Women of the NFL Expanding the Vision – Chicago
Day 1: Friday, June 28
The Women of the NFL SET an Example conference kicked off with an electrifying start at The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown‘s Penthouse on the 39th floor. Significant others of former and current NFL players came dressed to impress and ready to mingle. The SET-UP Welcome Reception was the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends and foster new bonds. The ambiance was elegant with decor curated by Stapled Events, and the views from the penthouse were simply breathtaking, setting the stage for a weekend of empowerment and sisterhood. High fashion was the theme, with everyone dressed to impress, showcasing their unique styles and personalities. Throughout the night ladies enjoyed specialty drinks brought to you by Jon Basil Tequila a black-owned premium tequila brand based in Chicago.
To start the weekend off right, Lainie Hodges of Improv Alchemy led the Women of the NFL in icebreakers, effortlessly blending fun and insightful activities that got everyone mingling and laughing. The energy in the room was infectious, as attendees shared their experiences and aspirations, laying the foundation for deeper connections throughout the weekend.
SESSION I: If I Knew Then, What I Know Now featured an inspiring panel of Nina Thomas, Jordan Nelson, Clarke Byard, and Nicole Gilchrist. Their candid stories of personal growth and resilience struck a chord with everyone, reminding us of the power of hindsight and the importance of learning from our past.
SESSION II: Hindsight and Insight with Amber Staples of Stapled Events and Danisha Rolle of SET Magazine, continued the theme of reflection and growth. Their wisdom and heartfelt advice resonated deeply, leaving everyone with so much to reflect on as the night progressed.
Day 2: Saturday, June 29
Saturday began with a Welcome Breakfast, where the excitement from the previous night carried over. The conversations were lively, and the sense of sisterhood was palpable. Michelle McElroy kicked off the day with SESSION I: Vision of Sisterhood, emphasizing the strength we draw from our connections with one another.
SESSION II: How NFL Wives Define Success brought together Zoei Billions, Celestina Brown, Ivorin Jones, and Ashley Sherman. Their diverse perspectives on success sparked engaging discussions, encouraging everyone to redefine their own measures of achievement.
Photo Credit: @Whois_MrDirector
Lunch was a special affair, featuring the introduction of the board along with a Special Women of the NFL Announcement – the unveiling of an exclusive membership! The excitement was tangible as we celebrated the remarkable achievements of our community.
SESSION III: Infinite Worth – Broadening the Scope of Self with Kelly Stafford was a powerful reminder of our inherent value. Her words were uplifting and inspiring, prompting everyone to see themselves in a new light.
Dr. Keita Joy concluded the sessions with SESSION IV: A Visionary Approach to Self-Ownership, empowering us to take control of our narratives and futures.
Chicago from a different view
The afternoon’s Excursion at Chicago’s 360 Tilt was the perfect place for those who like to live on the edge. The thrill of the tilt experience, combined with the stunning cityscape, made for unforgettable moments and jaw-dropping views. To calm the jitters from tilting over the city from 1000 feet up in the John Hancock building, we found ourselves leaving the sky and heading to the water, with an elegant evening on the Odyssey Lake Michigan. The yacht was a picture of luxury as we enjoyed a spectacular fireworks show. We sailed, ate well and the conversations flowed as smoothly as the drinks. A speciall added bonus was that we got to celebrate my hubby’s birthday as well. He was serenaded with the Happy Birthday song by a few of the ladies in attendance. We celebrated with a tasty Hulk-themed cake made by the talented Ashley of ForAlways.
Day 3: Sunday, June 30
Sunday morning’s Breakfast and Closing Session: Expanding The Vision with Tamela Gill Davis, was a fitting end to an incredible weekend. Her powerful words left us inspired and ready to take on new challenges.
Service-Driven Women of the NFL
Our final activity was a community service partnership with Grant A Wish, hosted by Regions Bank. Grant A Wish, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that grants wishes to needy, disabled, and abused children, since 1981. We helped organize donations and revitalize the yard by weeding, planting flowers and laying mulch. This opportunity humbling and rewarding, working together to give back to the community, embodying the spirit of the conference.
As we returned to The Royal Sonesta Downtown, the sense of accomplishment and unity was overwhelming. Reflection on appreciating where you are was eminent. The Women of the NFL SET an Example conference was more than just a series of sessions. It was a celebration of sisterhood, and strength, sprinkled with high fashion – of course. Friendships were rekindled, new connections were made, and we all left feeling empowered and inspired. Everyone left ready to SET an example in their own lives and communities.
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