Vanessa Simmons is no stranger to the spotlight. As the eldest daughter of hip-hop royalty, Rev Run of RUN DMC, she grew up in a household that shaped culture, fashion, and music. But Vanessa has long since stepped out of the shadow of her legendary father, carving her own path as a model, actress, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s wellness.
Her journey began in the early 2000s when she and her sister, Angela Simmons, became household names on MTV’s iconic reality series RUN’S HOUSE. While the world watched their family navigate life in the public eye, Vanessa and Angela launched the wildly successful sneaker and fashion brand Pastry, proving they were more than just reality TV stars, they were young Black women making their mark in business.
Since then, Vanessa has continued to build an impressive career in entertainment. From starring in BET’s Games People Play to leading roles in UMC’s Monogamy, BET+’s Deadly Entanglement, and Tubi’s The Caregiver, she’s cemented her place as a force in film and television. She even took on the stage, delivering a powerful performance in the production Rotten Apple.
But Vanessa’s IMPACT extends far beyond Hollywood. She’s a passionate advocate for wellness, beauty, and mental health, using her platform of over 4 million followers to push for conversations that matter. Her brand, U4IA, is an online community dedicated to making wellness accessible for all women, because for Vanessa, self-care isn’t just about luxury, it’s about necessity.
On March 22nd, from 1-4 PM, IMPACT Magazine, in partnership with Ekot Properties, Umber By J. Lenay, and Progressive Leasing, is turning the rooftop of Edison House into a space of deep conversation, vulnerability, and empowerment. It’s not about surface-level inspiration. It’s about real talk, shared wisdom, and sisterhood. As a special treat, guests will receive custom gift bags from Isha’s Recovery & Sculpt, filled with refreshing skincare essentials to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. Because true wellness starts with taking care of yourself, inside and out.
At the heart of the experience are five powerful sessions:
Ode to My Younger Self facilitated by Tunisha Brown, the Founder/Editor-In-Chief of IMPACT Magazine. This session invites guests to write letters to their younger selves… honest, raw, and healing. What would you say to the girl you once were? What lessons would you share? This workshop turns reflection into a tool for growth.
Sister to Sister conversation with Tunisha Brown and Vanessa Simmons. This session opens up a necessary dialogue on relationships between women and men, and among women themselves. There’s power in understanding each other, breaking down barriers, and rewriting the narratives that sometimes divide us.
Sister Circle facilitated by Latonya Howell of CoachHer Life. This is where storytelling meets healing. Women will share pivotal life experiences in a safe, supportive space, proving that we are more connected than we often realize. There’s something transformative about hearing someone else’s journey and recognizing pieces of your own.
Relax, Relate, Release: Self-Care Experience because self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Shawnda Brooks, Spa Director at the St. Regis Deer Valley, will share the importance of prioritizing self-care in our daily lives. A St. Regis massage therapist will also demonstrate a professional massage technique designed to promote relaxation and stress relief. This experience is all about rest, restoration, and renewal, because you deserve it.
And then, there’s Menopause: What They Didn’t Tell Us. Because let’s be real—this is a conversation we should have had long before the symptoms hit. Dr. Irma Fleming, Dr. Erica Baiden, Dr. Nicole Findlay, and Jasmine Nelson, the Founder of Umber by J. Lenay will lead a candid discussion on what happens to our bodies, skin, minds, and emotions during menopause. No sugarcoating, no stigma… just facts, support, and answers to the questions so many women have been left to figure out on their own.
For those looking to be part of a transformative, real, and necessary conversation, hosted by Morgan Williams Brown of Blendyd Studios, the IMPACT Black Women Experience is the place to be. Because when women come together, the conversation doesn’t just inspire. It ignites change.
Get your tickets from https://www.theimpactmagazine.com/product/iwe/
