Atlanta was abuzz with excitement as the ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit returned for its fourth installment on November 11, 2023.
This year, the summit, themed Era of Disruption, celebrated the groundbreaking achievements of Gen Z and Zillennials, encouraging them to continue challenging norms and paving the way for a brighter future.
Empowering Young Black Women and Girls
The event kicked off with an inspiring keynote address by Rechelle Dennis, Co-Creator and Lead of ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit. Dennis emphasized the importance of empowering young Black women, girls, and gender-expansive youth to embrace their individuality and pursue their dreams without fear of limitations. She urged attendees to disrupt the status quo and create a world where they could thrive.
The day was filled with a dynamic lineup of panels, workshops, and performances that showcased the talents and passions of Gen Z and Zillennials. One of the highlights was a candid conversation between sister-duo Jordyn and Jodie Woods. The pair shared their personal experiences of navigating fame, entrepreneurship, and self-acceptance. Their insights resonated with the audience, encouraging them to embrace their authenticity and pursue their goals with confidence.
Other featured guests included: the cast of the hit web series If Not for My Girls, Mariah the Scientist, and designers Aleali May and Torianna Breaux.
2023 ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit, A Platform for Inspiration and Empowerment
The 2023 ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit proved to be a resounding success, providing a platform for Gen Z and Zillennials to connect, learn, and inspire one another. The summit’s emphasis on empowerment, self-belief, and innovation left a lasting impact on its attendees, encouraging them to embrace their unique talents and disrupt the status quo.
The GU Disruptor Summit is a reminder that the future is in the hands of Gen Z and Zillennials. These young people are not afraid to challenge the status quo and make their voices heard. They are the changemakers and innovators of tomorrow.
Let’s all continue to support and empower the next generation of leaders! Check out our photo gallery from the event.
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Marley Dias (R) speaks onstage at the On Strike Brought To You By McDonald’s panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: J. Simmone attends the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Kamarie Brown speaks onstage at the On Strike Brought To You By McDonald’s panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) Nandi Howard, Aleali May, Torianna Breaux and Nani Edwards speak onstage at the Backstage Pass panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Torianna Breaux speaks onstage at the Backstage Pass panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Aleali May speaks onstage at the Backstage Pass panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) Nandi Howard, Aleali May, Torianna Breaux and Nani Edwards speak onstage at the Backstage Pass panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Mariah The Scientist performs onstage during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Aliyah’s Interlude performs onstage during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Mariah The Scientist performs onstage during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Mariah The Scientist performs onstage during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Mariah The Scientist performs onstage during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) Kenyatta Victoria and Denise Stephianie Hewitt attend the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) BIA and Pretty Vee speak onstage at the Live Tapping w/ Season 5 Cast of If Not For My Girls panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) BIA, Caroline Wanga and Pretty Vee attend the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Jordyn Woods attends the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) Caroline Wanga and Rechelle Dennis speak onstage at the Disrupt or Be Disrupted panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) Caroline Wanga and Rechelle Dennis speak onstage at the Disrupt or Be Disrupted panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Jodie Woods attends the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) Haley Jones, Danielle Wright and Aliyah’s Interlude attend the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Jordyn Woods speaks onstage at the Partner In Prime panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) Jordyn Woods and Jodie Woods speak onstage at the Partner In Prime panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Shawna Spears attends the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Rechelle Dennis speaks onstage during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 11: Rachel Jackson speaks onstage the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
