The third annual Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit, hosted by State Farm is upon us and participants can look forward to four days of discussing success strategies, engaging in high-powered networking, and indulging in a little bit of professional and personal self-discovery. The conference commenced on Feb.13 in Palm Springs, California, with an impressive selection of high-level female executives.
The summit will host an inspiring cast of awardees. Being honored are multitalented actress and activist, Ruby Dee Davis; writer and activist, Virginia Tech professor Nikki Giovanni; Chair and President Emerita of the National Council of Negro Women, Dorothy I. Height; and former chair and CEO of Young & Rubicam Brands, Ann M. Fudge.
With Barbara Graves, vice president and general manager at Earl G. Graves Ltd, and wife of Earl G. Graves Sr., presiding over the ceremony, the Women of Power Legacy Awards Dinner promises to be one of the highlights of the conference.
The vital career building tools for women of color will not be overshadowed or outdone, however. Participants will benefit from a variety of personal workshops that will equip them with the know-how and drive to develop their careers and simultaneously maintain peace and balance in their personal lives.
The Power Networking Workshop got the ball rolling on Wednesday night with a crash course on developing networking skills. Other sessions include Tapping the Power Within, where the women will learn to identify and hone their hidden skills; and Bouncing Back From Adversity: A Conversation with Anucha Browne Sanders, where Sanders, a former basketball executive, will discuss her battle against sexual harassment.
WPS will not be all work and no play, however. Numerous fun activities are spread over the course of the event including early morning cha-cha lessons, golf and tennis clinics, and who could overlook being serenaded by Brian McKnight on Valentine’s Day?
With a wide offering of activities focusing on career development, individual growth, and self-exploration, the WPS continues on its mission to empower women of color. Disappointed to be missing out on such an invaluable opportunity? Not to worry, BE will keep you plugged in with daily blogging by Small Business Editor Tennille Robinson and Managing Editor Alisa Gumbs. Corporate executives will also be blogging in real-time and attendees will be able to contribute to discussion boards about their experiences. Log on to blackenterprise.com for frequent updates.