LAST Weekend I attended two fabulous events in Miami and Fort Lauderdale . This was my fourth year at the Chapman’s Illumination Gala at the Marriott Marque. The ambiance is always alluring and the centerpieces blew us away. It is dubbed the number one high profile socialite event in Miami. This charity provides for the homeless and has admitted 100,000 residents since opening over 20 years ago.

I always look forward to the cocktail which gives you a chance to interact before the dinner, and it feels great when people remember you from previous years. If my feet were not firmly planted in the ground my head would have been swollen with all the compliments. Patrons are always so curious about my hair which they find intriguing.
Every year the organisation acknowledges the persons in the room who generously contributed one million US dollars to the charity. The cost for the dinner is $1,000 USD a plate (which I can’t afford yet) and I am thankful to Bill Murphy for inviting me as a guest, to be a part of his table for the four years. An average of just 300 seats filled the ballroom. I was elated to see close to 20 persons (including me and my guest) of African descent attending this year. The first year I attended it was six, the next year it was 10, the third year it was 13.

Although most people there were very wealthy, they were so warm, welcoming, and very engaging. I always make great connections at this prestigious event. As I was returning to my table from the washroom, a couple came and introduced themselves to me and wanted to know who I was. They mentioned that they are one of the sponsors and saw me earlier because I stood out so they were curious. We had such interesting conversations about life and they both said the 15-minute conversation inspired them and asked me to meet their kids when I am back in Miami. They even offered a huge fee for my service.

As I continued to walk back to my table, I scanned the room with great admiration and imagined that one day my foundation will be hosting such an event. I got flashes of the young girl from a small town up the Essequibo River who had big dreams. With many rivers to cross and the water sometimes rough, she persevered. Even when she was walking the streets selling cakes and pastries, she knew then that, that was preparing her to propel into her greatness. She dreamt about traveling the world and experiencing exciting adventures while meeting people from all walks of life. I am still dreaming and every day I ask God to guide me while making them realities.

As I exited the Marriott Marque, April, the lady I was chatting with earlier hugged me and said that I have inspired her to do more than I’ll ever know. That comment added so much to an already marvelous evening because it also reminded me that I have a responsibility to share my stories.

The next day, I was invited by Matris Batts to the Professionally Fabulous Women Event at The Historic Maxwell in Fort Lauderdale. It was an awesome gathering of like-minded women adding value to each other. The people in that room were politicians, CEOs, judges, lawyers, painters, many doctors and businesswomen. Some even owned their own jets. It was an absolute privilege not just to be there but to receive so many text messages from people expressing an interest to work on projects together.

With all this networking overseas, all I’m thinking about is how this can benefit not only me but the women at home. We have already started planning for the Women in Business Expo 2018 and we are determined to raise the lid beyond expectations and God’s willing, we will.
Send us a message to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com and visit our FB page as we continue to enjoy this beautiful journey call life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.