Empowering the Next Generation: ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Disruptor Summit Returns to Atlanta

ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Disruptor Summit’s annual event is tailored to provide a dedicated space for young Black women, girls, and gender-expansive youth. Under the leadership of Co-Creator Rechelle Dennis, the summit is committed to fostering discussions on wellness, fashion, culture, and personal development, aiming to inspire the next generation.

Set against the backdrop of the PC&E sound stage (2235 Defoor Hills Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318), the event will run from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm ET, promising a day filled with engaging activities and conversations. Attendees can look forward to panel discussions, networking sessions, activations, and more, all led by influential speakers, influencers, creatives, and musical performers.

Rechelle Dennis encapsulated the summit's mission, stating, “The 2023 summit will celebrate and highlight the powerful voices and creativity among today’s youth, as we come together to fellowship around topics & issues ranging from wellness to fashion and culture. The Era of Disruption aims to bring GU audiences to the forefront, as we collectively amplify the power of unity.”

ESSENCE GU, renowned as the leading destination for young Black women, is curating a lineup of influential speakers and performers. Notable names gracing the summit include the dynamic sister-duo Jordyn Woods and Jodie Woods, along with cast members BIA, Muni Long, and Pretty Vee, among others.

The day's agenda includes a live taping of the Season 5 cast of "If Not for My Girls," featuring BIA, Muni Long, and Pretty Vee. Sessions such as "Disrupt or Be Disrupted" with Caroline Wanga (ESSENCE Ventures President & CEO) and "Partner in Prime" with Jordyn Woods and Jodie Woods will add depth to the discussions.

Rechelle Dennis emphasized the core values of ESSENCE GU, stating, “ESSENCE GU continues to embrace the values of empowerment and leadership. With a strong focus on personal development, intellectual growth, and societal change, our initiative has been meticulously curated to inspire young women and girls, creating a ripple effect of disruptors.”

Beyond discussions, the summit promises a hands-on experience with on-site activities like photo experiences, GU Office Hours kick-off, speed mentoring sessions, and the Soko Marketplace, featuring Black-owned businesses.

Complimentary tickets for the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit can be secured at essence.com/gusummit2023. For virtual attendees, options are available at ESSENCE.com and GirlsUnited.ESSENCE.com. 

The 2023 GU Disruptor Summit proudly boasts sponsorship from Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar and McDonald’s USA.

• Live taping of the Season 5 cast of If Not for My Girls including BIA (Chart-Topping Artist), Muni Long (Grammy-Award Winning Singer-Songwriter) and Pretty Vee (Media Personality, Comedian and actress) 
• Disrupt or Be Disrupted with Caroline Wanga (ESSENCE Ventures President & CEO) 
• Partner in Prime with Jordyn Woods (Model and CEO & Founder of Woods by Jordyn) and Jodie Woods (Influencer & Entrepreneur)
• Backstage Pass with Aleali May (Fashion Blogger, Model & Sneaker Designer) and Anifa Mvuemba (Fashion Designer and Founder & Creative Director of Hanifa)
• Cut the Dupe with Aliyah’s Interlude (Fashion Creator) and YungBBQ (Comedian)
• Industry Talk with Shawna Spears (Vice President of Brand Marketing at Venice Music), Ebonie Ward (CEO/Chairwoman, Founder of Eleventh & Co), Baroline Diaz (Founder & Chairwoman of Great Day Records), Brandra Ringo (Executive Vice President & Co-Head of A&R at Quality Control Music)
• Medical Mania with Dr. Jess (Mental & Health Awareness Expert)   
• On Strike, a conversation with changemakers in the activism space, in preparation for the upcoming 2024 election year, to discuss how the reversal of affirmative action, the residential housing crisis, and the failed promises of student loan repayment will impact current and future students and Black women in college
• and more!

ESSENCE Communications Inc. stands as the only 100% Black-owned media, technology, and commerce company dedicated to Black women and communities. 

Social media enthusiasts can join the conversation at @ESSENCEGU and follow #GUDisruptorSummit.