As expected, the 2016 Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit kicked off with a burst of livelihood and empowerment. Hundreds of eager women flooded the Hilton Diplomat Resort & Spa as they geared up for 3 full days of inspiration and encouragement from top tier influencers and executives.
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The Summit kicked off with an adventurous shopping excursion, hosted by Macy’s, where attendees enjoyed an informative fashion presentation while learning the importance of looking their best to be the best.
After discovering their new looks, the ladies were then charged with the task of self-discovery at The Mask Mixer, facilitated by Founder/Executive Director of The Mask Project and Management Professor of Florida A&M University, Dr. Atira Charles. Through a mask designing exercise, Dr. Charles challenged attendees to discover their most authentic selves by sharing how barriers hold them back from being vulnerable and transparent while meeting the demands of life.
Immediately following the creation of the masks, the women were led to let the mask down revealing their trustest selves at ADP’s Un-Masquerade Sunset Soiree. Adorned in vibrant sunset colors, over 800 women prepared for an unforgettable journey of collective self-discovery and revelation featuring rewarding conversation designed to create honest, intimate and lasting peer-to-peer connections.
Mistress of Ceremony and Officer of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives of the Marshall School of Business, Debra Langford, opened the soiree by acknowledging the legacy of the Women of Power Summit and by recognizing how far it’s come in the 11 years since the summit’s inception. Langford detailed the importance of forging relationships at the Women of Power Summit, as each and every woman in attendance represents excellence and possibility.
The Soiree focused on this year’s summit theme, Know Your Worth, Own Your Truth, Embrace Your Power. “This week is all about cracking ourselves open to reveal the truths to ourselves, and to each other by revealing who we really are,†shared Caroline Clarke, editorial director of the Women of Power Summit. “The Women of Power Summit is all about tapping into your authentic self so that you may connect with each other in the most meaningful way.â€
Dr. Charles proceeded to encourage attendees to embody the summit’s theme by way of powerful affirmation claiming, “I know who I am. I am capable. I am strong by design. I am authentically me.â€
The evening concluded with a networking mixer where attendees shared the day’s highlights over new blossoming business relationships.