Events

Sisters United Atlanta Host 1st Women of Power Gala

Published on May 23, 2018

By Briannia Boatswain/Photos by Jerome Dorn

Sharlinda Parker, founder of Sisters United (Atlanta) presented their 1st annual “Power Of Women Gala on May 20, 2018 – and it was powerful.

The event was elegant and the scenery was well designed. It was such a stunning scene that I felt as though I was attending an elite event. Those that attended the illustrious Gala, I am positive that when you walked inside of “THE REVEL” in Atlanta Georgia near the midtown area, I am sure that the setting left you feeling royal. This is what my entrance into the Gala left me feeling like.

The Event Host Marie More (20-year radio veteran and Midday Host of Majic 107.5/97.5 in Atlanta) kept the event flowing and entertaining. She did not miss a beat on the stage. She kept all of the guest satisfied and interested.

Moreover, I personally have to take the time to recognize each speaker who had the courage to stand and tell their powerful and heartwarming stories at the Gala, which – painted a picture of how strong we Black women are when overcoming triumph and struggle. Connie Judge – (visionary, entrepreneur, trichologist, beauty industry leader, author, founder and president of the National Trichology Training Institute) ; Pennae Akpuru – (award-winning international celebrity stylist and owner of the hottest salon in Atlanta , “Salon Penna’e Buckhead”) ; and, Taniesha Renee – (mink lash tech providing individual mink lash extension services at Diamond Minks Lash Studio) each shook the room with their supreme messages that they delivered upon us. There stories inspired me. Each speaker gave the audience and guest the opportunity to see that anyone can overcome hardship and ultimately, gain and conquer success with hard work and a positive mentality. The crowd was so into their word- that, there was a guy in the crowd practically mimicking what was being said right after the words left the speaker mouth because it was that powerful. I must admit- I had chills realizing and recognizing that “anyone can rise up- you must want to rise up, and push yourself to rise up” – furthermore, you must seek the right support system. I can truly say, after encountering some of the members of Sisters United (Atlanta) – I would recommend this organization to all women. I feel as though – this type of organization builds women up, help us unite, and grow together.

During the Gala, Sharlinda Parker and Sisters United (Atlanta) honored Kelly Barton, Arian Simone, Rashan Ali, Denise Reese, Christina Murray, and Egypt Sherrod – watching them be pinned for their hard-work, their support, commitment, encouragement and inspiration- simply made me want to be a better woman. Since the Gala, I have been manifesting thoughts in my mind which consist of only being powerful, legendary, happy, and successful.

The performances included violinist, singer, and song-writer (Angelina Sherie) – the tunes that she played truly left my soul feeling captivated ! She literally could play any song that you could think of on her violin. It was truly a phenomenal sight. I was impressed beyond measures with what she prepared for the Gala.
Moreover, Algebra Blessett blessed everyone with a beautiful song- who knew someone could sound so lovely and ease the mind and heart all at the same time. Additionally, Q. Parker, husband of Sharlinda Parker and R&B singer from Music Group Silk lit up the stage with a performance. Everything was marvelous !

There was even a live auction during the Gala. This was highly impressive to me because I have never witnessed such an event live. Also, I was intrigued because some very expensive items were auctioned off for affordable prices.

Sharlinda Rowe Parker, the Founder of Sisters United (Atlanta) – is also a mother, wife, industry entrepreneur, actress, celebrity hair stylist and salon owner – yet, she takes the time to put together events such as the Power Of Women Gala – while building up women within her organization – Sisters United (Atlanta) by keeping her members motivated, involved, knowledgeable, peaceful, and inspired.

I am truly honored that I was able to be a media representative with indahousemedia.com at the sensational and breath-taking Power Of Women Gala hosted by Sharlina Parker and Sisters United (Atlanta).

InDaHouse

Celebrity photographer and disabled Vietnam veteran Jerome Dorn embodies the very definition of resilience. Born in Philadelphia, the fifth of seven children, Dorn stayed focused throughout his youth, eventually obtaining his degree in Criminal Justice. Dorn has worked with the Philadelphia Police Department, Department of Justice, World Wide Detective Agency, and several other high profile security groups. Throughout his successful career, Dorn wrestled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, an aftereffect of his military service. Battling the pain and debilitating effect of PTSD, Dorn found comfort behind the camera. Photography proved to be not only therapeutic, but life changing as well. Dorn picked up his first camera in 1970 while serving in Vietnam and knew instantly that behind the lens was where he belonged. His shooting style and photographs were special, generating a buzz in the industry. In 1985, he began his career in photojournalism, working in a variety of genres. Dorn’s credentials include fashion, lifestyle photography, photojournalism, and celebrity/red carpet coverage. Working with MSNBC, Jet Magazine, and major publications in Philadelphia and around the country, Dorn has had the honor of capturing the images of hundreds of notable celebrities and politicians including President Barack Obama, George Bush Jr, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Maya Angelou, Jesse Jackson, Rihanna, Snoop Dog, Will Smith, and Tyler Perry. Photography has sent Dorn around the globe, inspiring his passion for civil activism. In 1995, Dorn assembled and led a group of forty-two men to the Million Man March. Together, they spent five days walking from Philadelphia to Washington DC. In his travels, Dorn observed a common theme amongst the youth of the world. Many of the children he encountered seemed lost. Understanding that opportunities for at-risk youth are minimal, Dorn was inspired to make a difference. Established by Dorn in 2011, InDaHouseMedia was built on the idea that there is room in the house for everyone. With InDaHouseMedia, Dorn’s mission is to provide the future generation with positive direction through sports, music, and photography.