We reject the idea that solely the future belongs to women because we know that many aspects of the past, present and future are indebted to the work of Black women. In fact, young Black women specifically have been the catalysts for change across industries—whether it be media, beauty/fashion, tech, or entertainment.
We do the work, we push to include other Black visionaries and we keep it real all the while.
We’re one day away from ESSENCE Girls United’s Virtual Summit, a digital activation that champions and empowers young movers and shakers.
We’ve called on a number of voices, including Reginae Carter, Marsai Martin and many more, to talk about important topics and push the next generation of tastemakers to be all they can be. Ahead of summit, and International Day of the Girl, we highlighted 21 young women who are leading the revolution for a brighter future.
Check out our list below.
The 2020 Girls United Summit is sponsored by ULTA Beauty, McDonald’s and STARZ.
Aaron Philip, model
Adebukola Ajao, founder of All Things Digital
Asia Hall, CEO of Neon Cowboy
Chelsea Miller, activist
DonMonique, rapper*
Elyse Fox, founder of Sad Gurls Club
Jitarra Ellis, co-creator, ESSENCE x ULTA Beauty Girls United makeup collection*
Kash Doll, Rapper*
Kheris Rogers, creator of Flexin in My Complexion
La’Shaunae Stewart, model
Makeda Sanford, photographer
Marley Dias, host of “Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices”/author
Marsai Martin, actress*
Marz Lovejoy, writer/model
Najma Sharif, journalist
Rashida Gayle, sports and entertainment agent
Taylor Crumpton, journalist
Renell Medrano, photographer
Sage White, celebrity makeup artist
Barbara Simi Muhumuza, founder of Seen Black Girls
Sonya Harris, clothing designer