Madison, WI — Following the success of last year’s sold-out event, Sabrina “Heymiss Progress” Madison will host the second annual award winning “Black Women’s Leadership Conference,” focused on promoting sisterhood and elevating the collective status of Black women.

The event, spanning three days and several venues throughout the Madison community, will provide opportunities for attendees to network with one another, participate in engaging professional development panels, and hear from empowering Black women leaders from the business, education, media, nonprofit, and political sectors.

The Black Women’s Leadership Conference kicks off Thursday, May 18th with “#BlackGirlJoy: Celebrating Black Women and Girls,” a public reception at the Overture Center from 6 pm to 9 pm. The opening event will showcase the work of visual artists, featuring Ashley Robertson of West Label Art and Melana Bass of MB Art. The program includes live music performances by Cigarette Break and Trilogy.

The first full-day of the conference begins Friday, May 19th, featuring speakers covering topics that will motivate and inspire attendees. Nancy Hanks, Chief of Elementary Schools for the Madison Metropolitan School District, will deliver the opening keynote address. Hanks will also participate in the panel, “The State of Black Women in Wisconsin,” with other Black women leaders from across the state. State Senator LaTonya Johnson, representing Milwaukee’s 6th district, will deliver closing remarks. Conference attendees will also enjoy an evening reception, hosted by the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, with an interactive exhibit led by MMoCA’s Annik Dupaty.

Workshops for participants will begin on Saturday, May 20th at Edgewood College. Facilitators, inspired by Solange Knowles’ groundbreaking album, “A Seat at the Table,’ will engage participants in a wide range of topics including entrepreneurship, health and wellness, and financial literacy. In addition to sessions for women, the conference will offer “Black Girl Magic,” a workshop track designed for high school juniors and seniors to foster the next generation of Black women leaders. Kara Stevens, author and founder of The Frugal Feminista, an online space dedicated to financial empowerment, will give Saturday’s keynote address.

Tickets for The Black Women’s Leadership Conference are available at www.bwlc2017.eventbrite.com. All ticket holders will receive a complimentary professional headshot, “swag bag,” and conference workbook. For more information about The Black Women’s Leadership Conference, and to secure media passes, contact Sabrina Madison or visit www.heymissprogress.com/.