NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 2024 ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit is back, bigger and bolder than ever on Saturday, October 12 from 9 AM to 6 PM ET at the PC&E Soundstage (2235 Defoor Hills Rd.) in Atlanta, with a powerful lineup of dynamic voices that define what it means to lead, create, and challenge the status quo. Gen Z isn’t interested in waiting their turn – they’re defining culture in real-time, driving conversations that matter, and reshaping the world on their terms. Returning to its hometown of Atlanta, the Summit is a pivotal part of ESSENCE’s continued celebration of loving us, this time, passing the mic to the generation who is spearheading the redefinition of our future. Over the past five years, the ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit has brought together top zillennial celebrities, influencers and creatives to the main stage and this year is no different! Serena Page, Amber Riley, Lady London, Reyna Roberts, Deandre Brown, a special performance from singer-songwriter and producer Laila! and more, hosted by radio personality MiAsia Symone and sounds by Hourglass.
The 2024 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Disruptor Summit will be the epicenter for young visionaries to engage with thought leaders, participate in hands-on workshops designed to elevate their skills, and connect with peers who are just as passionate about rewriting the rules online and IRL. As the backdrop for this year's Summit, Atlanta stands as a living testament to the power of Black creative freedom and innovation alongside the largest consortium of HBCUs in the country, providing the perfect environment for Gen Z attendees to connect with top industry voices, gain inspiration, and contribute to a growing digital economy that values their voices and contributions. This year’s Summit will serve as both a celebration and a call to action for young disruptors breaking barriers and blazing new trails across their chosen industries. Throughout the day, attendees can expect powerful conversations with key voices covering topics such as politics and activism, entrepreneurship, and monetizing your digital presence. Programming highlights include:
- Lynae Vanee and Yolanda Renee King for On the Ballot – a conversation offering fresh insights that will empower the next generation of activists to engage and shape the world around them.
- A live podcast taping of the sixth season of Coca-Cola® and ESSENCE’s popular series, If Not For My Girls™, with cast members including actress-singer Amber Riley, rapper-songwriter Lady London, and country music star Reyna Roberts.
- Entrepreneurial sister duo Rechelle Dennis and Sophia Dennis will be joined by best friend trio Malik McIntyre, Deandre Brown and Raymonte Cole for the popular Partner in Prime discussion series – sharing firsthand how to maintain a healthy, thriving relationship while building an empire.
- Four influential women, Haile Rose, Raven Tracy, Kayla Nicole, and Alicia Scott will participate in Feed to Funds: Monetize Your Digital Footprint, a conversation on how to turn personal social media into successful brands.
- Architects of the Next Era presented by AT&T – a panel discussion with AT&T Rising Future Makers alumni, and a special guest, will highlight how HBCU changemakers are using their passions in art, fashion, and other hobbies to spark meaningful change and build powerful collaborations.
- Speed Mentoring and GU Office Hours will return to offer rapid-fire networking opportunities for attendees to connect with industry executives, influencers and creators and get a deeper understanding of what it takes to thrive with mentors across music, entertainment, media and more.
- Girls Make Beats will lead live demos to give attendees hands-on experience in music production, directly connecting aspiring producers with industry professionals and showcasing the power of creativity in music.
“The Girls United Disruptor Summit is a testament to the brilliance of young Black girls and women redefining the future on their terms,” says Rechelle Dennis, Co-Creator and Lead of ESSENCE Girls United. “GU is all about creating a community of changemakers who understand their worth and want to propel the world forward, so Atlanta’s energy, entrepreneurial spirit and deep cultural roots make it the perfect home for our annual summit, as we serve this generation of young leaders.”
For those looking to shop and support Black-owned businesses, SOKO MRKT at this year's GU Disruptor Summit is the place to be. This unique shopping experience will feature a curated selection of beloved entrepreneurial brands that celebrate the Black community's innovation and creativity. Powered by ESSENCE, SOKO MRKT is committed to driving community-driven commerce and nurturing enduring relationships with BIPOC entrepreneurs.
This year’s Girls United Disruptor Summit sponsors include AT&T Rising Future Makers, Coca‑Cola® Zero Sugar, Cantu® , Eylure®, Bodycology®, Carol’s Daughter and Dark & Lovely.
Attendees can register for tickets to attend the 2024 ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit and learn more at girlsunited.essence.com/gusummit2024. Virtual attendees may also tune in on ESSENCE.com and GirlsUnited.ESSENCE.com to livestream the event. GU fans can join the conversation on social media at @ESSENCEGU by using the hashtag #GUDisruptorSummit.
