If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that Summit21 is a vibe. It’s a unique experience that brings together dynamic women from all walks of life to share, learn, and empower one another. Since its inception, Summit21 has created a space where dreams are nurtured, big ideas take flight, and sisterhood flourishes. Launched in 2018, the summit has gifted attendees with unforgettable moments that continue to resonate.
Now Summit21 is making it’s big return as part of Blavity Fest 2025. The two-day event is set to kick off in Atlanta from May 31 to June 1 and tickets are on sale now!
Best Moments from Past Summit21 Experiences
There have been four official Summit21 experiences. The first was held in Atlanta in 2018. Then in 2019 there were two events. One was held in Atlanta in June and a second, specifically for content creators and influencers, was held in Los Angeles in October. Finally in 2021, Summit21 went virtual with an online summit that featured Tyra Banks as the keynote speaker.
As we prepare for the return of this can’t miss summit, it’s only right to take a quick stroll down memory lane. Let’s relive the magic that made so many women fall in love with Summit21.
1. Words of Wisdom
It’s truly impossible to recount all of the gems that have been shared at all the past Summit21 experiences. The list of speakers is mind blowing. Still, there are some who stand out because of the practical advice they provided.
Tina Knowles’ Artistic Advice
When Tina Knowles graced the Summit21 Leadership Stage at the Atlanta 2019 summit she came with so many gems for the audience. She shared loving guidance on living with intention, leading with integrity and learning how to show compassion and love for everything you do. The avid art collector Knowles shared her love for the medium and emphatically encouraged all the women in the room to consider investing.
““Don’t buy that Gucci purse. Buy a piece of art,” Knowles told the audience.
Myliek Teele’s 3-Run-In Rule
Myliek Teele’s chat at the 2018 summit is often mentioned by attendees as a memorable moment. She shared advice that was both easy to digest and simple to implement. That included her “3-run-in rule.”
“The first time, let’s just say, you just briefly introduce yourself. ‘Hi, I’m Myleik’ and the person says, ‘Hi, I’m Myleik,’ move on. You’re going to see that person again,” Teele told the 2018 audience. “The next time you see them, ‘Hi, I’m Myleik, I saw you at Summit21 last year’ or last month, or whatever. ‘Oh, you were at Summit21? Well, so good to see you!’ By the third time guys, they’re going to remember you. Now we’re cooking, right? This is when you have everything together: your cards, your t-shirts, your whatever.”
Malliha Ahmad’s Idea Love Story
2019 speaker Malliha Ahmad addressed creatives who think big but sometimes have trouble with follow through. She advised them to think of their great idea in a romantic way. Ahmad suggested creating a love story with your idea and pursuing it like you might a crush. Then pull together a squad of friends and supporters to make sure you follow through.
Ronne Brown’s Leadership Through Service Lesson
The virtual Summit21 in 2021 saw Ronne Brown sharing gems about the expectation of being a boss and the reality of the job. She said in the past she had ideas about what a boss’ life would look like such as sitting behind a desk in a big office. Brown realized through experience that leadership really is about serving alongside your team and at times taking up the slack when others fall through.
2. Freedom to Move and Groove
Summit21 is definitely not your average experience. It’s a space where Black and multicultural women are free to be their true selves. It’s a light-hearted, fun infused experience where you will learn and laugh. Several past summits included hula hooping sessions, double dutch and other physical movement that inspired attendees and had them smiling from ear to ear.
At both of the 2019 Summit21 experiences there were hula hooping sessions that gave attendees the chance to unwind and move their bodies. The session in Atlanta was led by Black Girl Hooping.
DJs have also been a major part of past events. They definitely lightened the mood and got the party started.
When the music started playing attendees couldn’t help but get up and dance. It’s just what we do!
3. Melanated Marketplaces
Several of the past summits included marketplaces or an expo hall where attendees could learn about new Black-owned businesses. Both of the Atlanta summits featured an attendee favorite: Chateau 21.
Chateau 21 was a free shopping experience featuring full-sized beauty products. At the 2018 event attendees were given a bag and five minutes to pick out five of their favorite products.
In Los Angeles the marketplace featured a wide range of Black women-owned products including popular brand Black Girl Sunscreen.
4. Meditation and Mindfulness
Mindfulness has always been infused throughout Summit21. At the 2018 event, meditation sessions were held in the morning to kick off the day and attendees noted how positively it impacted their experiences.
Spiritual leader Sarah Jake Roberts spoke at the 2018 event and urged those in attendance to relax and remember everything is going to work out.
At the 2019 event in Los Angeles, spoken word artist Arielle Estoria shared her impactful and thought provoking poetry to the packed crowd. And the 2019 Atlanta event included an Unspoken event which
5. Women Celebrated at Every Turn
Attendees are much of what make Summit21 what it is. That’s why at the 2019 Atlanta summit, audience members were invited on stage for an impromptu fashion show.
Women confidently strut their stuff showing off their unique outfits and undeniable energy.
Summit21’s Return
2025 will see the return of Summit21 as a part of Blavity Fest. A Summit21 stage at the festival will be dedicated to the programming women have grown to know and love. Looking forward to the next Summit21 experience, get your Blavity Fest tickets today!