Women Empowering Nations is calling on 1,100 young women to be a part of a virtual, global day for girls to grow, learn and be inspired to lead. On Saturday, June 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CST, the organization will host the Girls Leading Our World summit for Black high school and college women to celebrate powerful voices leading positive change across the globe. The event is free to attend, and will include inspiring speakers such as journalist Soledad O’ Brien, wellness educator Devi Brown, NFL sports agent Nicole Lynn and more.
Dr. Seun Adigun, a chiropractor, biomechanist and the first African Summer and Winter Olympian, will serve as the keynote speaker.
Founded in 2009, WEN has worked with over 4,000 young women in eight countries to provide travel seminars, leadership programming, and yearlong mentorship opportunities.
“The Girls Leading Our World Summit that normally occurs in African countries bi-annually will be virtual this year due to COVID-19,” said Executive Director Carlisha Williams Bradley. “However, this presents a unique opportunity to bring together young women of the African diaspora as we uplift the next generation of global change agents who have a deep desire to not only light a path for themselves, but to illuminate the world. Our vision is for them to become conduits of unprecedented change and to rise up as leaders and powerful, bold voices against injustice which our world needs now more than ever.”
The organization turns 11 this year and aims to commemorate the anniversary by reaching and inspiring 1,100 young, emerging leaders.
Participants will also hear from key experts who will share their thoughts and experiences. The panel discussions are as follows:
Breathing While Black: Social Justice and Self-Care
Panelists: Journalist and Co-Founder PowHerful Foundation, Soledad O’Brien, Wellness Educator Devi Brown and the Founder of Terence Crutcher Foundation Dr. Tiffany Crutcher
In the wake of the United States mourning and crying out for justice against police brutality and racism, we are experiencing a multi-generational movement for systemic change. As Black women lead and advocate for a better society, how do we also balance caring for our whole self and our well-being? This panel will discuss leading for change both nationally and internationally– and how to care for ourselves holistically as we lead.
Standing on their Shoulders: A Celebration of Black Women Who Lead
Panelists: Filmmaker Renae Bluit, NFL Agent Nicole Lynn, CEO of Founder Gym Mandela SH Dixon and VP US Channels Sales at Microsoft Lani Phillips
This panel showcases and celebrates Black women who are breaking barriers in various career fields and industries while blazing trails for young women. Panelists will share their personal journeys and provide insight to help participants develop strategic, actionable plans in pursuit of their dreams.
“Our goal is to equip the girls with tools to go out into the world and spark change within their respective environments. But we also know that effective advocacy work requires radical self care. We aim to motivate and inspire, but also leave them with tangible resources and information to succeed in new and existing pursuits,” said Bradley.
WEN is also awarding multiple scholarships to Black women entering college in the Fall of this year and to those continuing pursuit of their undergraduate degrees in the Fall.
For more information on the scholarships available and to register, visit www.wenations.org. To schedule media interviews, contact Ashley Small at 281-827-3419 or ashley@medley-inc.com.
