Yvette Noel-Schure, Cynné Simpson, Sharon Reed, Wendy Corona bring magic

On Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016, five dynamic women in media and entertainment bestowed love and wisdom on Atlanta millennials and tastemakers. The occasion was the Artists of Color in Entertainment (ACE) Brunch and Awards honoring women in media and entertainment. The private and intimate fete was held at the cool and creative CODARUS showroom at AmericasMart.

The selected honorees are influential women in media who drive the conversation and direct our consumption of culture. The day’s program included networking, a phenomenal brunch catered by Twisted Soul Cookhouse and Pours/The Catering Company by VanTrece, and an awards presentation led by millennial co-hosts who in their intros outlined their career goals in media, PR and/or journalism and honorees in their most authentic state offering up themselves in an awe-inspiring symphony of courage, vulnerability and pride.

Georgia State University student Tai Savage presented the ACE “Estrella*,” Spanish for “Stellar,” Award to Wendy Corona, WSB TV anchor.
Payne University graduate Gia Dorsey presented (and accepted in absentia) the ACE “Rising Star” award on behalf of honoree Marissa Mitchell, FOX 5 multimedia journalist.
Clark Atlanta University graduate Lauren Martinez the ACE “Phenomenal Entrepreneur” award Yvette Noel-Schure, SVP of Publicity, Schure Media Group
Georgia State University student Iman Reid presented the ACE “Champion” award to Cynné Simpson, FOX 5 anchor.
Georgia State University Kaelyn Leaphart presented the ACE “Outstanding” award to Sharon Reed, CBS 46 anchor
Decatur High School student Kaylan Ware presented the ACE “Superior” award LaChina Robinson, ESPN analyst.

In their impactful acceptance speeches, the honorees uttered words of inspiration: “persistence,” “passion,” “patience” and “kindness” for millennials to adopt and embrace along their journeys. In Robinson’s absence, her mother, Lynnette Foster, read a speech where her daughter praised her repeatedly for her foundation and drive. It was so moving Noel-Schure shared intimate details about the recent loss of a family member, her mother, and her client and friend, the legendary Prince.

Guests included Dana Hill, mama doll of the Black Doll Affair and dolls; content creator Tami Reed, of TalkingWithTami.com; Nikka Shae, of OhNikka.com, Katrena Griggs, VP of Showroom for CODARUS, Securus’ Rodney Reid, Jordan Ogee, Jonathan William, Carles Summerour and Diego Ward. A special treat was an amazing gift bag from Creme of Nature which included Argan Oil from Morocco’s Shampoo, Conditioner, 7-in-1 Leave-In Treatment, Anti-Humidity Gloss & Shine Mist and Perfect Edges.

ACE, founded in 2013, is curated by this writer. It’s a multimedia platform that celebrates and connects achievers.

Follow or contribute to this conversation on social using the hashtags: #IAmAnACE and #NatureOf Beauty; and @cremeofnature.

(Stunning Photos by Robin Lori)