In the luxurious surroundings of the Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne, Miami, EXCELERATEHer—a dynamic community for Black women disruptors—hosted its 2024 annual summit. The brainchild of CEO and founder Kimberly Blackwell, EXCELERATEHer was conceived during the pandemic and responded to a vital need for community in the face of isolation. Its goal was to bring entrepreneurs and thought leaders together to create a flourishing network of support.
“I realized we needed a space to connect and support each other through unprecedented professional and personal challenges,” Blackwell explained.
“My superpower has always been as a convener and connector, and I wanted to bring together corporate leaders, cultural influencers, media professionals and elected officials to focus on excelling and advancing together around the pillars of business, health, and wellness.”
ExcelerateHER partnered with Amazon and the Black Business Accelerator to create the Mocha Marketplace and saw the initiative thrive.
“We combined sellers from EXCELERATEHer with Amazon’s top sellers,” Blackwell proudly shared. “This year, hundreds of thousands of dollars were generated for small Black-owned businesses. Founders constantly thank me for this opportunity. The measurable impact and celebration of our community’s success are incredibly fulfilling.”
Attendee Cari Champion, a broadcast journalist and television personality, was introduced to the summit by friends who praised its transformative impact.
“Kimberly invited me to speak and meet amazing women in a relaxed, intimate setting,” Champion said. “Hearing Fawn Weaver’s origin story today reminded me that my dreams need to be bigger. I walked away thinking about destiny and the power of focusing on my vision.
“We are often the moral conscience of this country, speaking truth to power. Yet, we lack powerful positions ourselves. This summit underscores the necessity of striving for these roles to enact real change.”
The invitation-only summit resonated deeply with Robin Johnson, a corporate leader in the Life Science and Technology space. Johnson spoke about navigating corporate boards and imparted wisdom on aligning personal brands with board memberships.
“Seeing successful Black women fuels my drive,” Johnson asserted. “The connectivity and networking here are crucial for professional and personal growth.”
Dr. Sharon Malone, Chief Medical Advisor for Alloy Women’s Health and first-time attendee, hinted at the importance of authenticity. Malone, a panelist discussing future trends in medicine, highlighted the need for innovation in healthcare delivery.
“We must embrace technology and telehealth to meet the needs of the next generation. Thinking outside the box is essential for progress,” said Malone.
As EXCELERATEHer 2024 concluded, the collective sentiment is clear: the power of Black women, united in purpose and vision, is unstoppable.
“This community is about creating a legacy,” Blackwell emphasized. “Together, we drive forward, celebrating our achievements and paving the way for future generations.”
