Presented by The Newark Museum of Art Business & Community Council (NMBCC), the event was designed to inspire women and girls through thought-provoking conversations with high-powered leaders in the arts.
Appropriately themed Women, Power & Promise: The Keys to Success, this year’s conference featured a keynote conversation between New York Times bestseller and author of An American Marriage Tayari Jones, and luxury accessories designer, attorney, and the head of the NMBCC’s planning committee, Nicole Alexander. The opportunity to hear from two trailblazers who have navigated careers in typically male-dominated fields, was an honor for us.
Following that segment, the Museum hosted a panel, moderated by Lezlie Harrison, host of Come Sunday on WBGO. The conversations took place between bestselling author of Falling T. J. Newman, sculptor and artist behind Fearless Girl Kristen Visbal, and Founder and President of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS Melissa Walker. Their captivating discussions explored the theme The Keys to Success, reminding us of the importance of not only making space for one another but also uplifting each other. I want to thank all these women for being a part of such a tremendous event.
Before the panel presentation and remarks, guests and I enjoyed a networking reception in the Museum’s Court surrounded by art and marveling at the wonderful performance by local jazz vocalist Jackie Jones and her trio.
It was a day full of lively and remarkable conversations that fostered a unanimous appreciation for the female voices and leaders in our community. In these moments of reflection, we at the Museum feel grateful to be part of this progressive team.
From its fruition, our hope was that the Women, Power & Promise conference would create a sense of community and trust. We aspired for it to be a space for us to come together under the backdrop of inspirational artists and speakers and to celebrate this thriving network of bright leaders. My belief is we succeeded.
Thank you to everyone who attended, and for those who joined us online. We appreciate your spirit and your engagement always. We look forward to seeing you in the Museum and around the neighborhood, and we’re already counting down the days until next year’s conference.
Here’s to the women who came before us and the many to come after us,
Linda C. Harrison
Director and CEO
The Newark Museum of Art
