Niecy Nash, Slick Woods, Vanessa Estelle Williams and More Celebrate Women’s Empowerment at Malinda Williams Ladies Who Brunch Event (PHOTOS)

Sisterhood and women’s empowerment were celebrated recently at the second annual Rise and Shine: Ladies Who Brunch event, which is the brainchild of actress Malinda Williams (The Wood, Soul Food).

Held at the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood, the afternoon brunch gathered a dynamic group of accomplished women in the entertainment industry, in addition to executives and small business owners, for networking and celebration of black excellence.

“The energy I felt was beyond words,” Williams said in a post-event press release. “Sisterhood was the heartbeat and focus. The bonds that were created in the room will never be broken. The intent of The Rise and Shine brunch was to leave inspired and encouraged.”

Guests were treated to a delightful lunch and many empowering speeches from attendees, including an inspirational message from Niecy Nash.

Hosted by Rolling Out’s Porsha Monique, and co-hosted by Williams, celebrity publicist Kita Williams, and author, transformational speaker and Editor-In-Chief of Cheryl Magazine, Cheryl P. Williamson, the Rise and Shine brunch was sponsored by Cadillac and Hallmark Mahogany.

Among the VIP guests in attendance included Nash, Koshie Mills, Monique Coleman, Slick Woods and Vanessa Estelle Williams, who performed a rousing rendition of “Sista”— which, of course, was popularized by the movie and play “Color Purple.”

See Human Nature photos from the second annual Rise and Shine: Ladies Who Brunch event below:

Alexis Kerr, Monique Coleman, Malinda Williams, Vanessa Estelle Williams, Koshie Mills, Cheryl Williamson and Kita Williams

Malinda Williams

Vanessa Estelle Williams

Niecy Nash

Slick Woods

Monique Coleman

Dr. Rachael Ross

Koshie Mills

Cheryl Williamson

Alexis Mills

Misty Marie

Melissa Butler

Codie Oliver