Exclusive Feature: Event Recap of The Inaugural LeaderHERship Gala 2023, Celebrating Black Excellence Across the African Diaspora!

Women making an impact, and the world that changes once that impact is made!

That’s the first sentence that comes to mind as I reflect on the magic that took place over the weekend, here on Giselle Avenue.

The evening of Sunday, October 15th, brought with it an air of excitement, anticipation, and empowerment. It was a night where women took center stage, breaking barriers and inspiring change. The event that made all this possible was the Inaugural LeaderHERship Gala, presented by Strategic Solutions Global, and generously sponsored by East Point’s Convention & Visitors Bureau. As I look back on that unforgettable night, let me transport you to the heart of the magic that unfolded at the Hilton Garden Inn on Bobby Brown Parkway, just minutes away from the world’s busiest airport!

A Celebration of Empowerment Across the African Diaspora

The LeaderHERship Gala was more than an event; it was a celebration, an ode to the indomitable spirit of women who have carved their paths in various industries and made a lasting impact on their communities and the world.

As the clock struck 6 p.m., the Hilton Garden Inn came alive with laughter, glitz, and glam during the opening reception. A red carpet, a photographer capturing moments, and tantalizing appetizers and cocktails set the stage for what was to come. Guests mingled, connected, and empowered each other, each one with a unique story of resilience and achievement.

A heartfelt prayer for the evening and the delicious meal that followed, all while our hostess for the night, Jamise Be, set the tone for the evening.

What struck me the most was the inclusivity of the event. While it celebrated women in leadership, there was also space for appreciation of the Kings, Husbands, and Divine Masculine that have been pillars of support for the women honored that night.

Hamamat: The Voice of African Beauty

The keynote speaker for the evening was none other than Hamamat, a world-renowned voice and advocate for the African way of life. With an online community of over 1 million followers, Hamamat is a true inspiration. She’s the face of Hamamat African Beauty, a brand that encapsulates the magic of handmade shea butter, lovingly created and grown in West Africa.

Her story is one of heritage, as she learned the art of shea butter making from her grandmother. Raised in a village by the village women, she now resides there, and her village remained unscathed by the global pandemic of 2020, thanks to their self-sufficiency. Hamamat’s message was clear – support black African businesses by spending your dollar with them.

Hamamat emphasized the importance of economic empowerment and the need for community support in business and leadership. Her words left a profound impact:

Economic empowerment is the key. Go home, and make root.
@hamamat

Vivian Otabor: Helping Others Get Into Tech While Empowering Resilient Immigrants

Vivian Otabor, the founder of Resilient Immigrant, a non-profit organization, and CEO of Agile Career Consulting, took the stage next. She began with a powerful scripture – Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

Vivian’s career journey began in IT consulting/Tech, where she noticed the scarcity of faces that resembled hers. To change that, she founded Agile Career Consulting, empowering people to not just break into tech but to thrive economically.

Later in her journey, she founded Resilient Immigrant, an initiative aimed at empowering immigrants to conquer new horizons. What struck me was her unwavering Husband’s support, standing by her side in her endeavors, and their home in North Metro Atlanta.

Erica Adeyemi: A Story of Resilience

The stage was then graced by Erica Adeyemi (formerly Thomas), a retired State Representative, Co-Founder of the City of Mableton, and Founder of the Black Walk of Fame in Atlanta, GA.

Her story was a true testament to resilience. Raised as an orphan in a small Tennessee town, she hadn’t seen many people who looked like her achieving financial success. However, her visit to Atlanta changed everything. She witnessed people who resembled her driving luxury vehicles and thriving, and she knew that Atlanta was where she was meant to be.

Her energy and resilience were magnetic, and her words left a lasting imprint:

“Money can’t bring you happiness, but it can put a down payment on what you want!”
“You don’t get celebrated wanting what someone else has.”
“Put fear away.”
“You have to be uncomfortable to be successful. You have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

She left us with this powerful quote:

Choose your “F.E.A.R.” Forget Everyting And Run, or Face Everything and Rise!
Honorable Erica thomas

Dinner & Live Entertainment

The culinary delights of the evening were brought to us by Juicy’s Catering, and let me tell you, it was a feast for the senses. From perfectly fried chicken and catfish to the soul-warming comfort of collard greens and cornbread, not to forget the velvety mashed potatoes and rich gravy that had guests coming back for seconds.

To balance out the hearty Southern flavors, a garden salad added a refreshing touch to the culinary experience. And the sweet finale, a heavenly serving of peach cobbler, provided the perfect ending to a delectable journey.

Live entertainment as provided by Saxiphonist, Brittany Atterberry, and her sound were truly mesmerizing!

Awards Ceremony: Honoring Change Agents

The evening culminated with an Awards Ceremony, honoring those who are making remarkable impacts in their respective fields. The event curator, Nancy Taiye Aragbaye, made it clear that this was not a feminist event. The ceremony commenced with the recognition of male allies who are making a significant impact in their industries.

Male Ally Awardees included:

The celebration continued with an awards ceremony honoring Women in LeadHERship, including:

Each one of them had a unique story of resilience and achievement, showing that the sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning.

Nancy Taiye Aragbaye: The Powerhouse Behind It All

This incredible evening was curated by none other than Nancy Taiye Aragbaye, CEO at Strategic Solutions Global. Her vision and dedication were the driving force behind this remarkable gathering. The success of this event included over 100+ attendees, and women LeadHERs from 5 countries, all under one roof! When asked how she felt during the event, her response was simply “FULFILLED.”

When black women are supported, the world changes!
nancy t. aragbaye, ceo of strategic solutions global and event curator

An Unforgettable Evening

I am immensely happy and inspired to have been part of this extraordinary evening. The Inaugural LeaderHERship Gala 2023 has left an indelible mark on all who attended. It was an evening of empowerment, celebration, and transformation.

Stay Connected to Global LeadHers

If you’re inspired by the incredible stories and the collective strength of these powerhouse women from the African Diaspora and wish to learn more or become a part of this remarkable community, I encourage you to visit The LeadHERship Gala’s official website. There, you’ll find a wealth of information and resources to connect and engage with this transformative movement.

Additionally, for more direct inquiries and to explore opportunities to get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nancy Aragbaye of Strategic Solutions Global via their official website. Join this network of change-makers and trailblazers as they continue to make waves and inspire change on a global scale! A special thank you to the East Point Convention Visitors Bureau for sponsoring this incredible evening.

After this experience, the world will never be the same. It’s a reminder that when we come together, reach for the stars, and mobilize the LeaderHERship Movement, we can create lasting change!

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Giselle Avenue