back the hair at the crown and brushed the rest into a pony, which he wrapped around the base to create a loose bun. For a polished look, Lucero used black eyeliner on Leake's upper lash line, plum and peach blushes, and a mix of berry and true red on her lips.

Her reaction:
"I just caught a glimpse of myself and thought, Who is that person? I feel so glamorous!"

To learn more about Leake's work, go to ExtraOrdinaryBirthdays.org.




Leake, armed with presents, celebrates birthdays at Barnaby and Chesapeake Houses in Washington, D.C.

Gown, Jovani; Earrings and Bracelets, Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz; Ring, Janis Savitt.