If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that Summit21 is a vibe. It’s an unforgettable 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 conference 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 Conference
There have been four official Summit21 Conferences. 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 conference that featured Tyra Banks as the keynote speaker.
As we prepare for the return of this can’t miss conference, 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 Conferences. The list of speakers is mind blowing. Still, there are some who stand out because of the practical advice they provided.
Myliek Teele’s 3-Run-In Rule
Myliek Teele’s chat at the 2018 conference 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 mentioned how 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 conference. 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 conferences 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 Conferences 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 conferences included marketplaces or an expo hall where attendees could learn about new Black-owned businesses. Both of the Atlanta conferences 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.