Sisterhood at the Conservatory was a melanin-themed event where women walked in thinking about whether they have a seat at any table and left thinking of ways to take up space and speak up more at the tables they already occupy. The powerful words of the honorees, partners, sponsors and supporters of A Seat at the Table Inc. activate the audience to look at their skills and talents as superpowers and their respective roles as opportunities to empower others and do more to ensure ALL women have equitable access and opportunities.
A Seat at the Table Inc. has year-round programming which includes an 8-week women’s cohort, Sis Exhale! events and programming for teen girls. A member of the cohort shared candidly how a year ago she felt “fearful and anxious” and now can testify that “sisterhood has the power to heal” as she feels confident and courageous enough to show up authentically and boldly take a seat and participate at the table.
Award recipients were nominated by the community – The Entrepreneurship Category – “Get to the Table” was awarded to Kara & Monique Hawkins; the Mentorship Category – “Connections at the Table” was awarded to Nadia Miller; the Advocacy Award – “Stay at the Table” was awarded to Yalonda Brown; the Allyship Award was awarded to Miah Michaleson ; and the Leadership Category – “Power at the Table” was awarded to Vicki Bonds.
Seven-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, and TV producer, Andrea Morehead received the Legacy Award in recognition of her longstanding commitment to community advocacy. Andrea moves and walks through spaces believing in herself and challenging workplace toxicity and abuse as a result of race and gender biases. She has used her experience and her voice to advocate, expose and dispel stereotypes that have perpetuated ideals of black women being underestimated, undervalued, gaslighted and disregarded.
Following her departure from her TV role where she realized “No job is worth my soul” she has worked to empower others and is paving the way for the next generation by anchoring her training and coaching in the belief that “we are all valuable” and “thriving is our birthright”
Nichole Wilson, Vice President of Community Health Operations at IU Health, was honored as Woman of the Year for her impactful work. Recalling times when she had been “passed over for roles she was [over]-qualified for”, Nichole is committed to changing the status quo. She is creating a legacy through ensuring equitable pay, creating opportunities for growth and creating spaces for showing up authentically.
The awards were the backdrop to an event that truly spoke to the organization’s mission to create a community where “women feel seen, heard, and supported”. The Founder, Jordan Coleman, has started a movement that is bringing confidence, healing, empowerment and joy to women of color.
The question we should all be asking is “Have you taken your seat at the table?”
Join the movement or be a part of moving this impactful mission forward HERE.
