Ony Danchimah, Pastor Andria Hudson, Heather Beverly and Stephanie Hart (Photo Provided).
Leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers across Chicago gathered for two powerful days of empowerment, inspiration, and connection—all to celebrate and support Black women.
The 4th Annual She Owns It, She Biz Conference, founded and led by PR powerhouse Christi Love of With An Eye PR, kicked off with high energy and a packed schedule. The 2025 gathering drew an impressive roster of notable speakers, industry leaders, and dedicated allies, all united by one mission: to amplify, honor, and invest in Black women.
Attendees arrived with anticipation for a weekend filled with purpose-driven programming.
The two-day event was filled with many inspiring moments for one powerful movement – supporting Black women.
Day One, themed “She Makes Moves,” was hosted at Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago). The day culminated with the She’s Honored Reception—a heartfelt celebration of women who lead with grace and impact across their fields.
Reception Honorees Included:
- Robin Beamen – Creather
- Jamilah Michelle – She’s Our Future
- Angela Martin – She Prays
- Hosea Sanders – His Story
- Thyatiria A. Towns – She Leads
- Sharon Morgan – Innovather
- Josephine Wade – Trailblazher
- Art Norman – He Supports Her
- Nikki Hayes – Legashe
- Dr. Cameka Smith – She Helps Her
- Charise Williams – She’s Community
- Na-Tae’ Thompson & Deanna Mcleary-Sherman – Educateher
Day Two carried the theme “She Pivots” and was held at The Quarry, a Black-owned cultural venue on Chicago’s South Side (2423 E. 75th St). Owner Yvette Moyo was proud to open her doors, recognizing that hosting the event at her space further amplified the conference’s mission of community empowerment and economic equity.
India Rios, Nikki Bravo, Nikkita Randle, Mariah Fair, Adreannia Maire (Photo Provided).
More than a conference, She Owns It, She Biz is a movement designed to celebrate, elevate, and equip Black women—in their careers, communities, families, and personal growth. Founded by Christi Love, the event reflects her mission to highlight the brilliance, strength, and versatility of Black women across every arena.
Panels and sessions included:
She’s the Keynote
She’s the Host / He’s the Host
She Manifests (Workshop)
She’s Safe (Q&A)
She Parents (Workshop)
She Reports (News Panel)
She’s the Business (Panel)
She’s Philanthropic
Corey Hendrix (FX The Bear), Donte Williams (NBC Chicago), George Daniels (Entrepreneur), Jamaal Buchanan (Attorney) and Lt, Q (Black Fire Brigade) from the She Hears Him Panel (Photo Provided).
The keynote address was delivered by Heather Beverly, renowned entertainment attorney, founder, CEO, and author. A true industry powerbroker, Beverly’s legal firm represents an expansive portfolio—from film and TV producers to chart-topping artists in gospel, hip-hop, R&B, and pop.
In her powerful keynote, she shared lessons from her latest book, Soul Reciprocity, encouraging attendees to explore the depths of self-awareness, relationships, purpose, and personal healing. Her message called on women to do the soul work—embracing the discomfort, identifying their needs, building authentic tribes, and leading from within.
With a relationship spanning over 30 years, Heather Beverly and Christi Love are not only longtime friends, but changemakers united in purpose. Their bond reflects a deep understanding of relationship building, management, and growth—making Heather’s presence at the conference a natural fit. “It’s a no-brainer to be here and to support,” she shared.
Heather offered three powerful takeaways from the She Owns It, She Biz experience:
Connection – “You’re connecting with others—both physically and spiritually. It’s about forming bonds that matter.”
Information – “You’re learning something new—about someone, about a craft, about yourself. Growth starts with knowledge.”
Inspiration – “This environment sparks something within. Seeing people who look like us, who’ve faced similar struggles but have risen—that motivates us to believe we can too.”
Q&A From Vision to Impact: The Inception, Growth, and Empowerment of Women Behind a Transformative Conference
We had the opportunity to speak with several attendees and speakers throughout the event, but hearing directly from the founder and event visionary, Christi Love, brought the experience full circle.
Christi shared that the conference was much more than an event—it was a sacred space to uplift, empower, and pour into one another. “This conference was created to celebrate us, to honor our strength, and to remind Black women of our power and purpose,” she said.
What personal experiences or pivotal moments inspired you to create the She Owns It, She Biz Conference?
Four years ago, as the holiday season approached, I was facing it for the first time without my best friend, my grandmother, as well as my mother and father, all of whom I had lost within a decade. My birthday was coming up, the holidays were near, and I was carrying a heavy heart.
It happened to be National Entrepreneurship Week, and in the midst of that grief, I thought: Let’s do something to celebrate. I wanted to honor my clients and friends—Black women who had survived the pandemic and were still standing strong. So, I hosted a small, intimate gathering filled with love, resilience, and sisterhood.
That moment became the seed of this conference. Today, She Owns It, She Biz is a love letter to my mother and grandmother, a tribute to how they lived their lives in service to others. I wouldn’t be the woman I am without their strength, their love, and their example.
This conference is my way of spreading joy—specifically Black joy and Black woman joy—so that we can continue to empower ourselves and one another to rise higher, dream bigger, and live fuller.
Given the current climate in America, why is it more critical than ever for Black women to unite, support one another, and create spaces like this for empowerment and collective strength?
It’s important that we come together as Black women—because when we unite, support one another, and lean into our collective power, we solve problems, we create change, and we become truly unstoppable.
With everything happening in the world today, hosting this year’s conference felt more urgent than ever. This wasn’t just another event—it was a declaration. We cannot be erased, and we will not be erased. I refuse to let anyone take away our right to learn about who we are, to speak our truth, and to celebrate our culture. I’ve always had a deep love for learning—especially about Black culture and the beautiful, powerful things that come from it. That love is what fuels this movement.
How have you been able to bring together such a powerful lineup of influential and respected women to speak and support this movement? What’s the secret behind building that kind of trust and connection?
I found myself asking the same question. I was just so overwhelmed with gratitude as I thought about the women and the names that were placed on my heart. This entire experience has been spiritual. I won’t take the credit—because I truly prayed and asked God to guide me.
What amazed me was how many of them said yes without hesitation.
I’m just deeply grateful. God is faithful, and when you do the work, lead with pure intentions, and walk in your purpose, He will send you exactly the right people—every single time.
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