This past weekend was the second annual EmpowerHer Conference in Chicago, and we're still reeling from all the powerful women, incredible stories and #BlackGirlMagic that you shared with us. Without our outstanding speakers and each one of you actively engaging and sharing your own stories, it wouldn't be what it is. So, thank you! And if you couldn't attend, check out the quick recap below and get ready to take notes — because so many gems were dropped.

Friday kicked off with a fireside chat with our very own Morgan DeBaun and Zim Ugochukwu of Travel Noire. Zim blessed us with her advice on hiring the right employees, the value of YOU time, and her three essential tips for self-care.

Next was a young creators panel with Ronnie Dickerson Stewart of DigitasLBi, Nickecia Alder of Black Girl Fly Mag, Autumn Merritt of Sir & Madame and Brienna LaCoste. They discussed what it takes to succeed, how to stay focused, and their keys to finding balance.

Saturday kicked off bright and early with some tasty breakfasts provided by McDonald's and plenty of networking to get everyone ready to learn and grow. After the coffee kicked in, it was time for the Ford Motor Company's Women's Entrepreneurship and Small Business Challenge with Nikisha Brunson of Urban Bush Babes, Alex Wolf of Boss Babe Academy and Darian Symoné Harvin.

Next came Kyra Kyles, former Editor-in-chief of Ebony and multi-platform media executive and Lilly Workneh of HuffPost Black Voices with a panel on black women in the media. Their commentary on how to succeed as a journalist and the state of the industry was more than well-received.

Shortly after, Lena Waithe and Robin Thede had the room buzzing with their open discussion and candid answers to audience questions.

And right before lunch came an AMA chat with Bari A. Williams of Stubhub. She helped us realize the value of our intellectual and creative property and explained the steps we can and should take to protect that.

After a much-needed lunch break came a powerful workshop with Danielle Leslie all about turning your passion into your career, finding out your culture add and staying true to you.

Morgan DeBaun took the stage again, this time to lead an AMA chat with Necole Kane of xonecole.com. Talk of transitions, self-care, loss and all that can be gained brought the room to tears and right back to laughs and empowerment in one of the most powerful sessions of the day.

And rounding out the incredible, inspiring day were two talks by powerful and successful women who are redefining their craft and helping to motivate us along the way. Thanks to Luvvie Ajayi of Awesomely Luvvie and Erika Bennett of Allied Moxy for their powerful words!

So once again, thank you to everyone in attendance at #EmpowerHer17! And if you're yearning for more wisdom from the weekend, look no further than #EmpowerHer17 on Twitter and Instagram.

See you next year!

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