Made for This Moment: Reflections from the Women of Color Empowerment Conference

There are some events you attend that leave you with more than notes, photos and new connections. You leave energized, inspired and reminded of the power of being in the right room with the right people.

I recently had the opportunity to attend the Women of Color Empowerment Conference, an experience centered on leadership, purpose, connection and creating opportunities for the women coming behind us.

I was grateful to attend at the invitation of Neki Mohan, Vice President of Business Development and Community Engagement for Visit Lauderdale. Neki has long been a champion for community, authentic storytelling and creating spaces where people feel seen and connected, so I knew an invitation from her would lead to a meaningful experience.

This year’s theme, “Made for This Moment: Purpose, Power & Progress,” was woven throughout a weekend of conversations about leadership, business, civic engagement, wellness, resilience and legacy.

15 Years of Creating Space for Women of Color

One of the things that made the weekend especially meaningful was learning more about the women behind it.

The Women of Color Empowerment Institute is led by directors Burnadette Norris-Weeks, Michelle Austin Pamies and Kathy Eggleston, whose work has helped build an organization dedicated to bringing women of color together across industries, generations and communities.

For 15 years, the organization has created opportunities for women to exchange ideas, build meaningful relationships and strengthen their voices through leadership, mentorship, education and community.

That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident. It takes vision, relationships and a commitment to continuing to create opportunities for others.

A Conversation with Vivica A. Fox

A personal highlight of the conference was watching my best friend, Constance Jones, NBC 6 Today Weekend Anchor, sit down with actress, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Vivica A. Fox for a conversation on reinvention, resilience and owning your power.

And I had one of the best seats in the house.

I spent the conversation behind the camera capturing photos of Constance and Vivica on stage as they talked about building a lasting career, navigating change, recognizing opportunities and continuing to reinvent yourself.

It was a great conversation, but what stayed with me was the reminder that longevity, whether in entertainment, business, media or communications, requires a willingness to evolve.

Your career will change. Your opportunities will change. The rooms you find yourself in will change.

But knowing your value, owning your story and being willing to grow with each new season can carry you a long way.

The Power of Being in the Room

As a communications professional, I spend a lot of time thinking about storytelling, relationships and reputation. Events like the Women of Color Empowerment Conference are a reminder that those things matter just as much personally as they do professionally.

Some of the most valuable opportunities don't begin with a formal pitch or a perfectly planned introduction. They begin with showing up, having a conversation, supporting someone else and building genuine relationships.

That is one of the reasons spaces like this matter.

The conference brought together women and leaders from business, media, government and community organizations not simply to talk about success, but to share what they have learned along the way and help create pathways for others.

I left grateful for the invitation, proud of my friend Constance, inspired by the women who created this space and reminded once again that relationships remain one of the most powerful parts of both life and business.

Thank you to Neki Mohan for the invitation, to Burnadette Norris-Weeks, Michelle Austin Pamies, Kathy Eggleston and the entire Women of Color Empowerment Institute team for creating such a meaningful experience, and to every woman who shared her story throughout the weekend.

Sometimes the right conversation happens at exactly the right moment.

And sometimes, you realize you really were made for this moment.

– Lisa Arneaud