Beverly Johnson, keynote speaker for 2023 Women's Summit
Trailblazing CEO and supermodel Beverly Johnson to headline Women’s Summit
Jan 30, 2023, by Staff Writer
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Smithfield, RI – Bryant University is pleased to announce that Beverly Johnson, the first African American supermodel and CEO of Beverly Johnson Enterprises, LLC, will serve as keynote speaker at the 26th annual Women's Summit® on Thursday, March 16, at Bryant University. 

Johnson's remarkable career spans decades and showcases her accomplishments: from model to mom to actress, author, activist, businesswoman, and television personality. As CEO of a global luxury lifestyle brand, Johnson will connect with attendees through her Four Bs in Business: Bold, Believable, Brave, and Balanced. 

The first African American model to grace the cover of Vogue in 1974, Johnson has appeared on more than 500 magazine covers, and the New York Times named her one of the "20th Century's 100 Most Influential People in the Fashion Industry." In business, Johnson brings her luxury hair, beauty, and fashion products to a global multicultural market for all women. Indeed, a renaissance woman, Johnson's story is one of passion, persistence, and empowerment. 

“We are delighted to bring an American icon to Bryant for the first in-person Women’s Summit since 2020,” said Inge-Lise Ameer, Vice President of Student Affairs, and member of the Women's Summit® leadership team. “We are certain that the lessons from Beverly Johnson’s experiences as a model, businesswoman, and advocate for women’s rights will resonate with and inspire our audience.” 

In addition to Johnson, Sally Helgesen will also deliver a keynote address, and attendees will choose from eighteen sessions led by accomplished speakers on topics ranging from self-care and empowerment to financial planning and wellness to tips on how to create a culture of empowering feedback and strategies that will transform relationships into opportunities on social media. These timely topics speak to leaders' challenges as they attempt to inspire and create impact while navigating work-life balance in a quickly changing world.

Established in 1997, the Bryant University Women's Summit® is the premier leadership event for women in Rhode Island. This year's Summit will take place on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Bryant's beautiful campus in Smithfield, RI. Registration opens on Tuesday, February 7. 

Visit the Women's Summit website for more information.

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