Did you attend the 2008 ESSENCE Young Women’s Leadership Conference in Atlanta (Nov. 1) and in Washington, DC(Nov. 8)? Tell us your thoughts on the conference (likes, what you learned, future impact on you). Don’t worry your comments will not go unheard or unseen. We will get them to the people at Essence. Post a few lines below, tell us what you think.

EMQ Editorial Staff

Joyce Farley, Contributing Writer
EMQ Networks/Hampton Script

Washington, DC - Young women from all over took over the Walter E. Convention Center in the nation’s capital for Essence magazine Young Women’s Leadership Conference.

The young women enjoyed seminars about finances, relationships, entrepreneurship and other areas. Opening remarks and welcome were given, followed by the first seminar, Marketing Yourself for Success.

“It feels good to be around a bunch of women…black women doing something good, black women sometimes get discouraged-this is a good thing to focus on the positive with the all the negativity going on,” said Lacey Andrews, senior from Hampton University.

Lynn Richardson, one of the commentators for the finances segment, made a very thought provoking comment about managing finances-she talked about living paycheck to Monday, meaning she got paid on Friday and was broke by Monday. The statement made by Richardson left me and others wondering, how to effectively budget money so we won’t become an example of debt up to our eyeballs out of college.

In between sessions, young women had the opportunity to participate in raffles to win gifts from the sponsors, vendors and interact with other like minded women.

Entrepreneurs and Pastry clothing line founders Vanessa and Angela Simmons from MTV’s Run’s House were on hand to discuss life, business, the future for Pastry and what keeps them motivated and hungry for more.

As the day progressed the passion, drive and ambition was visible in the eyes of the young women as they moved from seminar to seminar with more information about success in life.

“This is a great opportunity for young women…opportunity for all women whether you are in college to connect and build-I am really proud of Essence for putting the event on,” said Product Director of Ambi Brand, Deanna Singleton.

Tracey Frye, 24, Sterling, Va. said she would recommend this to a friend and return for this conference next year.

As the conference came to close the young women enjoyed performances by Universal/Motown artist Suai and Behind It All Inc. artist Brandon Hines.

Whatever, the young women got out of the conference one thing is clear, get ready for the next round of movers and shakers and Essence magazine cover women.

I definitely enjoyed the conference even though I was very tired. It truly rejuvenated my spirits and drive for success. I always heard people say, find time to spend your day around people who are successful, because their thinking process is totally different…I now agree with this statement. There was a such a strong, positive presence in the environment with the panelists. After the conference ended, I felt like taking over the world right then and there. I really appreciated the networking opportunities I was given. Through the conference, I was able to connect with Cori Murray, Shante Bacon, Capricorn Clark, Quan Lateef, etc. I truly was filled with emotion when I attended the Real Life 101 Session, because I was able to hear the struggles and hardships of women who are now at the top of the ladder in their field. Mainly, this conference made me feel like approaching my dream of wanting to be in the music industry like a pitbull with a touch of charm and kindness.

Essence Young Women’s Leadership Conference “Jumpstart Your Future”

What comes to mind with eight hundred young women all in one room? Usher concert, Free Giveaways? Try Essence Magazine’s Young Women’s Leadership Conference held in Atlanta, Ga, geared towards, “Jumpstarting Your Future.” The conference was an array of different panels and workshops ranging from beauty to being an entrepreneur.

Sex, Love and Intimacy: Creating Healthy, Fulfilling Relationships

With a panel of radio personalities, a pastor, and a medical expert, this workshop discussed the obstacles many young women experience when engaging in relationships. The focus of this discussion was to educate young women on not only the hardships that they will encounter when dealing with the opposite or same sex, but also what they must realize about themselves for a relationship to be successful. Safe sex was promoted along with knowing your status with sexually transmitted disease testing. The importance of family was also discussed as a foundation for a good relationship. The main points of this session included:

*
1. You must have a relationship with God first
2. Put yourself first and don’t settle
3. Prioritize: God, Marriage, Kids, Career
4. If you don’t respect yourself no one will
5. What you see is what you get. You can suggest change but it won’t happen unless that person is ready for a change.
6. When you know it’s not right….end it
7. Know what you want and what you’re looking for
8. Love who you love

Be the Boss! Embrace Your Inner Entrepreneur

The goal of this session was learning how to take your side hustle to the next level. With a panel of accomplished African American CEO’s, there was a wealth of knowledge flowing through this room. The discussion focused on the Five P’s that facilitate a successful business venture.

Passion – The willingness and drive to do whatever it takes

Perspective – What is the end goal?

Plan – Where will you be in 1, 5, 10 years?

People – Surround yourself with people can will support and help you

Profit – How will this venture make you money?

Beginning with the passion, developing a detailed plan based on a well executed infrastructure, financing your business, and most importantly being a closer were the basic steps instilled in the young women during this session.

Some may say the one day 9a-6p conference was not nearly enough time to share all the wisdom that each panelist had to offer, but Essence did an excellent job in the process at getting the information across.