breaking barriers. building sisterhood.
The EmbraceHer Summit brings together young girls of color, providing a space to instill their confidence and establish a firm belief in their personal strength.
Uncover the power of establishing healthy boundaries, cultivating supportive sisterhoods, and nurturing a positive mindset. This summit is designed to inspire and uplift girls, helping them embrace their strength and individuality in a welcoming, growth-focused environment.
Keynote Speaker: We are thrilled to welcome Daphne E. Jones — former Fortune 50 senior executive, published author, and CEO of The Board Curators.
Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, Daphne was told college wasn’t an option for a Black girl like her. But she refused to accept those limits, transforming her path from secretary at Women’s Day magazine to engineer at IBM to Senior Vice President at leading corporations.
Daphne will share the 5 key strategies young women can use to think big, act boldly, and WIN on their own terms.
"When people tell you your goals are impossible—you show them your goals are inevitable. Winning is just a matter of time." — Daphne E. Jones
Workshops: Unlock your self-worth, boost your confidence, and elevate your communication skills, decision-making abilities and etiquette.
Free: Admission to the summit is no cost and a catered lunch is included.
Who: Teen girls, aged 12–17, in Kent County.
When: Tuesday, June 24 2025
from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Where: The 1530
1530 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids MI
BREAKING BARRIERS
BUILDING SISTERHOOD
Registration closes June 13, 2025
YOUR HOSTS
Lakeshia Gilbert
Founder and CEO of HOAP
Lakeshia S. Gilbert is the Founder and CEO of HOAP (Helping Our Adolescents Prosper) and LSG Innovations, LLC. Her educational background is diverse. Lakeshia holds degrees in Criminal Justice, Business Management/Human Services, and has a double Masters in Psychology and Organizational Leadership.
Latasha Robertson-Crump
Founder & CEO of Girls Growing II Women
Latasha is the Founder & CEO of Girls Growing II Women, a nonprofit centered on youth development. She has a Bachelor of Social Work and Biblical Studies with a minor in communications from Kuyper College and a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. Latasha worked as a school social worker for ten years before leaving to lead her nonprofit full-time.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Daphne Jones
Author of “Win When They Say You Won’t”
Daphne E. Jones is a Fortune 50 senior executive, digital leader, board member, and acclaimed author of WIN WHEN THEY SAY YOU WON’T (McGraw Hill, 2022).
With over 40 years of leadership experience, she currently serves on the board of AMN Healthcare, participating on the Audit and Nominating Governance Committees. She is a member of ITSMF, the Executive Leadership Council, International Women’s Forum, and the Digital Director Network.
As Founder and CEO of The Board Curators, Daphne prepares senior executives for public and private board service.
She holds a BS and MBA from Illinois State University, is a mother of four, grandmother of two, and First Lady of Apostolic Church in Syracuse, NY, alongside her husband, Senior Pastor George M. Jones.
Brought to you by:
FAQs
-
Thanks to generous donors and partners, the event is free to attend.
-
Yourself! Any other materials required will be available to participants at the conference. We encourage you to dress in comfortable clothes and layers in case the room temperature is cool.
-
Transportation is not provided. The venue is located on the No #1 Rapid Bus line and a short walk from the Silver Line Cottage Grove Station on Division Ave.
-
Thank you for encouraging your students to attend. Parents/guardians must complete the registration for their child and sign the waivers.
-
We are sorry you can no longer attend. It is important to let us know if you can no longer attend. Please email lcomeau@hwmuw.org to let us know of your change of plans.
Get ready for an empowering journey packed with insightful sessions, engaging activities, and unforgettable entertainment!
All teenage girls, aged 12–17 are welcome!