Strength of a Woman Summit Schedule

Saturday May 11th at Glasshouse New York, NY

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10:00-10:05 AM

Welcome from Jess Hilarious

Moderator:

Talent:

Welcome from Jess Hilarious

10:05-10:15 AM

Morning Motivation and Prayer Featuring Tasha Smith

Moderator:

Talent:

Morning Motivation and Prayer Featuring Tasha Smith

10:20-11:05 AM

From Crisis to Care: Navigating Mental Health in the Black Community

Moderator:

Kristi Henderson, DE&I Executive & Planned Parenthood LA & California Affiliates Board Of Directors

Talent:

Dr. Thema, Notable Black Psychologist; Shanti Das, CEO/Founder of Silence the Shame; Sharon Content, CEO/Founder Children of Promise NYC

From Crisis to Care: Navigating Mental Health in the Black Community

True wealth is mental wellness. We’re bringing together powerful Black voices to drop gems on managing life’s everyday challenges while keeping our minds on point. This isn’t just a panel — it’s a roadmap to inner strength, grace and resilience. Discover practical self-care strategies and unlock a healthier, happier you.

11:10-11:40 AM

Respect the Architect: Become the Architect of your Life

Moderator:

Misa Hylton, Image Architect & Designer

Talent:

LaTonya Blige-DaCosta, COO of MJB Productions; Simone I Smith, Jewelry Designer; Madison Star Brim, Artist, Designer, Birthworker

Respect the Architect: Become the Architect of your Life

From styling music icons to shaping cultural trends, Misa Hylton has left an indelible mark on fashion and entertainment. Get ready to be inspired as the fashion icon and her specially curated guests share their secrets to success and resilience through undeniable creativity across the board. Don’t miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embrace your unique vision, unlock your potential, and chart a course towards designing the life you’ve always wanted.

11:45-12:30 PM

Operation Secure The Bag: The Keys to Unlocking Financial Freedom

Moderator:

Pinky Cole Hayes, Founder/CEO Slutty Vegan and Bar Vegan Authority, Philanthropist

Talent:

Rosezena "The BizLawyer" Pierce, CEO & Founding Trademark Attorney of R.J Pierce Law Group, P.C.; Nicole George-Middleton,​​SVP, Membership, ASCAP; Sherrese Clarke-Soares, CEO/Founder Harbourview Equity Partners

Operation Secure The Bag: The Keys to Unlocking Financial Freedom

Level up and learn wealth-building strategies from corporate executives as a discussion about financial freedom takes center stage. The conversation is brought to you by PepsiDig In —the brand’s platform designed to drive access, business growth and awareness for Black-owned restaurants, by providing resources, mentorship, and training to restaurateurs to upskill their businesses. Join us for a conversation on entrepreneurship, financial planning, and how the Black community can crack the economic ceiling IRL. Don’t just dream of setting yourself free — gather the real keys to stacking generational coins. Your journey to prosperity starts here.

12:35-1:35 PM

Girl Talk with MJB

Moderator:

Angie Martinez, Radio Icon, Creator and Host of Angie Martinez IRL (In Real Life)

Talent:

Mary J. Blige; Taraji P. Henson, Actress; Tasha Smith, Actress/Director

Girl Talk with MJB

The girls are talkin’! Experience this unfiltered conversation that celebrates the magical bond of Black women’s friendships as MJB and her celebrity besties Angie Martinez, Taraji P. Henson and Tasha Smith talk about life, love, dating, and everything in between. Celebrate the strength and sisterhood of Black women as we toast to the joys and triumphs of everyday life with the women we love most!

1:40-2:25 PM

You CAN Sit With Us: Cultivating and Maintaining Sustainable Community

Moderator:

Gia Peppers, Award-Winning On-Air Talent, Entertainment Journalist, and Podcaster

Talent:

Heather Lowery, Founder NextGemFemme; Marsai Martin, Actress; Crystal Renee Hayslett, Actress, Producer, Host; Shari Bryant, Co President of Roc Nation Label

You CAN Sit With Us: Cultivating and Maintaining Sustainable Community

Explore the power of community and friendship as we discuss ways to foster healthier connections among Black women. From overcoming toxic environments or friend groups to embracing inclusivity, discover the keys to building meaningful relationships. Don’t let societal barriers break us — it’s time to redefine sisterhood and create a space where everyone belongs.

2:30-3:00 PM

Verizon Small Business Panel - The State of Small Business: How Female Leaders Can Be The Driving Force of Change

Moderator:

Brave Williams, Entrepreneur, Multi-unit Developer & Owner, Be BRAVE Founder & CEO

Talent:

Aparna Khurjekar, SVP & CRO, Business Markets & SaaS; Dawn McNellis, Senior Director, Business Sales; Sonal Patel, Vice President, Business Marketing

Verizon Small Business Panel - The State of Small Business: How Female Leaders Can Be The Driving Force of Change

Small businesses are the fabric of communities across the country, often having a significant economic impact on a local and national scale. Women-owned businesses continue to increase – ranging in the millions if not tens of millions. So, how can female leaders drive true change within their organizations and in the broader business landscape? Join us for a lively conversation with Verizon Business leaders focused on the state of small business, the importance of prioritizing diverse voices, and how we as women are uniquely positioned to navigate the extraordinary challenges many businesses are facing today. Panelists will zero in on trends they’re seeing in the field and what is resonating most with small businesses, such as new technology and social constructs, taking a deep dive into how we can support both the individual business owner and the communities they operate in. And finally, the discussion will cover how organizations like Verizon are championing small businesses, from tailored solutions, to programs such as Small Business Digital Ready, which offers over 50 courses, peer networking, 1:1 expert coaching and incentives such as grant funding to small businesses across the country.

3:05-3:35 PM

We Set The Trends: Developing Your Personal Style

Moderator:

Bevy Smith, Author, TV and Radio Host

Talent:

Claire Sulmers, CEO/Founder, Fashion Bomb Daily; Kim Kimble, Celebrity Hairstylist, Entrepreneur; Tahira Wright, Founder, The Cut Life

We Set The Trends: Developing Your Personal Style

Don’t know which looks match your vibe? Say less. Gain the skills you need to elevate your style game and discover how Black culture influences fashion from designer OGs and today’s rising influencers who are innovating the style & beauty industries. It’ll be an electrifying celebration of Black trends, creativity, and individuality.

3:40-4:20 PM

Black Women's Health: Everything Your Mother Never Told You

Moderator:

Tunde Oyeneyin, New York Times Best Selling Author, Peloton Instructor and Global Nike Athlete

Talent:

Bea Dixon,CEO, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of the Honey Pot Company; Coach Gessie Thompson, Health Activist & Founder, The Detox Now; Dr. Stephanie Thompson, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Physician

Black Women's Health: Everything Your Mother Never Told You

Trust. This isn’t your mother’s typical health talk. In fact, it’s an eye-opening discussion that will delve into rarely discussed topics from fibroids to perimenopause to that feeling you get when “your nerves are bad.” We’re breaking the silence and equipping you with the tools not passed from generation to generation. Don’t miss a chance to learn new knowledge and reclaim more power.

4:25-5:10 PM

Our Men Honor the Strength of a Woman

Moderator:

Da'Vinchi, Actor

Talent:

Method Man, Actor; Larenz Tate, Actor; Michael Rainey Jr., Actor; Mekai Curtis, Actor

Our Men Honor the Strength of a Woman

Join us for a dynamic discussion led by a lineup of influential male voices who will share their love of Black women. Don’t miss your chance to hear firsthand from the men who recognize and appreciate the strength, beauty, and magic of Black women.