Barbara Lazaroff

Barbara Lazaroff is a producer, writer, and published author, mother of two sons, celebrated philanthropist, humanitarian and entrepreneur. She is the co-founder, with Jordan Roberts, at FGI: Filmanthropic Group International, a studio that works with brands, causes and A-list talent to create mainstream film and media. To raise awareness about bullying, FGI hosted the "White Rabbit" release party screening and donated to various charities (2015). Barbara is a highly regarded restaurateur and member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). After co-founding, marketing and leading the publicity of the Wolfgang Puck Brand & IP (1979), Barbara established Imaginings Design (1981) and was the sole designer for WP restaurants: Spago Hollywood, Spago Beverly Hills, Chinois on Main, Chinois Las Vegas, Eureka, Granita and all the Cafés. In 1991, Barbara's exceptional work in the restaurant industry was recognized with her induction into Hospitality Design Magazine's prestigious Platinum Circle. Additionally, the Interior Designers Institute of Newport Beach conferred the honorary Bachelor of Arts degree upon her (1992) and Johnson and Wales University granted her the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management from (1998). In 2014 she designed her exclusive Flame of Life Dinnerware, available for purchase on Amazon, with the intent of using 100% of the proceeds to support a variety of her charities. Also in 2014 Barbara's "Exuberant Living" iTunes Podcast featured interviews with dynamic people from various industries: arts, entertainment, business, culinary, philanthropy, social activists and more. Always a strong community-minded advocate of women, Barbara raised awareness as an Associate Producer for "Femme: Women Healing the World" (2013). Additionally, she was one of the founding members of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs (WCR, 1992) and one of the original members of the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH, 1984). Barbara contributed to the production of, Grammy Award winning singer, Melissa Manchester's album, "You Gotta Love the Life" (2015). Throughout her life, Barbara has been recognized with countless awards for her continuous philanthropy. NAWBO inaugurated her into their Hall of Fame for business and awarded her the Legacy Award for Philanthropy. She is also James Beard co-recipient (with Wolfgang Puck) of the Humanitarian of the Year Award.