Leading Women Defined 2015: Day 1 Highlights

We take you inside BET's annual women's conference in Miami.

Day 1 Highlights - Here’s a look at the must-see moments from Day 1 of BET Networks’ Leading Women Defined, an annual conference bringing together prominent African-American thought leaders in Miami, from March 3-5, 2015. By Britt Middleton Leading Women Defined kicked off with the Young, Gifted and Digital Mentoring Workshop Sponsored by Intel. There, young teens from Honey Shine Mentoring Program and other South Florida organizations engaged in educational sessions centered on girl empowerment and the importance of young women of color exploring the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Day 1 Highlights - Here’s a look at the must-see moments from Day 1 of BET Networks’ Leading Women Defined, an annual conference bringing together prominent African-American thought leaders in Miami, from March 3-5, 2015. By Britt Middleton Leading Women Defined kicked off with the Young, Gifted and Digital Mentoring Workshop Sponsored by Intel. There, young teens from Honey Shine Mentoring Program and other South Florida organizations engaged in educational sessions centered on girl empowerment and the importance of young women of color exploring the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

Warming Up the Crowd - Actress and Grammy-winning songstress LeToya Luckett served as host for the mentoring event. She looked as lovely as ever in a sleeveless cream vest and leather shorts. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Warming Up the Crowd

Photo By Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET

Shining Strong - Financial expert and author Lynn Richardson presented a $10,000 donation to Honey Shine on behalf of the Hip Hop Sisters Network. Founded by Tracy Mourning in 2002, Honey Shine has empowered young girls in the Miami community with life skills workshops that include health, nutrition, sex and drug education, career mapping and education.   (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Shining Strong

Getting a Jumpstart - Pia Wilson-Body, director of external relations for Intel, shared her insight into the tech industry and how young girls can use it to better their own futures. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Getting a Jumpstart

Keeping Cool - In between workshops, Honey Shine mentees took a break for a sweet treat from Feverish Ice Cream and Gourmet Pops. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Keeping Cool

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All Smiles - (From left to right) Monica Newman McCluney, Tracy Mourning, MC Lyte, Marla Wilson and Lynn Richardson posed for a group photo before digging into the sessions with the girls. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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All Smiles

Speak Up - In one breakout session, the teens learned the art of pitching ideas and speaking in front of a crowd. They also participated in an Idea Hackathon. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Speak Up

Plugged In - The Honey Shine teens also discussed how technology influences their daily lives and ways they can use it beyond Instagram, Facebook and the like in order to grow both personally and professionally.  (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Plugged In

Making a Difference - Honey Shine founder Tracy Mourning had an emotional moment onstage when addressing the crowd. Year after year, her organization continues to encourage the growth and success of countless young women. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Making a Difference

Ending the Bullying - The teens also discussed the growing issue of cyberbullying — how it affects young people and how they can be leaders in their schools and communities. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Ending the Bullying

Photo By Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET

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Focus on Achievement - Another session focused on confidence building. The girls learned that having a positive attitude, setting goals and staying committed are three keys to success.  (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Focus on Achievement

You Can Do It - Tracy Mourning and MC Lyte, a Grammy-nominated rapper who blazed a path for women in hip hop, talked with the mentees about the importance of believing in yourself.  (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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You Can Do It

Hands On - Felicia Hatcher, the founder of CodeFever, had a hands-on moment with a Honey Shine mentee before digging into a tech-focused workshop.(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Hands On

It’s All About Action - The teens also learned the markings of true leadership in a session that focused on confronting issues head-on with positive action rather than just “talking the talk.” (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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It’s All About Action

Photo By Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET

All Perfectly Coordinated - In between sessions, LeToya Luckett, Felicia Hatcher and Pia Wilson-Body posed for a color-coordinated photo op. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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All Perfectly Coordinated

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Party On - Later that evening, Leading Women Defined guests retreated for some late night fun at the Havana Nights Welcome Reception. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Party On

Red Hot - The evening opened with a spirited Afro-Cuban dance performance by Miami’s IFÉ-ILÉ. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Red Hot

Photo By Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET

Eat As the Locals Do - Guests feasted on Afro-Cuban-inspired fare that included mini sliders and specialty desserts. Hey fellas, how about sharing with us?(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Eat As the Locals Do

Hats Off - MC Lyte and her guest stepped out in style for the occasion, both wearing cute straw fedoras. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Hats Off

They’ve Got Moves - IFÉ-ILÉ kept the party going by teaching the crowd some authentic moves. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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They’ve Got Moves

Photo By Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET

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Welcome to Havana - BET Networks Chairman and CEO Debra L. Lee took a break from the dance floor to welcome guests to the Cuban-themed bash. She looked chic in a silky black sheath and studded sandals.(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Welcome to Havana

Photo By Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET

What a View - Guests mixed and mingled late into the evening, enjoying Miami’s picturesque views and perfect weather.(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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What a View

All Together Now - A dance line, led by Debra L. Lee, swept through the crowd. Nice moves!(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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All Together Now

In Step - There’s nothing better than a group dance to set the mood. IFÉ-ILÉ had all the right steps to keep guests on their toes!(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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In Step

Photo By Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET

On the 1s and 2s - DJ Beverly Bond was in the zone as she provided the soundtrack for the evening.(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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On the 1s and 2s

Photo By Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET

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Oh, What a Night - Debra L. Lee chatted with a guest in between steps on the dance floor. With a party like this, we don’t blame her!(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Oh, What a Night

Incredible Setting - The party was held on the rooftop of Miami’s St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, the perfect place to see and be seen.(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Incredible Setting

Party Favors - What better way to end a Havana-themed party than with hand-rolled cigars?(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Party Favors

Photo By Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET

Sweet Life - OK, we can think of one thing. The dessert buffet was most definitely fit for royalty. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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Sweet Life

A Memorable Night - These two beauties sure looked like they enjoyed themselves, no? Check out bet.com/LWD each day for more coverage from Leading Women Defined! (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for BET)

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A Memorable Night