L’Oreal Paris has honored Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman as the national winner in its Women of Worth competition.

The beauty product company cited her work as co-founder of Mission Kids, the county’s first and only child advocacy center providing support for victims of child abuse.

Ferman says she hopes the award will open a dialogue about the reality of child abuse and the ways all of us can be involved in keeping kids safe in our own communities.

Ferman has already won a $10,000 donation to her charity as a regional winner, and the national honor brings in another $25,000.