Tunde Oyeneyin at “Women of Power Summit”
Photo courtesy—Black Enterprise
Las Vegas—For four days in early March, the Bellagio Hotel & Casino seemed like the place to be if you were serious about securing generational wealth. The 2025 Women of Power Summit wasn’t just a conference but a masterclass in financial freedom, led by some of the best and brightest women in business. For those who attended, one thing was clear: success isn’t just about showing up, it’s about leveling up.
One of the highlights was the Luminary Awards Luncheon where Black Enterprise honored Jemele Hill, the fearless journalist whose work has revolutionized sports and culture commentary, Tunde Oyeneyin, New York Times’ best-selling author, Peloton instructor and motivational-speaker, and Monique Rodriguez, the force behind Mielle Organics.
Monique Rodriguez Founder & CEO Mielle Organics || Courtesy: Mielle Organics
Rodriguez’s transformation from nurse to multimillionaire beauty tycoon is proof of the value of placing a wager on oneself. While speaking on this transition, she said, “When I started Mielle Organics in 2014 in my kitchen, it was more than just about hair care. It was truly about purpose. It was about creating products that not only empower women to embrace their natural beauty, but also to uplift and inspire them to chase their dreams fearlessly,” proving that Black women do not only influence culture but can also benefit from that change.
When Tunde mounted the podium and began talking about her past weight struggles and insecurities, she soliloquized on the relationship between power and purpose. “Power is your connectivity—the level of engagement you have to your purpose. The closer you are to purpose, the stronger your power,” Tunde said to a captivated audience.
Hill, known for her bold and unapologetic voice in journalism, was recognized for her contributions to media and storytelling. In a world where narratives are often controlled, she has built her career on challenging the status quo and carving out spaces for honest dialogue. Doing what she does best, she used her acceptance speech to encourage women to stay steadfast on the path, saying “I would say to all the women in this room who have had those scars and who are carrying that baggage, that it is OK. There are better days ahead.”
Jemele Hill, Award Winning Journalist || Courtesy: Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images
These women stand as living proof that when Black women rise, industries shift.
Beyond the awards, the “Conversations That Count” segment provided attendees with unrestricted access to titans of the industry who shared useful advice on leadership, wealth creation, and safeguarding their financial futures.
The summit was as much about strategy as it was about inspiration. Sessions on financial literacy, investing tactics, and creating wealth for future generations were led by professionals such as Ashley M. Fox, a former Wall Street analyst who is now a financial educator.
The summit covered everything from scaling businesses to budgeting tips, giving women the financial skills they need to create long-term wealth.
Attendees learned how to use their paychecks to build portfolios through talks about entrepreneurship, stocks, and real estate. The big takeaway? Don’t stop at making money; also make it work for you.
Asides discussions on leadership, business and finance, the gathering of these successful female leaders amongst many aspiring and dreamy attendees displayed visually that when women support each other wealth multiplies. It served as a call for women to support, encourage, and guide the next generation of leaders.
The Summit was more than just a weekend of panels and power suits. It was a moment for everyone to remember that dreams unlike fairytales are real, that they come true with strategic consistency and continuous dreaming.
See Black Enterprise’s official website for more information about next year’s event and how to reserve a spot at this table.
