EBONY in collaboration with global hospitality leader, Hilton recently saluted the achievements of Black women in sports during the “ Women Up ” brunch. The second event in the invite-only brunch series was held at Hilton’s newest Beverly Hills property, The Waldorf Astoria.

The annual event commemorates our commitment to celebrating the beauty, intelligence, ambition, and perseverance of Black women in all walks of life and Hilton’s “Celebrating Your Stories” initiative, which focuses on celebrating the stories and accomplishments of amazing individuals and organizations.

Andrea Richardson Director, Multicultural and Diversity Marketing at Hilton
Andrea Richardson and Nischelle Turner share a laugh

200 influencers, leaders, celebrities, and their guests filed into the beautifully-decorated ballroom to brunch with a purpose, network and get inspired by our expert panelists. The program commenced with a warm welcome and remarks from Hilton’s Multicultural & Diversity Global Marketing Director, Andrea Richardson.

Nischelle Turner speaking with panelists.
Nischelle Turner speaking with panelists.

Entertainment Tonight Weekend Co-Anchor, Nischelle Turner served as mistress of ceremonies for the brunch, also addressed guests before moderating a panel of leading ladies which included:  3x Olympic medalist,  Carmelita Jeter;  Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation‘s Executive Director, Nichol T. Whiteman; Nike Basketball Global Brand Director,  Melanie Auguste; Lakers Youth Foundation‘s Executive Director Kiesha Nix, and Magic Johnson Enterprises Senior Vice President Marketing, Christina Francis.

#EbonyWomenUP panelist
#EbonyWomenUP panelist

Turner took the panel through a series of questions that were designed to give the audience an intimate look at their journey. After the panelists shared their personal journeys, they then proceeded offer advice on how to find a mentor, the importance of goal setting and the necessity of work/life balance. 

Watch the Facebook live stream of the panel here or click the graphic below.

Ebony Women Up

At the conclusion of the event, guests were gifted with swag bags full of must-have beauty products from sponsor Miss Jessies, travel necessities from Hilton and a copy of Ebony’s March 2017 Women Up issue featuring Jurnee Smollett-Bell.

Scroll through the photo gallery above, and check out the #EbonyWomenUp photos shared by our guests on social media below.

[stackerdecks_id]NDhzOTEzOQ==[/stackerdecks_id]

Images by Byron David