Photos by Nystasha Kelly of Complexion Photography
The Third Annual WIT Mother-Daughter Brunch was a smashing success! On March 2, 2024, more than 500 women and girls excitedly filled the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel and Spa at the Convention Center in downtown Montgomery to celebrate the special bond between grandmothers, mothers and daughters; sisters; sorority sisters; spiritual sisters; mentors and mentees; and friends. All to raise funds to support the Women in Training, Inc.'s mission to end period poverty.
Under the leadership of WIT Chairwoman Alabama State Representative Rolanda M. Hollis, the Mother-Daughter Brunch featured an exciting lineup that included theatrical performances, a mother-daughter crowning ceremony, presentations of WIT Women of Excllence awards and presentations of the WIT Lifetime Achievement awards.
This video by Jaylin Robinson of Jayro Productions recaps the morning's festivities to celebrate Women's History Month!
One of the afternoon's highlights was the announcement of the 2024 WIT Woman of Excellence Aafifah Fola Muhebi. Joining Ms. Muhebi on stage to receive the honor were a number of dignitaries: Alabama State Representative Juandalynn Givan, Alabama State Representative Tashina Morris, Alabama State Representative and President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators Laura Hall, Alabama State Representative Rolanda M. Hollis, CBS Saturday Morning Co-Host Michelle Miller, WIT Board Medical Director Dr. Celeste Reese-Willis, Probate Judge of Montgomery County J.C. Love, and WIT President and CEO Adeyela Bennett.
Enjoy this video about Ms. Muhebi:
Other Mother-Daughter Brunch highlights are on the programme below:
Welcome and Introductions by WIT Monarchs:
Announcement of the WIT Lifetime Achievement Awards to Ms. Helena Duncan, President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama, and Ms. Martha Hawkins, Proprietor, Martha's Place restaurant
Presentation of WIT Women of Excellence Honorees. The Women of Excellence concept is the brainchild of Ariel Dixon, 2023 Miss Huntingdon College.
The Passing of the Crown Ceremony, choreographed by Civil Rights icon Ms. Sheyann Webb-Christburg, between WIT Monarchs and Moms, and between mothers, mother figures and daughters in the audience. There was also a somber moment, written by Mother-Daughter Brunch Co-Chairwomen Aigner Kolom, Esq. and Doshie Holston Rankins, MSN, RN, for women and girls to pay tribute to women in their lives who are in the ancestral realm.
This year was the first time there was a full theatrical showcase of songs, dances, spoken word and visual art by the WIT Monarchs, thanks in huge measure to Monarch Mom Kimberly Caldwell, who literally worked countless hours behind the scenes to support the choreographer, select appropriate costumes, corrall Monarchs to attend hours and hours of rehearsal, purchase art supplies, and liaison between the Monarchs, the event committee and the WIT Board of Directors.
WIT Monarchs, who are middle and high school girls in the WIT Leadership Development Academy, sang, danced and performed spoken word poetry to the delight of the audience! The performances were choreographed by Alabama State University student Michaela "Mikki"McKenzie.
Keynote addresses by CBS Saturday Morning Co-Host Michelle Miller and WIT Board Member and Medical Director Dr. Celeste Reese-Willis.
Breanna and Brooke Bennett, WIT Co-Founders spoke about their vision to end period poverty and help develop girls into compassionate global leaders who care about themselves and the world around them.
Breanna and Brooke also recognized Graduating Seniors Gabrielle Johns and Amiyah-Sarea Goshton, who have been in the WIT Leadership Development Academy since the twins created the group in 2021.
As a special surprise, Ms. Brittney Jones-Dabney of MGM Airport presented the graduating Monarchs with gift vouchers for travel anywhere in the United States.
Thank you to our generous sponsors who help us End Poverty. PERIOD!
Sponsor WSFA-12 News provided ample pre-and post-event coverage of the WIT Mother-Daughter Brunch:
State Rep. Rolanda Hollis thanked the keynote speakers and event chairwomen for their tremendous service.
State Rep. Rolanda Hollis, flanked by Breanna and Brooke, thank Ms. Aigner Kolom, Esq. and Ms. Doshie Holston Rankins, MSN, RN, for serving again as Chairwomen of the WIT Mother-Daughter Brunch.
Ms. Chantel Hartman accepted the award for serving as Co-Chairwoman of the WIT Women of Excellence Award. Miss Huntingdon 2023 Ariel Dixon was the other Co-Chairwoman.
Thank you to the entire WIT Mother-Daughter Brunch Steering Committee:
Some of the WIT Board of Directors with Michelle Miller:
Emcee Ms. Clarissa Kenty, and WIT Woman of Excellence announcer Valorie Lawson of WSFA-12 News:
Special thanks to Women of W.I.L.L. for their volunteer support as event hostesses.
Enjoy more event photos!
