I was given the honor to facilitate one of the workshops at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Gamma Phi Omega chapter HBCU Think Tank. The conversation with the students was one you would of wanted to hear. The students were active in the conversation, gave their opinion and view on Historical Black Colleges and Universities and Predominately White Institutions. The conversation was so good I hated we had to stop.
I had the opportunity to speak at Medaille College undergraduate students about “The Blue Print To Success” This lecture was created to spark the motivation in students and encouraged them to also build their Blue Prints to success.
I had the opportunity to be the host for the Women in The Spotlight GoinGlobal annual Brunch where Dia Simms was the guest speaker. It was truly an honor to host such an event for an organization such as WITSGG. If you do not know who Dia Simms is find out below!
Dia Simms is a corporate executive, entrepreneur philanthropist and public speaker. Early in her career, Simms professional journey began rather unconventionally. She worked for the Department of Defense, and later in advertising sales and the pharmaceutical industry. Simms’ career path took a unique turn when she was solicited to work with music and business mogul Sean Combs. Simms was initially offered the position of Combs’ assistant, and although she had never been one, she accepted. Simms quickly rose to the challenge by proving herself invaluable, eventually securing the position as Chief of Staff of his executive office. Due to her relentless commitment to excellence, she was promoted several times within the last nine years, eventually securing her current role as President of Combs Wine & Spirits.
As the President of Combs Wine & Spirits, Simms oversees the strategic execution of all brands under the House of Combs. The charge includes brands such as Revolt TV, Aquahydrate, Sean John, Cîroc Ultra Premium Vodka and DeLeon Tequila.
Under her leadership, Cîroc Ultra Premium Vodka has experienced over 1000% growth, going from obscurity to one of the most recognized vodka brands on the globe. The company’s in-house marketing agency has received several awards, including the coveted Diageo Golden Bar Award for ‘Best Spirits Advertising’ and Diageo’s 2011 Global Marketing Brilliance Award for best ‘Synergy 360.’ They were recently recognized at the 2014 Pro Awards for ‘Best Holiday Campaign’ and ‘Best Cause Based Campaign’. Their accolades are largely due to Simms’ efforts to ensure that brand marketing plans have a strong tactical paradigm. The core belief of the agency is supremely focused on delivering sales driven programming and connecting the consumer to their brands in lifestyle driven arenas.
In 2011 Simms was named ‘Leader of the New School’ by Essence Magazine. She is regularly featured in the media and has lent her expertise to outlets such as The Huffington Post, Fortune, and Fox News.
Simms is actively involved with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, provides entrepreneurial training to High School students and sits on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem. She speaks out about emphasizing importance of goal setting and education to youth throughout the community. Simms received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Morgan State University, a Master’s degree in Management with a concentration in Contract Management from the Florida Institute of Technology and is Level- II Certified by the Defense Acquisition University.
Simms balances her work and personal life by commuting weekly from New York to her home in Atlanta, Georgia where she resides with her husband and daughter. Her belief is that women can be multifaceted in their work and personal lives. Simms maintains that women can be strong business women as well as stellar mothers and wives. Her mantra has become a source of inspiration those looking to emulate her success. Simms cites her mother as her inspiration and credits her mother as her compass for being a successful in business and parenting. Her life’s motto is, “Do what you say you are going to do.”
We were born to make and manifest the glory of god that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~Marianne Williamson
This quote speaks volume to the many women I look up to, grown up watching and admire from afar and up close. The biggest honor is to be honored with so many women touching so many lives, women I call big sisters, women I admire and women I consider mentors. Because you allowed your light to shine you helped us to allow our light to shine as well. I’m excited to be in the number.
I was nominated and selected to be one of the women to receive the Women Touching The World Award
I had the pleasure to host the 13th annual Young Miss Buffalo Pageant. The Young Miss Buffalo pageant is just one piece of the puzzle to such a great program. Also known as YMBP, Inc. it is not only committed to providing enriching and life changing opportunities to low income young ladies ages 13-17 in the Buffalo area, but young ladies across Western New York. YMBP, Inc. is dedicated to addressing and issues within the community facing all young people, with an emphasis on adolescent females. This is evident in the organization’s commitment to:
- provide scholarships for educational assistance,
- create a safe environment and structure for change to help each participant pursue excellence within themselves, thus enabling them to one day give back to their community, and
- act as a liaison between youth and the community creating more support for the youth in the community by collaborating and building relationships with individuals and organizations that also advocate for and benefit adolescent females.
It is always an honor to host such an event and to support this great organization.
Join Women in the Spotlight Goinglobal and experts all weekend long -August 15th-17th for our 4th Annual Women’s Empowerment Conference as we learn and become empowered together with workshops and panel discussions covering every aspect of your life.
It gives me, ADRI V great honor to be the the moderator of the the Power Moves: Girls Behind The Brand
This is an event you do not want to miss. Be there!
I am so excited to have the honor to host this event. Eric Thomas has become my virtual mentor and I really look forward to hearing him speak. So……
The Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc. (CAO) Presents the “Youth Power Summit & Mentor Forum” featuring:
National Motivational Speaker, Educator, Author, Activist and Minister Eric Thomas aka “ET The Hip Hop Preacher” will be in Buffalo Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Bennett High School 2885 Main Street. Doors open at 11am and
Join the CAO for TWO powerful workshop presentations by ET:
ONE:
Youth Power Summit for youth and young adults ages 13 and Up with music, door prizes and more, hosted by:
WBLK/WDKX Radio Personality, Adri V with Music by DJ Kholes
TWO:
Mentor Forum For Parents, Educators, Coaches, Youth Organization Leaders and all other Caring Adults!
Admission is Absolutely FREE but Pre-Registration is Required.
Visit www.caoyouthpowersummit.co
Today I had the great opportunity to participate in the Marshawn Evans Speak 4 Pay seminar powered by Women In The Spotlight GoinGlobal. I was truly empowered and enlighten by the information shared with us today from Marshawn Evans. She not only informed us of what we were doing wrong in pursuit of developing a speaking career but she shared with us best practice and on what we should be doing next.
If you do not know who Marshawn Evans is please go check her out at www.marshawnevans.com you will thank me later!