This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to participate in MADE Maven’s DayGleam Chicago. Made Maven is a platform to cultivate diverse women through community events, resources and opportunities. Through industry dialogue, workshops and networking events, they bring rising female leaders together to gain a greater sense of self, improve their skill sets, boost their confidence, activate their full potential and to reach their greatest career endeavors.

DayGleam Chicago was “the ultimate self-care social.” I was invited to speak on a panel called “Pivot on Purpose” which explored how to navigate the personal and professional transitions in life.

Karen Spears, CEO of Kareracter, one of our favorite Chicago Creatives and Graphic Designers!

A beautiful mug and print by Kareracter, one of the DayGleam Vendors.

The day started with “Mavens in Movement,” a 60 minute workout session lead by two-time Olympic Medalist, Aja Evans.

From 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Beauty Bar and Spa serves were held featuring some of Chicago’s most iconic brands including Chicago French Press, Anoma Beauty Cosmetics and Beauty Defined.

From 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 op.m.: Power Panels were held included:

“Being Self Made Requires Self-Care”

Moderated by Farrin Adams and featuring:

Aja Evans - 2x Olympic Medalist and Entrepreneur

Parul Patel - Co-Founder MonCheriMeds

Dr. Kiarra King, MD - OB/GYN & Content Creator

Ebony Jamison - Founder Brownskinbeautiful

Anjana Raj - CEO of Anoma Cosmetics

“More Than A Mother”

Moderated by Sarah Taylor, Founder, Yo Soy Ella

Jess Joyner, Partner, Chicago French Press

Amber Kidd, Beauty Blogger, Blooming Beauty

Whitney Watts, Founder, This Girl’s Grub

Lauren Kent, Founder Planned by Lauren

“Relationship Detox”

Moderated by Yanni Brown, Relationship Expert

Melanie Hernandez, Domestic Violence Advocate

Michelle Martinez, Women Workshop Facilitator

Love McPherson, Relationship Expert

Gabrielle Valdes, Love and Dating Coach

“Pivot on Purpose”

Moderated by Audrina Bigos TV Anchor of CBS Chicago

Donnie Belcher, CEO of Work With Donnie

Chrishon Lampley, CEO & Negociant Love Cork Screw

Tanya Lazono, Founder of Healthy Hood Chi

Say Menon, CEO of Anoma Cosmetics

Key takeaways from the event:

(1) The importance of maintaining healthy friendships and business relationships

(2) How to work through fear and transitions personally and professionally

(3) The importance of a holistic approach when it comes to managing and maintaining good mental and emotional health while also pursuing ambitious goals and dreams

Thank you to Kris Christian, Founder of Made Maven and Chicago French Press. and the entire Day Gleam Chicago Team for allowing us to join the other dynamic panelists. It was a wonderful experience to share some of our practical tips while also learning from the other women presenters.