Black Enterprise Kicks Off Third Annual Women of Power Summit Hosted by State Farm

The sold-out, four-day Women of Power Summit will examine the distinctive challenges that minority women face in corporate America and offer business success strategies that focus on workplace politics, emerging business trends, management techniques, and workforce diversity.

This year's featured keynote speaker will be Sheila Johnson, America's first black female billionaire. As co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), president and managing partner of the WNBA's Washington Mystics, and a partner in Lincoln Holdings, L.L.C., Johnson serves as an inspiration for women in business across the country. Also CEO of Salamander Hospitality, L.L.C., a company she founded in 2005, Johnson oversees a growing variety of luxury properties while simultaneously serving as an Ambassador for CARE, a humanitarian organization dedicated to fighting global poverty.

"Since its inception, the Women of Power Summit hosted by State Farm(R) has provided African American women executives with access to industry leaders, expert advice, and valuable networking opportunities," says Grace Castro, Vice President, Black Enterprise Events & Sponsorship Sales. "Black Enterprise is honored to welcome Ms. Johnson and all of our VIP guests as they share their success stories and empower women of color to power forward in their professional and personal pursuits.

The 2008 Summit features an outstanding roster of speakers and session leaders, including Carla Harris, Managing Director, Global Capital Markets, Morgan Stanley; Debra Sandler, Worldwide President, McNeil Nutritionals, L.L.C., a Johnson & Johnson company; and entrepreneur Robin Wilson, founder of Robin Wilson Home. Also, acclaimed singers/songwriters Brian McKnight and Jill Scott headline the evening's all-star entertainment.

"We are proud to again be the host sponsor of this prestigious event. As a leading provider of insurance and financial services, we're pleased to provide smart and savvy women this fantastic opportunity to take charge of their professional and financial futures," says Pam El, Vice President, Marketing, State Farm(R).

The 2008 Women of Power Summit hosted by State Farm(R) is presented by OPEN from American Express, ExxonMobil, Frito-Lay, Mercedes-Benz, QTG, Pepsi, SONY, and Verizon. Platinum sponsors include Continental Airlines, EMC, Fannie Mae, IBM, Intel, Macy's, and McDonald's. Corporate partners include Kodak, Monster.com, and Microsoft.

Contact:

    Andrew Wadium
    (212) 886 9598
    wadiuma@blackenterprise.com

SOURCE BLACK ENTERPRISE