![L to R: Debora Balardini, Xiomara Small, Teresa Weatherspoon, Jody Prendergast, Vivica A. Fox and Saideh Brown]( "L to R: Debora Balardini, Xiomara Small, Teresa Weatherspoon, Jody Prendergast, Vivica A. Fox and Saideh Brown")
L to R: Debora Balardini, Xiomara Small, Teresa Weatherspoon, Jody Prendergast, Vivica A. Fox and Saideh Brown
![L to R: Jody Prendergast, Saideh Brown and Teresa Weatherspoon]( "L to R: Jody Prendergast, Saideh Brown and Teresa Weatherspoon")
L to R: Jody Prendergast, Saideh Brown and Teresa Weatherspoon
![L to R: Rolonda Watts and Vanessa Simmons]( "L to R: Rolonda Watts and Vanessa Simmons")
L to R: Rolonda Watts and Vanessa Simmons
![Front: Mahisha Dellinger host of Boss Tank; L to R (vendors - back): Mikey Likes It, Skin & Body Klinic, I Refined Beauty, Sovereignty Beauty and eLO Vegan Lifestyle]( "Front: Mahisha Dellinger host of Boss Tank; L to R (vendors - back): Mikey Likes It, Skin & Body Klinic, I Refined Beauty, Sovereignty Beauty and eLO Vegan Lifestyle")
Front: Mahisha Dellinger host of Boss Tank; L to R (vendors - back): Mikey Likes It, Skin & Body Klinic, I Refined Beauty, Sovereignty Beauty and eLO Vegan Lifestyle
![Sharon-Francis Moore, host of conference]( "Sharon-Francis Moore, host of conference")
Sharon-Francis Moore, host of conference
White Plains, New York May 11, 2019 (Issuewire.com) - Over 250 business women of colour packed the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains, NY last weekend to attend the 2nd Annual Essence of A Boss Conference. The three-day women’s business conference, curated by and for women of colour, was filled with panel discussions, inspiring workshops, cocktail mixers, power brunches, an awards dinner and so much more. Successful entrepreneurs, celebrities and guests came together to network and share resources to motivate, encourage and position businesswomen to level up in business and beyond.
The essence of a Boss featured Vivica A. Fox and Vanessa Simmons as keynote speakers, and Rolonda Watts hosted the awards dinner. Special guest speakers included Teresa Weatherspoon (Hall of Famer - WNBA, New York Liberty), Charreah K. Jackson (Author, Boss Bride), Tracey Baker-Simmons (Television Producer), Lucinda Cross (Author, The BIG Ask), Sherkera Green (Chase Bank), Selena Hill (Black Enterprise), J. Bolin (Celebrity Stylist), Karri Turner (Author, She’s Lit! and Girl Bible), Dr. Arabia Mollette (ER Physician) and other powerful businesswomen in beauty, health & wellness, technology, entertainment, media and public relations.
The impactful weekend event kicked off on Friday evening with a VIP Welcome Reception and VIP Chat with speakers and influencers. Saturday was action-packed with brunch, panel discussions, workshops, music by DJ Dak, a Boss Skin & Body Klinic, a VIP Boss Lounge hosted by Sparkling Ice and the Boss Tank segment which was hosted by Mahisha Dellinger (‘Mind Your Business with Mahisha Dellinger’ on OWN TV) - inspired by the television show, Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs pitched their business ideas and received advice on how to grow their business to the next level. The night concluded with a VIP Cocktail Reception and an Awards Dinner, with a special live performance by LeA Robinson. Reggae sensation Agent Sasco performed at the afterparty, along with DJ Alaya Jordan spinning on the 1s and 2s. The conference ended on Sunday with guests attending a powerful finance workshop with Sherkera Green, a very moving Faithful Boss Brunch hosted by Karri Turner and an exclusive Sip & Shop with J. Bolin, sponsored by Blue Nun 24K Gold Champagne.
The Essence of a Boss Awards Dinner honorees included Vivica A. Fox (Boss Woman of the Year Award), Teresa Weatherspoon (Trailblazer Award), Xiomara Small (Good Citizen Award) and Debora Balardini (Social Impact & Arts Innovator Award). Each of the honorees received a second award from The National Council of Women of the United States (NCW/US) in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. The award, presented by Saideh A. Brown, President Emeritus and 40th Elected President, served as an official proclamation from NCW/US for their humanitarian work dedicated to the empowerment of women. The founder of Essence of a Boss, Jody Prendergast, also received a proclamation from NCW/US making May 4th officially Essence Of A Boss Day in the State of New York.
The conference was hosted by Sharon-Frances Moore, Chairperson of Entertainment Creative Collaborative Outreach Program (ECCO - Obama Administration).
Event sponsors this year included:
Media Partners: Black Enterprise, The Visit with Dr Arabia Mollette, Bronze Magazine, Industry Rules Magazine and New York Style Guide.
Official Champagne & Wine Partner: Blue Nun
Official Beverage Partner: Sparkling Ice
Official Dessert Sponsor: Mikey Likes It Ice Cream
Official Beauty Lounge Sponsor: Skin & Body Klinic
VIP Gifting Sponsors: Curls, Margeaux Priestly, Urban Hydration, Izzy & Liv, November Rain, freshie, WOW Skin Science, Pharaoun Cocktail Rings, Laurent & Altieri, Negris LeBrum, Waist Snatchers, Glamazon Beauty by Kim Baker, Pooka Pure & Simple, Palmers, Cemeli, Brode Electrolyte Vitamin, I.E. Green Tea, Skin & Body Klinic, Yukie Nail New York, Sundays, and a special giveaway by Spiritú.
Vendors: Sovereignty Beauty, I Refined Beauty and eLo Vegan Lifestyle.
About ESSENCE OF A BOSS: Created by Jody Prendergast, an entrepreneur herself, the Essence of a Boss conference is a women’s business conference curated by and for women of color. This business conference is designed to improve the personal and professional status of women of color. Guests will have access to high-ranking women leaders across various industries, guest speakers with best practices on how to level-up your career and opportunities to meet insiders who can provide career advice.
For more information about Essence of a Boss please visit the Instagram page @essenceofaboss and follow their hashtag #essenceofaboss.
Media Contact:
Yaya Reyes, Media Relations & Brand Partnerships
YA IndieGround House Management LLC
team@yaindiegroundhouse.com
www.yaindiegroundhouse.com
Media Contact
YA IndieGround House Mgmt team@yaindiegroundhouse.com http://yaindiegroundhouse.com/
