The Essence GU Disruptor’s Summit returned to Atlanta for its fifth annual celebration on Saturday with impactful speed mentoring sessions, panels, and live performances. As the celebration continued, attendees welcomed Jaz Turner, Kamina Griffin, and Kaylin Strahan on the stage for the panel “The AT&T Architects Of The Next Era”. This discussion was filled with an empowering panel that highlighted the importance of community within HBCUs. In this discussion, we explored the benefits of following one’s destiny rather than the destiny you may have strategized for yourself. The summit panel also covered the advantages of authenticity in connecting with your peers, navigating careers, and embracing your purpose without limitations.
Rhyann Sampson initiated the conversation by asking the panelists to share a moment in their HBCU journey that ignited their passion for their endeavors. Jazmine Turner, a Spelman Alum, spoke about her initial passion for becoming a Sports and Entertainment Attorney. She discussed her transition from Law School to Business School and how she was inspired to create lifestyle and beauty content on TikTok, highlighting the importance of black women’s self-care. “You can achieve your dreams without tiring yourself out; there’s a softer and more authentic way to do it,” Jaz told GU.
Spelman Senior Kamina Griffin shared how her initial goal of becoming an OB-GYN transformed after her experience with AT&T. Attending the Women’s Final Four and witnessing women in sports sparked her passion to become a Corporate Lawyer, negotiating contracts between players and agencies. Clark Atlanta Alum Kaylin Strahan discussed her experiences as an HBCU student and how they prepared her for her transition to becoming a Corporate Professional in Houston. She emphasized that her time at Clark Atlanta prepared her for life and molded her into a better individual.
“When you are at an HBCU for however long, it will prepare you for life. It was a blessing and it was God’s plan because I am a better woman, a black woman, and better creative because of that. Clark Atlanta has been such an amazing place to mold me as an individual. ,” Kaylin told GU.
Rhyann asked the panelist Jaz Turner how she embraced her individuality in their work and how authenticity has influenced their creative process. Jaz emphasized the importance of owning who you are and finding a community that shares your commonalities. “We all have stuff that we have gone through in our lives that somebody can relate to. If you remain authentic, if you remain to yourself, then whatever you put your passion in and use that vulnerability, whatever you do will skyrocket,” Jaz told GU.
Rhyann continued the conversation by asking the panelists about their brand’s purpose and what fuels that fire. Jaz Turner expressed her purpose on the internet as creating a space for black women to rest and define luxury on their terms. Jaz Turner started by stating, “My purpose on the internet is so that black women can rest. I believe in what luxury means to you. I think we should travel. I think we should experience life,” Jaz told GU. Kamina discussed how her sisterhood at Spelman and AT&T fueled her drive toward her purpose of becoming a Corporate Attorney. “To be successful you have to hone in on your purpose and what you want to do,” Kamina told GU. Through her connections, she gained access to people who work at the NBA and Atlanta Dream to help launch her purpose toward becoming a Corporate Attorney. “Being vulnerable, but being open to not only that guidance but also just to see where I would fit in that, Kamina told GU. Kaylin highlighted how her family and her mother’s motivation have driven her to achieve her goals. “My mother is probably my greatest motivation and because of her, I will continue to work as hard as I work every single day to ensure that not only she is proud, but God is also proud of me,” Kaylin told GU.
Rhyann inquired about Jaz how connecting with peers can influence the creative journey. Jaz attributed her opportunities to the lessons learned at Spelman and how they have carried her into different spaces. “I would not have gotten the opportunities that I have gotten today without Spelman. All of the lessons I learned at Spelman from womanhood… are all things that are so ingrained in me and carried me in so many different spaces. Spelman made me a chameleon,” Jaz told GU. Rhyann passed a question to Kamina as she discussed creating spaces for black creatives to feel empowered and not conform to traditional norms.
“When you get to these places don’t just stick here. Bring somebody else up with you. Don’t just be looking for a seat at the table. Make your table because that is something that is going to break in. Bring in that new insight, that new uncomfortable motive,” Kamina told GU.
Rhyann then asked Kaylin and Jaz how their work could impact their community and inspire future generations. Kaylin emphasized the importance of motivation and genuine connections, while Jaz expressed her impact as an influencer on different platforms catering to various age demographics. “I am so into motivation. When people share their stories so many individuals find out that they are not alone in their journey. Being able to motivate through my creativity and having real connections with people, not just looking at someone as a connection,”. Jaz expressed her impact on being an influencer on three platforms and how she deals with different age demographics. “I believe in soft life and pouring into yourself. I think it’s maintaining my purpose in a bunch of different ways so more people can feel understood and safe. My community means everything to me, and figuring out how I can reach as many people as possible,” Jaz told GU.
Rhyann posed a question to Kamina in regards to how the AT&T Rising Future Makers Program supported her passion and goals. “With AT&T it is a family, especially with my 2023 Class. We put each other on to opportunities. It made me look at myself with endless opportunities. There are doors I never thought I would be able to open as Kaylin said With God all things are possible. My name has been mentioned in so many rooms that I’m not even in and it is all thanks to AT&T,” Kamina told GU. Rhyan asked Kaylin how she would define a future maker and Kaylin vocalized the relief of forgiveness and bettering yourself. “A future maker is someone who inspires and innovates for the future. Being a person isn’t making the same mistakes and ensuring whatever you do next is going to help you or others around you in some kind of way. Trying to be the best person that you can be and every time you have an opportunity to speak or do something outside your comfort zone is something that makes me a future maker in hopes to inspire someone,” Kaylin told GU.
Rhyann closed the conversation by having the panelists introduce a mantra that helps them keep going throughout their day. Jaz Turner shook the audience with her profound mantra of “Show me how good it gets. Sometimes you just have to ask to show me how good it gets,” Jaz told GU. In CAU fashion Kaylin’s mantra goes to her school’s mantra “Find a way or make one,” Kaylin told GU. Through the discussion of sisterhood, authenticity, and never adapting to imposter syndrome, these panelists motivated the audience on how they can become future makers.
About Amber: Amber Little is a writer, fashionista, and digital content creator. She has used her Journalism degree from Georgia State University and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Interior Design at SCAD to educate others through life and beauty.