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Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (W.E.E.N.) Tour
Empowers Women of Atlanta
by Trenea Robinson
Empowers Women of Atlanta
by Trenea Robinson
Women. Entertainment. Empowerment. Network. These are the words that form the acronym W.E.E.N.,
words that also accurately describe what the organization represents.
Founded in 2004 by Clark Atlanta University Alumnus, Valeisha Butterfield, (the organization now
boasts over 40,000 members world-wide) W.E.E.N. was developed as a coalition for women of all ages
and races committed to supporting, promoting and defending the balanced, positive portrayal of women
in entertainment and society. The W.E.E.N. network includes men and women in entertainment
dedicated to improving the quality of life of women and young ladies throughout the world.
Most recently, W.E.E.N. embarked on a national tour entitled, “I Am W.E.E.N.” The most recent stop
was Clark Atlanta University on Saturday, August 29. The event offered the women and young ladies of
the community a chance to elope to a place of empowerment, elevate their minds and explore new
opportunities ----- all while being educated and entertained by the different speakers of the event.
The event was broken down into three panel discussions…..
Panel I discussed “Entertainment Careers.” Keynote speakers included Lauren Lake, Legal Analyst for
CNN, Fox and Host of “Spice Up My Kitchen” on HGTV; Kaira Akita, Actress from “Why Did I Get
Married” and “The Family that Preys”; Phaedra Parks, Entertainment Lawyer and recently featured on
the “Tiny and Toya” show on BET; Nina Brown, Producer of “The Frank and Wanda Morning Show”;
Terrence J, Host of BET’S “106 and Park”; Chaka Zulu, Ludacris’s Manager; and Shanti Das,
Executive Vice President of Universal Motown.
Panel II discussed “Business Entrepreneurship/Non-Profit Organizations.” Panelists included Paula
Gwynn Grant, Regional Director of Resource Development for Mercy Housing Southeast; Nicole
Garner, Publicist and Founder of the Garner Circle Group; Kim Hutchens, Director of “The Ludacris
Foundation”; and Sindy Schneider, Founder of Dance 411 Studios.
Panel III elaborated on the topic “Balancing Careers and Relationships.” The speakers of this panel
included women from the previous panels.
Each panel allotted time for a fifteen minute Q&A session, in which the women of the audience were
eager to take advantage of. The panelists of the event gave great tips on each topic. During the
“Entertainment Careers” panel, Chaka Zulu gave very motivational advice: “It’s very important to
maintain your faith in this business. Keep moving even when you hear the word no.”
Not to mention a fair warning, given by Shanti Das, to all young women with hopes of making it in the
entertainment world: “If you want respect and to be taken seriously, you must carry yourself and dress
yourself like a young lady at all times, even when it is time to have fun at that industry party.” Now that’s
useful advice.
Speakers of the “Business Entrepreneurship/Non-Profit Organizations” panel gave great advice as well.
“Market, brand and sell yourself,” stated Lauren Lake, “never invest in a product or idea you don’t
believe in.” Empowering statement for those on the entrepreneurship path to success. Kim Hutchens
later stated, “You can’t start a non-profit organization without money!” Great warning for those on that
particular career path.
Finally, the panel all women of the event related to, Panel III, “Balancing Careers and Relationships”.
Each panelist revealed romantic mishaps of their pasts, professed their weaknesses and answered
burning questions from the audience members in regards to men and family. Time management,
cheating, and head of household were just some on the issues discussed. This was the most
inquisitive, non-sugarcoated and entertaining panel discussion to top the event!
Overall, the “I Am W.E.E.N.” event provided a great opportunity for women to blossom and advance
their minds, bodies and souls to the next level. If you missed this event, log on to www.WEENonline.org
for tour dates and more information on the world-wide coalition.
words that also accurately describe what the organization represents.
Founded in 2004 by Clark Atlanta University Alumnus, Valeisha Butterfield, (the organization now
boasts over 40,000 members world-wide) W.E.E.N. was developed as a coalition for women of all ages
and races committed to supporting, promoting and defending the balanced, positive portrayal of women
in entertainment and society. The W.E.E.N. network includes men and women in entertainment
dedicated to improving the quality of life of women and young ladies throughout the world.
Most recently, W.E.E.N. embarked on a national tour entitled, “I Am W.E.E.N.” The most recent stop
was Clark Atlanta University on Saturday, August 29. The event offered the women and young ladies of
the community a chance to elope to a place of empowerment, elevate their minds and explore new
opportunities ----- all while being educated and entertained by the different speakers of the event.
The event was broken down into three panel discussions…..
Panel I discussed “Entertainment Careers.” Keynote speakers included Lauren Lake, Legal Analyst for
CNN, Fox and Host of “Spice Up My Kitchen” on HGTV; Kaira Akita, Actress from “Why Did I Get
Married” and “The Family that Preys”; Phaedra Parks, Entertainment Lawyer and recently featured on
the “Tiny and Toya” show on BET; Nina Brown, Producer of “The Frank and Wanda Morning Show”;
Terrence J, Host of BET’S “106 and Park”; Chaka Zulu, Ludacris’s Manager; and Shanti Das,
Executive Vice President of Universal Motown.
Panel II discussed “Business Entrepreneurship/Non-Profit Organizations.” Panelists included Paula
Gwynn Grant, Regional Director of Resource Development for Mercy Housing Southeast; Nicole
Garner, Publicist and Founder of the Garner Circle Group; Kim Hutchens, Director of “The Ludacris
Foundation”; and Sindy Schneider, Founder of Dance 411 Studios.
Panel III elaborated on the topic “Balancing Careers and Relationships.” The speakers of this panel
included women from the previous panels.
Each panel allotted time for a fifteen minute Q&A session, in which the women of the audience were
eager to take advantage of. The panelists of the event gave great tips on each topic. During the
“Entertainment Careers” panel, Chaka Zulu gave very motivational advice: “It’s very important to
maintain your faith in this business. Keep moving even when you hear the word no.”
Not to mention a fair warning, given by Shanti Das, to all young women with hopes of making it in the
entertainment world: “If you want respect and to be taken seriously, you must carry yourself and dress
yourself like a young lady at all times, even when it is time to have fun at that industry party.” Now that’s
useful advice.
Speakers of the “Business Entrepreneurship/Non-Profit Organizations” panel gave great advice as well.
“Market, brand and sell yourself,” stated Lauren Lake, “never invest in a product or idea you don’t
believe in.” Empowering statement for those on the entrepreneurship path to success. Kim Hutchens
later stated, “You can’t start a non-profit organization without money!” Great warning for those on that
particular career path.
Finally, the panel all women of the event related to, Panel III, “Balancing Careers and Relationships”.
Each panelist revealed romantic mishaps of their pasts, professed their weaknesses and answered
burning questions from the audience members in regards to men and family. Time management,
cheating, and head of household were just some on the issues discussed. This was the most
inquisitive, non-sugarcoated and entertaining panel discussion to top the event!
Overall, the “I Am W.E.E.N.” event provided a great opportunity for women to blossom and advance
their minds, bodies and souls to the next level. If you missed this event, log on to www.WEENonline.org
for tour dates and more information on the world-wide coalition.