Dreams coupled with hard work have put Monáe on the fast track to success. After a stint in New York, the Kansas City belle headed to Atlanta where she soon was working with OutKast. Her eclectic style and sound caught the eyes and ears of Sean “Diddy” Combs, who adopted her label under his Bad Boy imprint. She recently released her debut album, “Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition).”
(performing in Atlanta only)
For more information on the Young Women’s Leadership Conferences in November, visit www.essence.com/ywlc
No longer in the shadow of their legendary hip-hop dad, Reverend Run, Vanessa and Angela are building empires of their own. The pair launched their own footwear line, Pastry, in 2007. Like their dad and uncle Russell Simmons, the sisters are spreading their wings with multiple projects. Vanessa’s a burgeoning actress who’s been featured on “The Guiding Light,” while Angela has planted her feet in the fashion and magazine industries.
For more information on the Young Women’s Leadership Conferences in November, visit www.essence.com/ywlc
Mowry won our hearts in the mid-1990’s as the book-smart twin on the hit show “Sister, Sister,” alongside her sister Tamera. The Pepperdine University graduate continues her sitcom success as independent woman Melanie Barnett on CW’s “The Game.” Much like the medical student she plays, Mowry makes health a top priority and spends her spare time backing charities that support research for children with AIDS and cancer.
For more information on the Young Women’s Leadership Conferences in November, visit www.essence.com/ywlc
With a budding career as an author and commentator, DuBois Barnett definitely smells success and has devoted her time to helping everyone get a piece of the dream too. Before writing her inspirational book of tips for women, “Get Yours!,” she served as managing editor of Teen People and editor-in-chief of Honey, as well as a CNN correspondent and pop culture expert. Her book was nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award and she continues to share her formula for the good life.
For more information on the Young Women’s Leadership Conferences in November, visit www.essence.com/ywlc
Clark has become famous for her straight-talk personality as she helps entertainment mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs look for a new assistant on the VH1 show “I Want to Work for Diddy.” After nearly five years of spending every moment coordinating Combs’s personal and professional life, the California native moved on to handling new entities of his empire including the Unforgivable fragrances, the “Vote or Die” campaign and, most recently, the launch of Sean John’s women’s brand.
For more information on the Young Women’s Leadership Conferences in November, visit www.essence.com/ywlc
Lawrence is making headlines for her all-natural hair and body products sold around the country in Wal-Mart and Whole Foods – and she’s still a teenager. At age 11, the traumatic experience of losing most of her hair to a chemical relaxer fueled her passion. She found the perfect concoctions for her own hair to grow and decided to help others in search of natural products. Eden BodyWorks has quickly taken off and Lawrence is enjoying the ride.
For more information on the Young Women’s Leadership Conferences in November, visit www.essence.com/ywlc
