This past Saturday, SHE Is Me hosted Breaking Glass Ceilings: Shattering Limits, Building Legacies, a powerful and inspiring event dedicated to celebrating the leadership, resilience, and excellence of women across generations. This amazing event was held in Downtown Mullins at The Vaughn Room, a black female-veteran owned space. The event brought together an incredible group of young women, professionals, and community leaders for a morning of empowerment, connection, and celebration.
What made this brunch truly special was the leadership of the young women of SHE Is Me involved. From hosting to delivering speeches and artistic performances, they confidently took center stage, demonstrating the power of their voices and talents. The program was beautifully led by Brunch Hostesses Amille Malloy and Simone Vaught, who set the tone for an engaging and uplifting experience.
Guests were warmly welcomed by our Greeters: Amiya Williams, Iyonna Moody, My’Asia Benjamin, and Jaelyn Rainey, creating a positive and inviting atmosphere from the moment they arrived. At the registration table, Zhara Ogundu and Danielle Fladger ensured a smooth Event Check-in, helping the day run seamlessly.
The morning began with a Welcome Address from Allyson Tisdale and an Opening Activity by Reghan Timmons, followed by a heartfelt Greeting from the City of Mullins by Terry Davis. Trinity Bethea shared the Purpose of SHE Is Me and the event.
The artistic talents of the attendees were also on display, with a stunning dance performance by Elite Dance Company, introduced by Desiree Dawkins, and a moving Poem Recitation by Payton Gilchrist. Before brunch was served, DeAnya Leach offered a Blessing of the Food, leading into a time of fellowship and connection.
The Breaking Barriers: Women Leading Across Generations panel discussion was introduced by Azaiyah Swinney, Desiree Dawkins, Jai’niya Askew, and Earionna Graham. The discussion featured dynamic women making an impact in their fields, including Attorney Michala J. Blue, award-winning writer Cynthia O. Ford, and SHE Is Me’s very own, Tabitha D. James. The panelists shared invaluable lessons on leadership, perseverance, and breaking barriers, leaving the audience inspired and motivated.
A deeply meaningful moment of the event was Tabitha D. James’ announcement of the renaming of the organization’s scholarship to the Keeya Dawkins Service Award, in honor of the late Ira’Keeya P. Dawkins, SHE Is Me’s first president and a 2019 alum who tragically passed away in late 2024. Keeya’s dedication, leadership, and service to the organization left a lasting impact, and this scholarship will now be exclusively awarded to SHE Is Me students, honoring her legacy and passion for service.
The event concluded with a special SHE Is Me Recognition & Closing Remarks from Tabitha D. James, honoring those who have contributed to the success of the organization and uplifting the young women who continue to carry the mission forward.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Reghan Timmons and Stacey Mullins for their behind-the-scenes dedication and hard work, ensuring that every detail of the event was executed flawlessly. Their support was instrumental in making this day as impactful as it was.
SHE Is Me is incredibly grateful to everyone who played a role in making this event a success. From our amazing young leaders and dedicated volunteers to our inspiring panelists and supportive community, this event would not have been possible without you.
As we close out Women’s History Month, Breaking Glass Ceilings: Shattering Limits, Building Legacies was a testament to the power of women supporting women. The room was filled with empowerment, encouragement, and empathy, as conversations were had, connections were made, and legacies were honored.
We look forward to continuing this work and invite you to Save the Date for our 10-year celebration, A Decade of Impact: An Enchanted Celebration, on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
For more information on how to support SHE Is Me, visit www.sheismeacademy.org or reach out to us directly.
SHE Is Me Brunch Celebrates Women’s History Month
