Summit Schedule:
*Doors will open at 9:30 AM.
Welcome from Jess Hilarious
● Time: 10:00-10:05 AM
Morning Motivation and Prayer Featuring Tasha Smith
● Time: 10:05-10:15 AM
From Crisis to Care: Navigating Mental Health in the Black Community
● Time: 10:20-11:05 AM
● Program Description: True wealth is mental wellness. We’re bringing together
powerful Black voices to drop gems on managing life’s everyday challenges while keeping our minds on point. This isn’t just a panel — it’s a roadmap to inner strength, grace and resilience. Discover practical self-care strategies and unlock a healthier, happier you.
● Moderator: Kristi Henderson, DE&I Executive & Planned Parenthood LA &
California Affiliates Board Of Directors
● Talent: Dr. Thema, Notable Black Psychologist; Shanti Das, CEO/Founder of
Silence the Shame; Sharon Content, CEO/Founder Children of Promise NYC
Respect the Architect: Become the Architect of your Life
● Time: 11:10-11:40 AM
● Program Description: From styling music icons to shaping cultural trends, Misa
Hylton has left an indelible mark on fashion and entertainment. Get ready to be inspired as the fashion icon and her specially curated guests share their secrets to success and resilience through undeniable creativity across the board. Don’t miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embrace your unique vision, unlock your potential, and chart a course towards designing the life you’ve always wanted.
● Moderator: Misa Hylton, Image Architect & Designer
● Talent: LaTonya Blige-DaCosta, COO of MJB Productions; Simone I Smith,
Jewelry Designer; Madison Star Brim, Artist, Designer, Birthworker
Operation Secure The Bag: The Keys to Unlocking Financial Freedom
● Time: 11:45-12:30 PM
● Program Description: Level up and learn wealth-building strategies from
corporate executives as a discussion about financial freedom takes center stage. The conversation is brought to you by PepsiDig In —the brand’s platform designed to drive access, business growth and awareness for Black-owned restaurants, by providing resources, mentorship, and training to restaurateurs to upskill their businesses. Join us for a conversation on entrepreneurship, financial
planning, and how the Black community can crack the economic ceiling IRL. Don’t just dream of setting yourself free — gather the real keys to stacking generational coins. Your journey to prosperity starts here.
● Moderator: Pinky Cole Hayes, Founder/CEO Slutty Vegan and Bar Vegan
Authority, Philanthropist
● Talent: Rosezena “The BizLawyer” Pierce, CEO & Founding Trademark Attorney
of R.J Pierce Law Group, P.C.; Nicole George-Middleton, SVP, Membership, ASCAP; Sherrese Clark-Soares, CEO/Founder Harbourview Equity Partners
Girl Talk with MJB
● Time: 12:35-1:35 PM
● Program Description: The girls are talkin’! Experience this unfiltered
conversation that celebrates the magical bond of Black women’s friendships as MJB and her celebrity besties Angie Martinez, Taraji P. Henson and Tasha Smith talk about life, love, dating, and everything in between. Celebrate the strength and sisterhood of Black women as we toast to the joys and triumphs of everyday life with the women we love most!
● Moderator: Angie Martinez, Radio Icon, Creator and Host of Angie Martinez
IRL (In Real Life)
● Talent: Mary J. Blige; Taraji P. Henson, Actress; Tasha Smith, Actress/Director
You CAN Sit With Us: Cultivating and Maintaining Sustainable Community
● Time: 1:40-2:25 PM
● Program Description: Explore the power of community and friendship as we
discuss ways to foster healthier connections among Black women. From overcoming toxic environments or friend groups to embracing inclusivity, discover the keys to building meaningful relationships. Don’t let societal barriers break us — it’s time to redefine sisterhood and create a space where everyone belongs.
● Moderator: Gia Peppers, Award-Winning On-Air Talent, Entertainment
Journalist, and Podcaster
● Talent: Heather Lowery, Founder NextGemFemme; Marsai Martin, Actress;
Crystal Renee Hayslett, Actress, Producer, Host; Shari Bryant, Co President of Roc Nation Label
Verizon Small Business Panel – The State of Small Business: How Female Leaders Can Be The Driving Force of Change
● Time: 2:30-3:00 PM
● Program Description: Small businesses are the fabric of communities across
the country, often having a significant economic impact on a local and national scale. Women- owned businesses continue to increase – ranging in the millions if not tens of millions. So, how can female leaders drive true change within their organizations and in the broader business landscape?
Join us for a lively conversation with Verizon Business leaders focused on the state of small business, the importance of prioritizing diverse voices, and how we as women are uniquely positioned to navigate the extraordinary challenges many businesses are facing today. Panelists will zero in on trends they’re seeing in the field and what is resonating most with small businesses, such as new technology and social constructs, taking a deep dive into how we can support both the individual business owner and the communities they operate in. And finally, the discussion will cover how organizations like Verizon are championing small businesses, from tailored solutions, to programs such as Small Business Digital Ready, which offers over 50 courses, peer networking, 1:1 expert coaching and incentives such as grant funding to small businesses across the country.
● Moderator: Brave Williams, Entrepreneur, Multi-unit Developer & Owner, Be
BRAVE Founder & CEO
● Talent: Aparna Khurjekar, SVP & CRO, Business Markets & SaaS;
Dawn McNellis, Senior Director, Business Sales; Sonal Patel, Vice President, Business Marketing
We Set The Trends: Developing Your Personal Style
● Time: 3:05-3:35 PM
● Program Description: Don’t know which looks match your vibe? Say less. Gain
the skills you need to elevate your style game and discover how Black culture influences fashion from designer OGs and today’s rising influencers who are innovating the style & beauty industries. It’ll be an electrifying celebration of Black trends, creativity, and individuality.
● Moderator: Bevy Smith, Author, TV and Radio Host
● Talent: Claire Sulmers, CEO/Founder, Fashion Bomb Daily; Kim Kimble,
Celebrity Hairstylist, Entrepreneur; Tahira Wright, Founder, The Cut Life
Black Women’s Health: Everything Your Mother Never Told You
● Time: 3:40-4:20 PM
● Program Description: Trust. This isn’t your mother’s typical health talk. In fact,
it’s an eye-opening discussion that will delve into rarely discussed topics from fibroids to perimenopause to that feeling you get when “your nerves are bad.” We’re breaking the silence and equipping you with the tools not passed from generation to generation. Don’t miss a chance to learn new knowledge and reclaim more power.
● Moderator: Tunde Oyeneyin, New York Times Best Selling Author, Peloton
Instructor and Global Nike Athlete
● Talent: Bea Dixon,CEO, Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of the Honey
Pot Company; Coach Gessie Thompson, Health Activist & Founder, The Detox Now; Dr. Stephanie Thompson, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Physician
Our Men Honor the Strength of a Woman
● Time: 4:25-5:10 PM
● Program Description: Join us for a dynamic discussion led by a lineup of
influential male voices who will share their love of Black women. Don’t miss your chance to hear firsthand from the men who recognize and appreciate the strength, beauty, and magic of Black women.
● Moderator: Da’Vinchi, Actor
● Talent: Method Man, Actor; Larenz Tate, Actor; Michael Rainey Jr., Actor; Mekai
Curtis, Actor
Closing Remarks
● Time: 5:10-5:15 PM
