TravelFOCUS: The Orange Blossom Classic's "Elevate Experience"
- T. Craig
- 40 minutes ago
- 5 min read
TCL
It was a vibe!! The Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines became a beacon of inspiration, hosting the Orange Blossom Classic 2025 Elevate Experience. This remarkable free, one-day leadership and empowerment conference served as the official kickoff to the larger OBC festivities, which are deeply rooted in celebrating HBCU legacy, culture, and community.
Meticulously designed, the Elevate Experience aimed to connect, uplift, and inspire women from various professional backgrounds and communities. Attendees were treated to a dynamic program featuring powerful panel discussions, invaluable networking opportunities, and engaging brand activations. It wasn't merely a conference but a vibrant movement aimed at fostering growth and collaboration among women leaders, business owners, creatives, and changemakers from across Florida and beyond.
The annual Orange Blossom Classic "Elevate Experience" was a truly inspiring event, setting the stage in advance of the historic football game in Miami. This 3rd annual women-focused event included a remarkable panel featuring powerful, wealthy, and insightful women. The packed auditorium on the 2nd floor of the Dodge Center was dialed in and on point, completely engaged by the rich insights shared throughout the session. This dynamic discussion, supported by key organizations like Visit Lauderdale, centered on strategic approaches for building wealth and stability, from excelling in a corporate career to successfully running an entrepreneurial enterprise.
The panels at the Elevate Experience were particularly impactful, showcasing a lineup of powerhouse women who are redefining success in entertainment, education, beauty, and entrepreneurship. Notable figures on hand included Grammy-nominated rapper Dr. Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Whitaker, acclaimed actress and comedian Pretty Vee, serial entrepreneur Ebony Austin, and beauty creative and entrepreneur Ericka J. These influential women shared their insights, experiences, and journeys, providing tangible advice and inspiring stories that resonated deeply with the audience. Their discussions offered practical guidance on everything from brand protection and securing financing for businesses to cultivating personal well-being and navigating complex corporate structures, truly equipping attendees with valuable tools to thrive. The presence of such accomplished individuals underscores the Orange Blossom Classic's commitment to not only celebrating HBCU culture and sports but also empowering the wider community through meaningful initiatives like the Elevate Experience.
Beyond the insightful discussions, the Elevate Experience buzzed with an incredible, palpable energy. The room was a vibrant tapestry of diverse women—of different ages, professions, and disciplines—all united by a common desire for growth and empowerment. From seasoned executives sharing wisdom and budding entrepreneurs seeking advice, to creative artists exchanging ideas and community leaders forging new alliances, the atmosphere was electric with shared ambition and camaraderie. Adding to this rich tapestry were numerous passionate alumni from various Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), whose proud presence further underscored the OBC's commitment to its educational roots and deep community connections.
The networking sessions overflowed with enthusiastic exchanges, as women forged new connections, shared experiences, and genuinely uplifted one another, creating a truly memorable and impactful experience for everyone involved.
We want to remind you that the goal here is to not only have fun while building one's brand and network, but also to expand capabilities, ensuring the journey is enjoyed while reaping the rewards. If you have a business, you may consider becoming a vendor, providing a positive vendor experience like this, complete with vibrant displays that captivate and engage.
The Purpose of the Elevate Experience:
The core mission of the Elevate Experience is to connect, uplift, and inspire women from various professional backgrounds and communities. It's designed as a free, one-day leadership and empowerment conference that provides practical information and inspiration for women looking to grow in corporate America or as entrepreneurs. The event aims to:
Foster leadership and professional growth:Â Through panel discussions and networking, it provides insights into navigating different professional spaces and achieving success.
Support female entrepreneurship:Â It offers practical knowledge on topics like brand protection (trademarks and copyrights), financing, and grants for businesses.
Promote holistic well-being:Â The discussions often touch on health and wellness, fashion and beauty, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to personal and professional success.
Highlight the value of HBCUs:Â While empowering women, the event also contributes to the larger OBC mission of showcasing Black excellence and the crucial role HBCUs play in educating future leaders.
The Women On Hand
The panelists were on point from start to finish. Hundreds of influential women, entrepreneurs, seasoned executives and rising stars comprised the diverse mix of women in attendance for the 2025 Elevation Experience.
The gathering was upbeat and inspiring which featured an impressive lineup of panelists that were articulate and razor sharp with their experience and insights that defined them. More than guests on a panel, these are action-oriented women that are making significant strides in their respective fields in real time. The panels included:
Dr. Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Whitaker:Â A Grammy-nominated rapper and influential figure in entertainment.
Pretty Vee:Â An acclaimed actress and comedian, known for her engaging personality and diverse talents.
Ebony Austin:Â A successful serial entrepreneur, offering insights into business ownership and strategy.
Ericka J.:Â A prominent beauty creative and entrepreneur, sharing her expertise in the beauty industry.
These women, along with others, shared their unique journeys, challenges, and triumphs, providing valuable lessons and inspiration to the attendees. Their presence underscored the event's commitment to showcasing diverse paths to success and empowering women to achieve their full potential. The Elevate Experience is truly more than just a conference; it's a movement aimed at building a supportive community and providing tangible tools for women's advancement.
Attendees and vendors came from all over the state and beyond. We met representatives from Pompano Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, St. Mary's (Georgia), Homestead and New Port Richey (Florida). The aim of participating in these kinds of sports marketing opportunities is to leverage the history, legacy, community and energy shared through the event itself.
Our message, when connecting your brand, is crucial that you focus on networking effectively, not being transactional but simply having fun; sharing and exchanging ideas and strategies to create potential bonds and foster new opportunities. This collaborative approach is vital for expanding into new markets and building enduring relationships, especially within communities such as HBCU OBC (Historically Black Colleges and Universities / Orange Blossom Classic).
"Elevate" Experience = Empowerment + Connection
In sum, the Orange Blossom Classic 2025 "Elevate" Experience was a resounding success, perfectly encapsulating its core mission. It wasn't just an event; it was a vibrant testament to the power of empowerment and connection, bringing together diverse women from various walks of life and countless proud HBCU alumni. The dynamic energy, insightful discussions, and genuine camaraderie fostered an environment where women felt seen, heard, and truly inspired. As we look ahead to the main OBC festivities, the "Elevate" Experience has already set a high bar, demonstrating how community, collaboration, and shared wisdom can propel individuals forward and strengthen the collective.
Shout out to Visit Lauderdale, and Hip Rock Star PR!
