On December 14-15, 2019 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the first-ever Mothers Ball will unite women from all over the country to celebrate their achievements in the arts, education, business, philanthropy and government. Ms. Lauryn Hill, the iconic music event headliner, will join Grammy winner Elle Varner, hip-hop violinist Ezinma, Grammy-nominated Letta, and fan-favorite Lisa Ramey from Season 16 of NBC’s “The Voice,” with a host of discussion panels that include Bob Roth (CEO of The David Lynch Foundation), Paige Hathaway (global fitness and lifestyle authority), Sarah Alter (CEO of Network of Executive Women), Dr. Darria Long Gillespie (ER doctor/best-selling author/TED speaker), Laura Posada (life coach), Kristy Wallace (CEO of Ellevate Network), Luna Lauren Vélez (Showtime’s Dexter), Frances Rios (international speaker) and Dr. Yamma Brown (VP, James Brown Family Foundation/co-host, Dash Radio Soul Sisters).
Contemporary artists Alexandra Grounds, Voodo Fé, Anastasia Taylor-Lind, and Uncutt Art will unveil site-specific art installations throughout the weekend. Leaders in their fields will share insights and offer inspiration in more than 20 discussion panels on topics of utmost concern to the contemporary woman. The groups explore health and fitness, pay equity, career prosperity, entrepreneurship, parenting, relationships and sexuality, fertility, meditation and mindfulness, safety in our homes and schools, and beyond. Book signings will also take place throughout the weekend.
Founded by Lola Melani, renowned women’s portrait and maternity photographer, The Mothers Ball features an all-female production team of leaders in the event marketing, communications, creative arts and other fields. Ms. Melani is also the founder of The Mothers Ball 501(c)3 non-profit, the Lola Melani Fund, which globally advocates for women and families across many sectors. “The Mothers Ball is the manifestation of a collective desire to elevate and immerse in the nurturing feminine spirit that influences and inspires us all,”said Ms. Melani. The Mothers Ball non-profit footprint was designed to create a sustainable community of women supporting women to achieve dynamic social impact. The event’s “Karma Korner” will host charities dedicated to a wide variety of issues relevant to all women, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers.
With support from partners iHeartMedia, NBC, Daymond John’s Shark Group, The Female Quotient, Ellevate Network and NEW (Network of Executive Women), The Mothers Ball delivers timely discussions, life-changing opportunities for career, business and personal growth, multiple platforms for family advocacy and unparalleled access to accomplished leaders and lifestyle influencers, all while curating resources to support women through every stage of motherhood.
The Mothers Ball will offer unique access to funding for women-owned businesses through TG Capital Partners, LLC, a New York-based, veteran-, minority- and woman-managed alternative investment firm. TG Capital Partners will oversee a competitive application process of up to $1 million in equity funding and up to $500,000 in debt funding per business.
In addition to the support from TG Capital Partners, one successful woman-owned business will take home the coveted Mothers Ball Entrepreneurial Success Package. The package provides operational services including accounting, legal, marketing, coaching, mentoring, office space and other business assets equal to a value in excess of $100,000 from various leaders in each field.
Because The Mothers Ball debuts in the heart of the busy retail holiday season, the organizers have teamed up with Square to offer a cashless experience for all purchases on-site. The Vendor Village will deliver the hottest gifts from leading beauty, skincare, décor, lifestyle, parenting, and children’s brands. On Saturday evening, December 14, the party will continue around the city as various locations throughout Manhattan transform into “The Mothers Ball After Dark.” Featured entertainers will offer more intimate musical performances in a chic lounge setting.
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