Keynote Speaker
Beverly Bond is an entrepreneur, television producer, celebrity DJ, cultural curator and social innovator. She created the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards in 2006 to celebrate the excellence and dynamism of Black women across sectors and to counter the culture of negative media messages directed toward women of color. In 2010, Bond took the award show to BET to share its empowering message on a worldwide stage. Bond’s multifaceted global platform now reaches over 15 million viewers annually, has garnered over a half billion media impressions and is the recipient of two NAACP Image Awards and a Gracie Award. Beverly Bond also founded Black Girls Rock! Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that encourages positive identity development of Black girls and offers tools to reaffirm their value, self-esteem and self-worth. Black Girls Rock! Inc. serves girls ages 13-17 through arts, STEM, cultural literacy, civic engagement and leadership development programs. Bond’s work as a thought leader has earned her a number of prestigious recognitions: EBONY magazine has listed Bond amongst its Power 100 list of “Most Influential Blacks In America,” placing her in the company of such notables as President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Queen Latifah, Beyonce, Dr. Cornel West and many others. Bond has shown a niche for success as she’s crafted a winning blueprint for women’s empowerment. Her work stretches far beyond ordinary boundaries— and is a true testament to reaching for the stars.