This past weekend marked the second annual Women’s United Expo, presented by the DeDe McGuire Foundation in partnership with Hey Chica Movement and powered by a collective of sponsors committed to community impact, including McDonald’s of North Texas, Chase Bank, 7-Eleven, H-E-B, Jenny’s Beauty Supply, and station K104 FM. Together, these partners helped shape an experience that felt less like a traditional expo and more like a cultural gathering rooted in purpose, visibility, and collective elevation.

At the heart of the Women’s United Expo is the mission of the DeDe McGuire Foundation, an organization rooted in empowering women—particularly women of color—through access to resources, financial literacy, and community-driven support systems that create pathways to independence and long-term stability. In partnership with Hey Chica Movement, a platform dedicated to uplifting and uniting women through connection, confidence-building, and cultural affirmation, the collaboration felt both timely and necessary. In a broader climate where conversations around femicide, bodily autonomy, and women’s rights continue to intensify under the current administration, this gathering served as more than a celebration—it became a space for clarity, honesty, and collective awareness. The room reflected a duality that many women are navigating in real time: the ability to celebrate one another while also acknowledging the urgency of standing together. It was a reminder that community is not just about connection, but about protection, advocacy, and shared power—and that when women move collectively, their impact extends far beyond any single moment.

From the moment attendees entered the space, the tone was set through intentional design and atmosphere. Produced and designed by Swan 7 Productions, the environment reflected a bold yet soft aesthetic—layers of purple and pink hues washed across the stage and backdrop, accented by florals that quite literally placed women in a position to receive their flowers in real time. Whether captured in front of the sponsors gallery walls, activations or walking through curated spaces like the “Sisterland Marketplace,” the visual experience reinforced celebration, identity, and belonging. The design wasn’t just visually striking—it created a tone of honor, signaling that every woman in the room was part of something meaningful.

“Women have always led the way when it comes to the real change needed in our homes. So it’s no surprise we are showing up in the polls too” – Cristal Retana Lele

The day’s momentum was set early with a powerful opening panel led by DeDe McGuire, titled “When She Votes, Power Moves.” The conversation featured DW’s own CEO and Publisher, Jess Washington, alongside Cristal Retana Lele, Carrington Whigam, and Ana Christa Robles. Together, the panel created space for an intergenerational and multicultural dialogue centered on civic engagement, voting power, and the role women play in shaping the future. Grounded in both Black and Brown perspectives, the discussion emphasized that progress is not passive—it is driven by informed, activated women who understand the weight of their voice and the impact of their collective action.

“If it’s stirring in you, it’s no longer a choice—it’s a responsibility.” – Cynt Marshall

That intention carried seamlessly into the programming, where panels brought together voices across industries to speak not only to success, but to strategy. Moderated conversations featuring media leaders like Tashara Parker created space for honest dialogue around wealth-building, entrepreneurship, and navigating both corporate and independent paths, with a consistent message emerging: women must shift from consumption to ownership, ensuring that today’s income translates into long-term assets and generational impact. This theme was powerfully illustrated during a standout conversation between Danyel Surrency Jones and Cynt Marshall, also moderated by Parker, where transparency and lived experience shaped a deeper discussion on financial freedom—highlighting risk-taking, multiple streams of income, and the importance of betting on oneself. Together, these conversations reinforced that ownership is not just an aspiration, but a discipline requiring education, structure, and intention, and that building wealth is both possible and necessary for women navigating today’s economic landscape.

And clearly, the foundation understood the assignment for Financial Literacy Month—bringing one of the most influential voices in personal finance to the stage. In a quick yet impactful conversation, DeDe McGuire sat down with Teri Ijeoma, a nationally recognized financial educator, founder of Trade and Travel, and newly published author, to break down what real financial growth looks like in today’s stock market.

Beyond conversations on media and financial literacy, the expo also carved out space for a powerful dialogue around the realities of nonprofit work—an especially relevant conversation given that the DeDe McGuire Foundation itself is rooted in that mission. Panelists spoke candidly about the challenges of fundraising and the ongoing difficulty of securing resources for Black and Brown-led or women-led initiatives and narratives. The discussion brought together some of the most respected voices in the nonprofit sector, including Forest Forward‘s CEO and Founder, Elizabeth Wattley, Cris Zertuche Wong of Texas Women’s Foundation and Denita Lacking-Quinn, a current board member of the DeDe McGuire Foundation. They all offered insight into navigating funding landscapes while remaining mission-driven. Another standout moment came as Dr. Monique Thompson took the stage alongside Victoria Thomas, in a conversation moderated by Veronica Torres Hazley. Their discussion held the room’s full attention, blending wellness, leadership, and entrepreneurship into a broader conversation about sustainability and impact. The dialogue extended even further into the evolving digital landscape, where a dynamic panel featuring influencers like Kita Rose and Kai Michelle explored the power of social media as a tool for both visibility and change—highlighting how today’s creators are not only shaping culture, but also influencing conversations that matter.

Across additional panels, conversations expanded into storytelling, leadership, and the responsibility of women—particularly Black and Brown women—to shape their own narratives. Speakers emphasized the urgency of reclaiming voice in a media landscape that often overlooks or misrepresents their experiences. In those moments, the presence of community-driven platforms and culturally rooted storytelling became even more significant, underscoring the need to not only tell stories—but to own them.

Beyond the stage, the expo floor reflected the same level of intention and alignment. Vendors lined the space with products and services that spoke directly to the needs and lifestyles of the community, while attendees moved through the marketplace with curiosity and connection. The “Sisterland Marketplace” activation stood out as both a visual and experiential anchor—bright, inviting, and filled with curated merchandise that extended the brand of the expo beyond the moment itself. It was clear that this wasn’t just about visibility for businesses, but about creating economic pathways and shared opportunity.

The event also made space for creativity and cultural expression through a standout fashion presentation by Lavinity, founded by Vinnie Ateen and produced by Dallas icon Willie Johnson III. The show brought a dynamic energy to the room, blending style with storytelling and reinforcing that fashion remains a powerful form of identity and confidence. Each look that moved across the stage contributed to a broader narrative—one that centered visibility, expression, and ownership of self.

Throughout the day, what remained most evident was the power of collective presence. Women across backgrounds—Black, Latina, and multicultural—showed up not only to participate, but to pour into one another. Whether seated in the audience, engaged in conversation, or standing on stage, there was a shared understanding that success is not meant to be pursued alone. The emphasis on mentorship, collaboration, and community echoed through every interaction, reminding attendees that growth is often accelerated in rooms like these.

“It’s not what they call you—it’s what you answer to.” – Swan Lee, Swan7 Productions

The day concluded with a powerful final panel, “The Power Seat: Women Executives in Brand Marketing and Media,” bringing together Tashara Parker, Swan Lee, Cherice Williams, and Sammi Bivens, moderated by Susy Solis. In a candid and deeply personal discussion, each woman pulled back the curtain on what it truly takes to lead at the highest levels—reminding the audience that what is often seen on the surface rarely reflects the full journey. Behind every title, every brand, and every moment of visibility is a foundation built on strategy, resilience, and unwavering self-determination. It was a fitting close to a day rooted in truth and empowerment, leaving attendees with a clear understanding that success is not accidental—it is intentional, disciplined, and earned.

At its core, the Women’s United Expo was not just about inspiration—it was about activation. It challenged women to think differently about their influence, their resources, and their responsibility to one another. As conversations around ownership, storytelling, and economic power unfolded, so did a deeper realization: the ability to create change already exists within the community—it simply requires alignment and action.

As the second annual event came to a close, the takeaway was clear. What was built inside that room extended far beyond a single day. It was a reflection of what is possible when intention meets execution, when culture meets strategy, and when women come together not just to be seen—but to build.

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