On Nov 8th Essence Magazine held a leadership conference which was an empowering day of workshops to give participants a competitive edge as they launch or steer careers at the DC Convention Center. There were great panelists and Essence Editor-in-Chief, Angela Burt-Murray was on hand to encourage, inspire and share as well. Below is a detailed recap of the event.
The first session, You Inc: Market Yourself for Success was with Amy Dubois Barnett, Rhonda McLean, Dee Marshall, Denna Singleton and moderated by Candice Frederick. Panelists reinforced that you are you are your own biggest advocate. They shared with participants that they possess the basic ingredients for success—negotiating skills, education, talent and drive to be an asset to any team. The key is making potential employers know that you are the right person for the job by selling yourself efficiently. Valuable insights were also offered on how to create a practical blueprint for success.
The second session, Set for Life: Your Fast Track to Financial Control was with Jason Calhoun, Harrine Freeman, Ionnie McNeil, Lynn Richardson and moderated by Tanisha Sykes. They shared with participants how to navigate working an entry-level job, paying for college and dealing with day-to-day expenses in a challenged economy, especially when the reality is not the lifestyle a degree was supposed to bring. The panel of financial experts provided practical, savvy strategies on how to take control of your finances and fund your dreams.
Real Life 101: Lessons Learned Outside of the Classroom was with Shante Bacon, Capricon Clark, Shanti Das, Amy DuBois Barnett and moderated by Rhonda McLean. They shared with participants that college only prepares you with basic skills and information to enter the job market, but unique qualities make you stand out at work. In a candid dialogue, the panel shared lessons learned on the job that have taken them from interns and assistants to the corner office which ultimately is to add value to your environment.
Sex, Love & Intimacy: Creating Healthy, Fulfilling Relationships was with Lauren Lake, Dr. Adrea Pennington and moderated by Demetria Lucas. They shared with participants that thought it's hard to know how to navigate love, especially when there are so many influences—peers, media, family—bearing down on you, it can still be done. Important skills were shared with the key being knowledge of what you want, educating yourself on how to stay healthy and happy, and not being afraid to talk about your needs.
Be the Boss: Embrace Your Inner Entrepreneur was with an accomplished panel of entrepreneurs including Shante Bacon, Jasmine Lawrence, Ionne McNeil, Tracy Press, Tina Wells and moderated by Tanisha Sykes. They shared with participants how to turn big ideas into businesses and turn passion into profit.
Having It All: Your Life on Your Terms was with Lauren Lake, Dee Marshall, Lola Ogunnaike, Dr. Andrea Pennington and Candice Frederick. They shared with participants on how though you are out of school and ready to set the world on fire, the path to goals may not be as straightforward as thought, but you can stay track, compromise or confront situations, pursue dreams, overcome challenges and remain true to yourself.
Making Your Voice Heard: You Can Make a Difference with Valeshia Butterfield, Quin Conyers, Rahama Wright and moderated by Jeffrey Johnson. They shared with participants that knowing there is a problem is the first step in creating change or making a difference and how to take action. Knowing what you should be doing, what you are passionate about, and practical tools and strategies for becoming an effective advocate for change were shared.
There were many giveaways from sponsors, the Sallie Mae Fund recognized five outstanding women who were selected from more than 1,000 applicants to each receive a $5,000 Generation Next college scholarship and recording artists, Suai and Brandon Hines performed. Look out for Suai’s album spring 2009.
It was definitely worth the $35 registration fee. Make sure you attend next year! Some pictures from the event are below. Picture 1: Vanessa Simmons Pic 2:Angela Simmons both of Pastry Pic 3:Angela Simmons, Angela Burt-Murray ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief and Vanessa Simmons.
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