The 2023 ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit returned to Atlanta, Georgia, on November 11, 2023, celebrating the Black experience for Zillenials and highlighting disruptors in their ‘Era of Disruption.’ Co-Founder & Lead Rechelle Dennis welcomed attendees, and host Rachel Jackson introduced talents like Jordyn and Jodie Woods in a panel discussion, the cast of ‘If Not for My Girls,’ and fashion designers Aleali May and Torianna Breaux.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) Jordyn Woods and Jodie Woods attend the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
The event featured appearances by Aliyah’s Interlude, Yung BBQ, and Brandra Ringo, with programming moments like ‘Disrupt or Be Disrupted’ with Essence Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga and ‘On Strike’ by McDonald’s with Kenyatta Victoria, Marley Dias, J. Simmone, and Kamarie Brown.
Celebrities and influencers, including TM Twins, Karma Bridges, Anisa Brenee, Phreshy, Tatiyana Blood, DJ Tootz, and Kayla Rivera, attended the summit. The day included interactive elements, speed mentorship sessions, a tooth gem station, a Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar photo activation, airbrush tattoos, and shopping at the Soko Marketplace.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) Chelsea Spencer Smith and Aaliyah Haqq attend the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 11: Marley Dias (R) speaks onstage at the On Strike Brought To You By McDonald’s panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 11: Chelsea Spencer Smith, Aaliyah Haqq and guests speak onstage at the Crack The Career Code Receipts panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) BIA, Muni Long and Pretty Vee attend the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) Caroline Wanga and Rechelle Dennis speak onstage at the Disrupt or Be Disrupted panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 11: Mariah The Scientist performs onstage during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) Nandi Howard, Aleali May, Torianna Breaux and Nani Edwards speak onstage at the Backstage Pass panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 11: Nandi Howard speaks onstage at the Backstage Pass panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 11: Torianna Breaux speaks onstage at the Backstage Pass panel during the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United (GU) Summit on November 11, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (