The UNLTD Women’s Brunch gathered women from a plethora of industries on March 8 to celebrate International Women’s Day through a day of connection, education, and empowerment.
Held at Nya Studios in Hollywood, the all-day event featured thought-provoking panels, intimate boardroom discussions, and engaging networking opportunities, all aimed at fostering connection and vulnerable dialogue.
The day’s programming kicked off with “The Art of the Pivot: The Power of Reinvention” featuring Dawn Raven, Charlotte Newman, and Valerie Geraz, moderated by Dr. Patrice Le Goy. The discussion centered on career transitions and the courage to step into new roles.
Charlotte Newman spoke on redefining career expectations, saying, “The two things I anchor in now are joy and ease. Work that feels like play.” Dawn Raven added, “Even the people who love you the most don’t always know what’s best for you. You have to trust yourself.”
The second panel was “Women, Wellness, and Worth: Permission to Pause” moderated by Bova and featuring Shai, Dr. Von Simmons, Shaylin Jones, and Milan Zoe. The discussion focused on the importance of rest, self-care, and dismantling the hustle mentality.
Dr. Von Simmons shared, “Self-care is not just bubble baths and face masks. Sometimes, it’s taking a nap, saying no, or setting boundaries.”
Milan Zoe reflected on the cultural conditioning around overworking, saying, “I was taught to hustle. I’m still unlearning.” The panelists agreed that rest should not be viewed as a luxury but as a necessity for success.
The final panel, “Women in Film & TV: Shaping Stories, Changing Narratives,” was moderated by Sidnee Michelle and featured industry leaders Shabrayia Cleaver (DreamWorks Animation), Nicole Brown (president of TriStar Pictures), and Val Idehen (independent producer and showrunner).
They explored how women are changing Hollywood’s storytelling landscape, emphasizing the importance of representation behind the camera. Brown highlighted the challenges of breaking into leadership roles, while Cleaver encouraged women to claim space in the industry, stating, “We have to tell our own stories; otherwise, someone else will tell them for us.”
The event also hosted smaller, interactive boardroom discussions, where attendees could engage directly with experts. Topics included “Women, AI & The Future of Tech in Entertainment” with Julie Pilat and Nia Martin, “Art in Focus: Matters of Representation” with Aida Esi, “Chemicals & Women: Reducing Exposure to Harmful Ingredients,” presented by Honeypot, featuring LaVory Lindsey and Karlene Davis, and “Black Women, Sex & The Lies Our Mothers Told Us” with Dr. Hareder McDowell.
The sessions provided attendees with actionable insights and sparked honest conversations about the intersections of technology, health, and cultural narratives.
Beyond the discussions, the UNLTD Women’s Brunch fostered a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed acai bowls courtesy of Paige Addison’s SoulFull Bowls, flower-making activities, and open networking sessions. The event was not only a space for professional growth but also for personal connection, reinforcing the idea that success is best achieved in community.
As the day concluded, one key takeaway remained: women thrive when they are supported, empowered, and prioritizing themselves. Whether through career shifts, storytelling, or self-care, the brunch reminded every attendee that they have the power to redefine their own paths.
UNLTD Women is driven by Simmons Unlimited, an event production and management company dedicated to supporting changemakers across all industries.
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