C2 2017 Surprise Yourself Conference:
Recently, my company sponsored me to attend the C2 2017 Surprise Yourself conference hosted by ColorComm in Miami, Key Biscayne. ColorComm, is an organization for women of color in all areas of communications including Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Advertising Print Media, Broadcast, Digital and I’m so grateful to be part of the San Francisco chapter.
ColorComm’s Mission is:
- To personally connect women with other like-minded individuals.
- To build a strong network of leaders by creating mentors/mentees, business relationships and friendships.
My experience at the C2 Conference was life-changing, transformative and needed. I was yearning to see women of color in my field that I could resonate with and grow from, and I got to see over 400 dynamic women. I was able to attend sessions hosted by top global PR agencies, like: Ogilvy, Fleishman Hilliard, Burson Marseller, and Edelman. I gained invaluable advice from each session and definitely had some fun in the sun, brought to us by the Ritz Carlton of Key Biscayne and of course, BET. However, the biggest takeaway from the conference, was the beauty of believing in myself and the magic that I possess.
The Next Generation: My PR agency baes from Burson & Edelman
Ivie and I getting our life at the Hawaiian BET Experience at Ritz Carlton's Key Biscayne beach
Here’s a snapshot of several astounding sessions that I attended.
Key Sessions for me:
“Ask Linda” with Linda Clemons:
Body language expert delved into posture tips and tricks for looking present and approachable within the workplace. Linda taught us how to read non-verbal cues to gain the advantage in any business situation.
The Rising Tide:
Hosted by IPG
We joined IPG for a fireside chat as they addressed the progress that women of color made within the communications agency and saw how much further we need to go. Only %22 percent of women want to see women of color in a position of power.
Motivational Kick-off with Carla Harris: Pearls of Wisdom:
This was by far my favorite session! Carla Harris, VP of Wealth Management for Morgan Stanley graced the stage with her presence to talk about the difference of a mentor vs. a sponsor, workplace etiquette, authenticity, the importance of taking risks and letting go of your fear professionally and personally.
Gem: “Success doesn’t just happen you must be intentional.”
Session B: Do you have a Fairy Godmother:
Hosted by Hill + Knowlton Strategies
Fairy Godmother (n)—a term coined at ColorComm, which means a person with great influence who can connect you with the right people and save you years of running in circles. Starkly different from a mentor, a Fairy Godmother can make one phone call and your life could change.
Super happy that I found my Fairy Godmother. Kathy Baird has already been a godsend. I mean, she invited me to the APCO Worldwide private diversity brunch as her +1. I’m definitely looking forward to our growing relationship.
Kathy Baird, Jennifer Risi, Anne Madison, Tola St. Matthew-Daniel-ReInventing Madison Avenue: How to Sell to Today's Buyer Session
During ColorComm I adopted several mantras that I plan to incorporate in my life daily:
- Build a life that you don’t need a vacation from
- Don’t tell people your plans, show them results
- Be You. Do You. For You
- Don’t decrease the goal, increase the effort
- Success is a series of small wins
- There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise
- Don’t doubt. Don’t pout. Figure it out.
- Good things happen to those who hustle.
Cute spots in Miami:
Hotel Mondrian—Best pool and cabana that I’ve ever been to.
Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne—Breathtaking beach experience and delicious frozen Mojitos.
Alter—Located in the chic Wynwood District, this cute bar did not disappoint with their cocktails.
Beaker & Gray—Amazing Jerk chicken, Papas Bravas and Rosé.
Perez Art Museum—Beautiful modern and contemporary art specializing in African and Caribbean communities.
LaLa Land/Miami Mojito Company—Definitely downed two classic Mojitos surrounded by succulent plants. I’m not sorry.
Wynwood Walls—Because I love an Instaworthy moment + art.