by Tunisha Brown • March 19, 2025
Nearly 1,800 Black women gathered for the 19th annual Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit, a space where ambition meets opportunity, where connections turn into collaborations, and where the next generation of leaders are inspired to push even further.
For four days, women from across industries poured into panel discussions, one-on-one career coaching sessions, and networking experiences designed to sharpen their skills and elevate their careers. But the true highlight for me? The third annual Luminary Awards Luncheon, where four powerhouse women were honored for their contributions to business, media, and culture.
Honoring the Trailblazers
Monique Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Mielle Organics, reminded us that leadership is about legacy. “Being a trailblazer isn’t just about where we stand today, it’s about who we’re lighting the path for ahead,” she said. From mixing hair products in her kitchen to securing a nine-figure deal with Procter & Gamble, Rodriguez’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets perseverance.
Minda Harts, a workplace consultant and author, reflected on how attending the Women of Power Summit in 2017 changed her life. At the time, she was struggling with anxiety and burnout in corporate America, but being in a room full of Black women leaders gave her the courage to walk away and build her own path. “I was suffering in silence,” she admitted. “But this conference was a breath of fresh air.” Today, she’s a sought-after speaker helping Black women navigate the workforce with confidence.
Tunde Oyeneyin, Peloton instructor and New York Times best-selling author, set the stage on fire, literally. “The sun doesn’t rise until I walk into the room!” she shouted, quoting Jorja Smith’s song Finally. Oyeneyin, once a struggling makeup artist battling insecurity, is now a force in fitness and personal empowerment. “Power is your connectivity! The level of engagement you have to your purpose,” she said, reminding every woman in the room that true strength comes from alignment with what sets your soul on fire.
Emmy-winning journalist Jemele Hill closed the luncheon with a powerful truth: “My problem wasn’t that I didn’t dream big. My problem was that I didn’t dream big enough.” From ESPN to The Atlantic, from sports reporting to independent journalism, Hill has built a career on fearless storytelling. She urged the audience to take up space, advocate for themselves, and never shrink in rooms that were meant for them.
More Than a Conference
The Women of Power Summit isn’t just another corporate event. It’s a reminder that Black women don’t just break barriers, we build bridges for others to cross. It’s a space where careers are reimagined, sisterhood is strengthened, and the next generation of leaders are given permission to dream bigger than they ever thought possible.
Until next year, we’ll carry these lessons with us, walking boldly in our purpose, because as Tunde Oyeneyin said, “Finally, we’re showing up for ourselves.”
Photography: The Tyler Twins
