Contrary to popular belief, black women are not having 15 minutes of fame. As hashtags and sayings like, “trust black women” and “black girl magic” trend, the world would be remiss to think that black women leading is anything new.
Over the past 15 years, BLACK ENTERPRISE has been intentional about celebrating the excellence of black women at the Women of Power Summit. And since 1970, the publication has celebrated the contributions of black women in the workplace and those breaking barriers as businesswomen.
Related: 25 Black Women Who Are Changing the World
This year at the Women of Power Summit hosted by ADP, BE will continue the celebration as we welcome over 1,200 women to Las Vegas for four days of professional and personal development.
Take a look at this year’s speakers who will be taking the stage to discuss upward mobility for black women at the summit:
Black Women Lead
Mara Brock Akil, Showrunner, Television Creator/ Director
Mara Brock Akil has written and produced over 300 episodes of television, truly leaving her mark on Hollywood. Groundbreaking in many ways, Akil created the seminal television series Girlfriends in 2000. Beyond her work as a writer and producer, her peers have consistently recognized Akil as a leader in the industry.
Najuma Atkinson, SVP, Customer Advocacy, Data Insights & Analytics, Dell Technologies
Najuma Atkinson, Dell Technologies SVP Customer Advocacy, Insight and Analytics (Image: File)Najuma Atkinson has built a 20-year career at Dell Technologies Inc. Earlier this year, she joined Dell’s Chief Customer Office as the senior vice president for customer advocacy, insights & analytics, becoming Dell’s only African American female SVP and one of few senior black women in tech.
Vashti McKenzie, Bishop, 10th District AME Church
Vashti McKenzie, Bishop, 10th District AME Church at the 2019 Women of Power Legacy Award Ceremony (Image: File)Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie serves as the 117th elected and consecrated bishop of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Her historic election in the year 2000 represents the first time in the over 213-year history of the A.M.E. Church, a woman had obtained the level of Episcopal office. She is also a 2019 Women of Power Legacy Award recipient.Debra Lee, Former Chairman & CEO, BET Networks — CEO, Leading Women Defined Inc.
Debra Lee (Photo credit: Sharon Suh)With a trailblazing career spanning over three decades, Debra L. Lee is one of the most influential female voices in the entertainment industry. Up until May 2018, Lee served as the Chairman & CEO of BET Networks, the leading provider of entertainment for the African American audience and consumers of black culture globally.
Misty Copeland, Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre
In August 2015, Misty Copeland was promoted to principal dancer, making her the first African American woman to ever be promoted to the position in the company’s 75-year history, and she made her Broadway debut in the role of “Ivy Smith/Miss Turnstiles” with the critically acclaimed show, On The Town. She is also an author, motivational speaker, and a champion for diversity.
There will be 50-plus powerful women who will be leading as speakers and coaches at the summit. Take a look! And, join us as we power up during Women’s History Month March 5 – 8, 2020.