Strength of a Woman Summit Highlights

Source: Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & / Getty

This weekend (May 13), Mary J. Blige, Global Superstar and the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, in partnership with Pepsi and Live Nation Urban, hosted the second annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit at AmericasMart. Click inside to check out some photos from the event!

The Strength of a Woman Summit and Festival is the brainchild of Mary J. Blige and curated by Mary alongside Ayars Agency founder, Ashaunna Ayars. The thought-provoking summit aims to inspire, share career advice, and provide women with the necessary tools to succeed in entrepreneurship, business, health and wellness, all while encouraging women empowerment and unity.

The summit featured a full day of pivotal panels and engaging programming from some of the most influential Black voices in a diverse background of industries. The keys were delivered – and the audience listened! Top-tier programming and engaging panel discussions were weaved together via summit host, Marsai Martin. Panelists included Mary J. Blige, Former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Ciara, Gail Bean, Monique Rodriguez, Earn Your Leisure’s Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, Mara Brock Akil, Angela Yee, Brandee Evans, Raven Goodwin and Modern Blk Girl’s Tiffany James. Attendees enjoyed hearing from successful entrepreneurs, influencers, and experts in their fields, as well as the opportunity to connect with like-minded women.

Keynote speaker, Iyanla Vanzant, notably recognized as an industry expert spoke on a wide range of topics, motivated the crowd through her wisdom and knowledge, bringing the crowd in unison through exercises that further encouraged unity amongst guests.

Leading sponsors Pepsi, Live Nation Urban, Mielle Organics, Gilead Sciences, CVS Health and Amazon Music produced experiential activations for consumers to immerse themselves in branded content and raised brand awareness in the local Atlanta Black women-owned business community.

As a 9x Grammy Award-Winning Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer, Philanthropist & Global Superstar, Mary J. Blige has committed the majority of her career to amplify, empower, and give voice to BIPOC women through the art of music and truth-telling. This multi-touchpoint festival, which focuses on Music, Wellness, Tech, Beauty, and Financial Literacy is the evolution of her life’s mission and purpose.

Check out some photos from the summit below!