Impactful Moments From TheWraps Power Women Summit
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On Tuesday, December 5, at The Maybourne Beverly Hills, TheWrap's Power Women Summit united prominent women in entertainment and media for a day of thought-provoking, inspirational conversation. The fifth annual Power Women Summit embraced the theme of "Resilience," with keynote speakers exploring this concept in their lives and work. Notable figures such as Olympic Gold Medalist Allyson Felix, actress Danielle Brooks from Color Purple, director Ava DuVernay from Origin, and musician Saweetie graced the stage.
The day unfolded with an atmosphere of positivity and resilience, offering attendees valuable insights from various panels. Among them, three panels stood out the most.
Danielle Brooks shares her experience on Broadway with the audience at TheWrap’s Power Summit 2023 in Los Angeles.
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In the Actress Spotlight panel, Andi Ortiz engaged in a candid conversation with actress Danielle Brooks. Danielle shared her journey to fame with transparency, revealing how it demanded over 15 years of resilience. She reflected on the challenges faced post-graduation and numerous auditions, where rejections seemed endless. Despite moments of wanting to give up, her perseverance led her from The Color Purple on Broadway to The Color Purple on the big screen.
“At the end, of the day I had to surrender to what was going to be for me. I had to trust that if God has promised me something I do not have to rush the fulfillment of that promise.”
Candace Parker and Allyson Felix talk motherhood and sports speaks to the audience at TheWrap’s Power Summit 2023 in Los Angeles.
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Shifting the focus to women in sports, 3x WNBA champion Candace Parker and 7x Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix discussed the delicate balance of home and athletic life. Addressing the prevalent misconception that being a mother and an athlete is incompatible, both women shattered this stereotype. Candice emphasized the power of being unapologetic and saying 'no' during her experience as a mom and basketball player, highlighting how it enabled her to create balance.
“I remember being more afraid of telling people and telling my partner than raising my child and what you should be focused on. Now having other mothers that have been athletes that have gone through similar experiences, we’re making it better for our daughter.”
Ava DuVernay discusses upcoming film ‘Orgin’ with the audience at TheWrap’s Power Summit 2023 in Los Angeles.
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In the Filmmaker Spotlight, Sharon Waxman, CEO of The Wrap, engaged in a compelling conversation with the NAACP Image Award-winning writer and producer, Ava DuVernay. They delved into Ava's latest film, Origin, which explores themes of race and equality. Ava shared insights into the resilience required to bring the film from concept to the big screen, overcoming skepticism about adapting Isabel Wilkerson's book Caste. Undeterred, Ava embraced the challenge, from securing film financing from a philanthropist to shooting in three countries in just seven days, demonstrating her unwavering determination to bring this idea to life. Origin is scheduled to premiere exclusively in LA and NY starting December 8th, before its worldwide theatrical release on January 19th, 2024.
“The idea of that kind of excited me. To do something that everyone said I couldn’t do.”
Saweetie talks about resilience and giving back to the community at TheWrap’s Power Summit 2023 in Los Angeles.
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Ending the evening on a high note, Saweetie, the Icy Girl herself, shared her journey from a USC student to a content queen and platinum-selling rapper with her college professor. Despite facing numerous trials, her resilience propelled her to success. Beyond the music scene, Saweetie's true passion lies in philanthropy, evident through the Icy Baby Foundation, a non-profit she co-founded with her grandmother. This foundation is dedicated to providing financial literacy education to children in underserved communities. Inspired by her grandmother's altruism, Saweetie continues to make a positive impact on society through her commitment to giving back.
“If it was taught as much as it should be financial literacy would feel like second nature and not like a chore.”
TheWrap's Power Women Summit not only celebrated the accomplishments of resilient women but also provided a platform for valuable discussions and insights. As we reflect on the day's powerful narratives and inspiring moments, it's clear that resilience is a force that transcends boundaries and propels women forward in their diverse fields, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of entertainment and media.
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