The city of Atlanta was flooded with good energy and a lot of black girl magic this weekend as young women and gender-expansive youth gathered for the 5th annual ESSENCE GU Disruptor Summit—and, trust, a time was had!
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In a space dedicated to culture, conversation, and community, this year’s summit brought the vibes with unforgettable moments, notable speakers, and a celebration of Black excellence and empowerment.
Notable Influencers And Performers
Among the impressive lineup of influencers, creatives, and musical performers were Love Island winner Serena Page, Laila, actress Amber Riley, country music sensation Reyna Roberts, and rapper Lady London, all bringing their unique voices and talents to the stage. Whether through performances or panel discussions, they inspired attendees with stories of success, resilience, and representation.
Powerful Conversations With Election 2024 On the Horizon
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With the 2024 election rapidly approaching, a key highlight of the event was a thought-provoking discussion titled On the Ballot featuring the dynamic duo Lynae Vanee and Yolanda Renee King. A press release reports that they sparked an essential conversation, encouraging young voters to not only participate in the election process but to take an active role in shaping political narratives. Their message was clear: the future is in your hands!
Gen-Z Entrepreneurs Redefining Success
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Another standout moment came from the Partner in Prime series, which featured some of today’s most innovative Black Gen-Z entrepreneurs and influencers, including Rechelle Dennis (Girls United Co-Founder & Lead), Sophia Dennis, Malik McIntyre, Deandre Brown, and Raymonte Cole. These young trailblazers shared how they are redefining success by building thriving businesses while also nurturing meaningful personal relationships. Their discussions reflected the importance of balancing personal and professional growth, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and influencers.
Social Media’s Impact On Branding
The rise of social media as a tool for personal branding was another hot topic. Haile Rose, Raven Tracy, Kayla Nicole, and Alicia Scott took to the stage to share their journeys of turning personal brands into impactful businesses, proving that with passion and creativity, platforms like Instagram and TikTok can fuel both cultural influence and financial success.
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For attendees seeking hands-on advice and real-world industry insights, the Speed Mentoring and GU Office Hours sessions were a hit. These sessions provided direct access to industry executives, influencers, and creators from powerhouse organizations like Atlantic Records, the Atlanta Hawks, Meta, and L’Oréal.
For those passionate about music, the Girls Make Beats activation was an exciting addition to the summit. Aspiring music producers were able to experience live demos on music production, bridging the gap between their creative dreams and industry know-how. This activation gave attendees the opportunity to learn from the best and engage with leaders from the music world.
Of course, no ESSENCE GU event is complete without good vibes and great food! Attendees were treated to a lineup of local food trucks plus, plenty of fun photo opportunities allowed everyone to capture their beauty and essence—literally! The summit’s aesthetic was all about celebrating individuality and embracing the moment.
The ESSENCE GU Disruptor Summit Is 5 Years Strong And Only Getting Bigger And Better
As the summit wrapped up, one thing was clear: ESSENCE GU brought the energy, the empowerment, and the vibes to ATL! For those who couldn’t make it this year, you can still be a part of the conversation by following @ESSENCEGU on social media and joining the movement with the hashtag #GUDisruptorSummit. With each year, this event grows stronger, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
Until then, here’s to 5 years of culture, community, and creating spaces where young Black women and gender-expansive youth can thrive!
What do YOU think about the 2024 ESSENCE GU Disruptor Summit?