5th Annual NYBLACKMBA Power of YOU! Women’s Conference RecapUnapologetically Powerful: Focus and Positioning in a New EraThe Metro New York Chapter of the National Black MBA Association proudly hosted the 5th Annual NYBLACKMBA Power of YOU! Women’s Conference, July 16-17, 2026 bringing together hundreds of professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, business owners, students, and emerging leaders for two transformative days of leadership, learning, wellness, and connection. Centered on this year’s theme, “Unapologetically Powerful: Focus and Positioning in a New Era,” the conference inspired attendees to lead with confidence, embrace their authentic voices, and strategically position themselves for continued personal and professional growth.From the Welcome Reception and executive networking experiences to inspiring keynote presentations, fireside chats, interactive breakout sessions, wellness and lifestyle activations, career development opportunities, and the signature Power Mixer, participants engaged in meaningful conversations focused on executive leadership, entrepreneurship, access to capital, artificial intelligence, financial empowerment, women’s health, and building lasting professional relationships. The conference once again reinforced NYBLACKMBA’s commitment to developing leaders, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for women professionals to thrive.The conference was made possible through the generous support of our Host Sponsor, UBS, and our valued sponsors The Estée Lauder Companies, Pernod Ricard USA, Morgan Stanley, Moody’s, BNP Paribas, Société Générale, and Chase for Business. We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors, speakers, moderators, volunteers, partners, vendors, photographers, videographers, production teams, and every attendee whose commitment and support helped make this year’s conference an unforgettable success. Together, you created an inspiring experience that empowered women to elevate their leadership, expand their networks, and create lasting impact within their organizations, businesses, and communities. For more information about the conference, to view the official photo gallery, and to learn more about the Power of YOU! Women’s Conference, please visit thepowerofyouwc.com.
NYBLACKMBA Celebrates the Success of Its 4th Annual The Power of YOU! Women’s Conference
New York, NY — July 28, 2025 — NYBLACKMBA, the Metro New York Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, proudly announces the resounding success of its 4th Annual The Power of YOU! Women’s Conference. Hosted at Morgan Stanley’s Global Headquarters in Times Square, New York City, the two-day event was guided by the theme “Limitless Possibilities”. This year’s conference inspired more than 500 executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, and students to boldly envision a future without boundaries—one where women lead, innovate, and thrive across every sector.
The conference opened with high-impact keynote sessions and an honoree celebration recognizing trailblazing women shaping business and culture. Michele T. Ghee, Chief Communications Officer of Essence Communications, Inc., and Chief Executive Officer of Expectant Media, was honored as the 2025 NYBLACKMBA Chairman’s Leadership Honoree. Ghee captivated attendees as she shared her “10 steps to leadership and greatness,” encouraging women to embrace their limitless potential. Attendees also experienced transformative keynotes from Desiree Elder, Executive Director of FCBC Community Development Corporation; Vina Morris, Vice President of NYBLACKMBA and Founder of Afro Pink; and Dr. Jatali Bellanton, Investor and Financial Expert. Additionally, Amanda Jones, Vice President at The Estée Lauder Companies, led a thought-provoking fireside chat on navigating careers and cultivating purpose-driven success.
Complementing the keynote sessions, participants engaged in expert-led master classes and panels covering career advancement, entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, and wellness. Interactive opportunities such as Power Circle discussions, curated networking lounges, and Speed Mentoring Pods—produced in partnership with We Network Services—provided direct access to seasoned executives and industry leaders. Health and wellness programming, powered by Afro Pink, Inc., offered one-on-one holistic well-being consultations with clinicians, further enriching the experience.
The event’s success was made possible by outstanding leadership and collaboration. Executive Conference Chair and Friday Morning Keynote Speaker Vina Morris led the vision and execution, supported by dedicated committee members Molly Creese, Vonetta Hawkins, Melodye Harvey, and Larissa Longchamp. The team was further strengthened by Elyse Sherman, Jennifer Guity, Nerisha Rivero, Kamille Rivero, and J&K Planners. Décor excellence was delivered by The Angelic Project, while volunteers including Juan Fortuno, Andrew Hamilton, Kevern Anderson, and Kenneth Holley provided vital support. Morgan Stanley’s host team, led by Darla Pires DeGrace, Jamoul Celey, and Naz Sedghi, ensured flawless operations. Special acknowledgment was given to Norville Barrington, President & Chairman of the Advisory Board, whose unwavering vision and leadership continue to make The Power of YOU! a transformative platform.
Sponsors played a pivotal role in the success of this year’s event. Morgan Stanley served as Host Sponsor, alongside Pernod Ricard USA, The Estée Lauder Companies, UBS, Moody’s, Société Générale, and BNP Paribas, whose generous support enabled NYBLACKMBA to deliver a high-caliber, inclusive experience dedicated to empowerment and advancement. As NYBLACKMBA looks toward future programming—including regional activations and a Wellness Caribbean Retreat—the 4th Annual The Power of YOU! Women’s Conference stands as a powerful reminder of the organization’s mission: to uplift Black women as leaders, innovators, and change-makers in business and beyond.