Leading Women Defined 2015: Day 2 Highlights
Technology, service and business take center stage.
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Day 2 Highlights - Here’s a look at the must-see moments from Day 2 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 Day 2 kicked off with a series of master classes, giving LWD attendees the opportunity to master a skill or try something completely new. At the Adorn You session, guests talked jewelry making with designers Cheryl and Donna Freeman. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Totally Adorned - Session attendees had their pick of glass and wooden beads to build their own custom creations.(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Fighting Shape - At the Boxing Master Class, former women’s champ Laila Ali whipped the crowd into fighting shape with cardio drills and strength training routines. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Healthy Mind, Body and Spirit - Ali also shared her insights on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even as a working mom and entrepreneur. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Shall We Dance? - Meanwhile, dance instructor Nelson Fritz shared his best moves at the Salsa Dance Master Class. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Fancy Footwork - Guests learned the basics of the Salsa style while working up a sweat. Not a bad way to burn calories! (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Beach Reads - On the beach, LWD attendees were treated to an intimate conversation with Olen Perkins-Valdez, the New York Times bestselling author of Wench and the upcoming Balm.(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Literary Notes - Balm, in stores May 26, is set during the Civil War era amid the end of slavery. It focuses on three people struggling to overcome the pain of the past while defining their own future. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Finding Peace - Yoga enthusiasts grabbed their mats and settled in for a session with instructor Christina Pearce at the Yoga Master Class. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Gentle Flow - Pearce took the class through a series of gentle stretches and breathing exercises to leave them feeling energized and balanced. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Fine Wine - Coral Brown of Brown Estates lead a Sommelier Master Class, teaching guests how to find the right wine for their individual palate.(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Cheers! - An afternoon of wine tasting put everyone in good spirits.(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Cover Girls - CoverGirl makeup artists then treated attendees to a Makeup Master Class, teaching them the foundations that will make their features pop and their natural beauty shine. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Glam Session - Guests also learned about the hottest beauty trends for the season and how to make them work for everyday life. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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The Grand Stage - That afternoon, BET Networks Chairman and CEO Debra L. Lee, joined by Laila Ali, gave the opening remarks at the Dorothy Height Luncheon presented by CoverGirl. Onstage, Ali shared a story about being discriminated against for being “too pretty” when she started her boxing career. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Inspiring the Future - The luncheon focused on themes of female empowerment and how women can create and inspire a world that has no limitations.(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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#GirlsCan - Guests also participated in an ice breaker session and discussion entitled “Girls Can.” (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Taking Flight - Debra L. Lee also presented the Butterfly Award to Michele A. Roberts, executive director of the National Basketball Players Association. She is the first woman to ever have the position and to head a major professional sports union in North America. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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The Future Is Here - Marissa Nance, director of strategic partnerships and multicultural marketing at OMD, Rosalind Hudnell, chief diversity officer, Intel, and Dr. Claire A. Nelson, futurist speaker, kicked off Future Shock: A Look Ahead Sponsored by Intel.(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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What's Next - The conversation focused on the technological, social, and business innovations that will change how we experience the world in 2030.(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Recognizing Greatness - Intel presented a $10,000 donation to Felicia Hatcher, founder of Code Fever. The organization teaches young people of color in the South Florida community to code and exposes them to opportunities and careers in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Leading by Example - At the Amplify Africa: Opportunities to Lead session, featured panelists, including Sizakele Marutlulle, founder of MOONCHILD, discussed how women lead in business and politics on a continent rich in opportunity and cultural nuance. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Helping Each Other Grow - Ndidi Nwuneli, Founder, LEAP Africa, joined by Sizakele Marutlulle and Erana Stennett, Bloomberg corporate giving officer, lead the discussion on how African women are represented in senior roles across the public and private sector and how women on other continents can support and succeed with their African counterparts. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Festive and Fresh - In the evening, guests enjoyed a dinner and cocktails program presented by Centric. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Warm Welcome - Grammy-winning songstress and Centric Ambassador LeToya Luckett hosted the program. She dazzled the crowd in a navy floral jumpsuit and a fresh face.(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Gift for Gab - Rapper MC Lyte also led a spirited pre-dinner discussion with singer Jill Scott. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Sweet Endings - Dinner wrapped up with a sweet offering of luscious parfaits. Yum!(Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Color Coordinated - Our esteemed guests, including Laila Ali, Debra L. Lee, MC Lyte and Jill Scott, stayed coordinated in black and white ensembles. Cute! (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Fun After Dark - The evening had one final surprise — a late night slumber party hosted by LeToya Luckett. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Special Screening - LWD attendees were treated to an advanced screening of Queen Latifah’s Single Ladies. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)
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Talk It Out - LeToya Luckett and writer Michaela Angela Davis also led a discussion about the series. We can’t wait for the premiere on March 18. (Photo: Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images)