Saturday morning I actually had to work (what?! I know) but after I finished grown folks business, I rushed to the convention center to the first-ever
Essence Young Women's Leadership Conference. When I heard this conference was coming to DC, I knew I had to be in the building. This great one-day conference was centered around young women and focused on empowerment.
Already late, I grabbed my Starbucks from the lobby and headed to my saved seat in the back of the room. Wow...I was already amazed to see over 1000 young women, suited in their best and eager to learn the nuggets of wisdom from the day's panelists.
DC Fab! with other conference attendeesThe conference offered a variety of panels mostly catering to young women in college. With workshops such as
"Set for Life: Your Fast Track to Financial Control," which had me taking notes in my iPhone and "Real Life 101: Lessons Learned Outside of the Classroom" where the entire room was inspired from the struggles and sacrifices made by the panelists who had come into their own (including "I Want to Work for Diddy's Capricorn who told an inspiring story about how she struggled to success after losing both parents).
Panelists included (from left) Cori Murray, Essence Entertainment Director, Amy Barnett, former Teen People Editor and author, Capricorn Clark, Global Brand Manager of Sean John, Shante Bacon, Founding Partner of The 135th Street Agency
A highlight of the conference was a sit-down talk with Angela and Vanessa Simmons. Although most of the talk was redundant, (since we're all fans of Run's House and have heard their story before) it was nice to see them supporting this endeavor.
Essence Entertainment Director, Cori Murray moderating a talk with the Simmons sisters
Angela Simmons relaxing in the vendor area. (Photo Credit)
Another highlight of the conference was a panel hosted by the only man on the dais,
Jeff Johnson, who hosted "
Making Your Voice Heard: You Can Make a Difference." Continuing the theme of empowerment, this panel discussion even had me wanting to ask a question (if the line to ask a question wasn't so long).
Although the conference bags were empty, by the end of the day you could fill it up with sheer motivation. For me, attending this conference was a real kick in the you know what. I was itching to get out and get work done to forward not only my career but my dreams that often get mired by day-to-day worry, doubt and fear.
One of the best pieces of advice that I received from the conference was from
Ionnie McNeill, a junior at Howard University. She advised to do five things (but I can only remember three...my notes were a little shifty):
1. How much money do you want?
2. At what age would you like to accomplish this?
3. What are you going to do to earn it?
Create an action plan y'all...and get out there and do it! We gotta' take over the world. Now that
Barack is President we really can do anything! :)
The conference ended with musical performances by
Suai, a Universal Motown artist and
Brandon Hines, who is no stranger to DC. I got a chance to tip toe backstage to interview this young man. Check in soon to view it! :)
Brandon Hines with DC Fab! Girl backstageClick here to see how another young lady in DC enjoyed the conference (linked fixed!) :)
The Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce is hosting a bimonthly cocktail hour called Fashion Hour. This is a great opportunity to network with the members of GWFCC.
While at a Grateful Dead concert at the 9:30 Club, Jersey City councilmember Steven Lipski did what? PEED over the balcony!!!
Setting it up
About to go in...
He went in...peep Tigger's reaction in the background (lol)
Thanks to the man on the "wheels of steel" DJ Quicksilva, I hear that Clinton Portis was at The Park last night, making it rain for 20 minutes straight. Word is he must've thrown thousands of dollars in the air...in a recession? Really homie?! Must be nice...
Arriving at DCA
Arriving at the White House
Photo Opp of the 43rd and the 44th President of the US with their spouses
Protesters gather outside of the White House
The crowd outside of the White House
A recent pic of the two after a date (aww) over the weekend (I'm obsessed!)
Photo Credit: SPLASH
DC Fab! with other conference attendees
Panelists included (from left) Cori Murray, Essence Entertainment Director, Amy Barnett, former Teen People Editor and author, Capricorn Clark, Global Brand Manager of Sean John, Shante Bacon, Founding Partner of The 135th Street Agency
Essence Entertainment Director, Cori Murray moderating a talk with the Simmons sisters
Angela Simmons relaxing in the vendor area. (Photo Credit)
Brandon Hines with DC Fab! Girl backstage
(Photo Credits: Steve Goldenberg)
(NYFab! & DCFab! Girl in Times Square, NYC)
Since 93% of DC voted for Barack I think it's pretty safe to assume that you're obsessed with our new first family like I am...and now the streets are predicting not only which puppy the Obamas will adopt but where the girls will go to school.
Kenny on the mic
Seezins from FOL3
BET has always been trailblazing in the music and entertainment industry and this time it's no different. BET is hosting not just any awards show but a virtual one called the Virtual J Awards...let me explain:
