The summit will be held October 15 at The Pierre Hotel. Designed by Essence’s editors, Women Who Are Shaping the World offers a day of transformation and a unique opportunity for attendees to interact with African-American business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators and trailblazers. “Black women are seeking solutions to their unique career challenges and looking for strategies that create peace and balance in their lives,� said Susan L. Taylor, editorial director of Essence. “The goal of our summit is to help women own their power and direct it in ways that create optimum success.�
The non-traditional business conference will feature some of the most accomplished women who understand the challenges that African-American women face in an ever-changing work environment. They will share truths and strategies necessary to succeed personally and professionally. The summit will also provide vital tools for participants to move their career to the next level. The summit topics will connect attendees and panelists with open and honest dialogue on subject matters such as: Honest Conversations, Bridging the Black/White Divide; Getting to the Heart of What Derails You; The Communication Divide: How to Be An Advocate for Yourself; and Taking Your Life Back: Critical Decisions.
The Women Who are Shaping the World seminar panelists include: Roz Abrams, WCBS-TV anchor; Valerie L. Beal, senior vice-president of M.R. Beal; Dr. Ella L.J. Edmondson Bell, associate professor at the Tuck School at Dartmouth College; Ann Fudge, chairman and CEO of Young & Rubicam Brands; Carla Harris, managing director, Morgan Stanley; Judge Hatchett, judge on nationally syndicated courtroom series; Arianna Huffington, author and syndicated columnist; Michele Jones, command sergeant major, the highest-ranking enlisted female in the Army; Dr. Joy DeGruy-Leary, educator and noted lecturer on post-traumatic slave syndrome; Benilde Little, bestselling author; Lisa Price, CEO of Carol’s Daughter; Deborah Roberts, ABC News correspondent; Karen Thomas, CEO of the Marion P. Thomas charter school; Iyanla Vanzant, author and spiritual life coach; Tina Wells, CEO of Buzz Marketing Group and managing director of Blue Fusion; and Terrie Williams, public relations guru, author and motivation speaker.
The Women Who Are Shaping the World Leadership Summit is sponsored by Chevrolet, Lactaid, L’Oréal, Lowes, Microsoft, New York Life, Office Depot, OnStar, and State Farm.
As part of the summit’s initiative, Essence invites its readers to enter the Woman Who Has Shaped My World Contest, and celebrate the woman in their life who has inspired them to live life to the fullest, spiritually and emotionally. One lucky winner will receive a fabulous trip to New York City for her and her nominator, two tickets to The Women Who Are Shaping the World Leadership Summit, $250 shopping spree, two tickets to a Broadway show and dinner at a New York City restaurant. To enter, the contest, visit essencesummit.com. Women Who Are Shaping the World is $495 per person and includes breakfast, lunch, seminars, cocktail reception, conference materials, special gifts, opportunities for networking communications and a one-year subscription to ESSENCE magazine.
Participants will also enjoy special events in New York City on Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17. Registration is available by visiting essencesummit.com or calling 800-305-4143. Participants who are traveling to New York City can contact Women Who Are Shaping World hotel partners, for special room rates. Attendees can ask for the “Essence Summit Rate� by September 1, to receive the discount. Additional information about ESSENCE is available at essence.com.
