HBCU Stars Wendy Raquel Robinson and Yandy Smith-Harris Unite With Orange Blossom Classic

Jul 18, 2023


Along with LeToya Luckett, FAMU Head Coach Willie Simmons for the Elevation Experience presented by Visit Lauderdale


Pembroke Pines, Florida Jul 17, 2023 (Issuewire.com) - The Elevation Experience presented by Visit Lauderdale was perfectly in sync with the Orange Blossom Classic's "The Reunion" theme and served as a fantastic prelude to the upcoming HBCU Reunion Experience Labor Day Weekend when Florida A&M University Rattlers take on Jackson State University Tigers on September 3rd at Hard Rock Stadium.

The interactive activation sponsored in part by Wells Fargo, Celsius, Molson Coors, Titos and Bacardi featured workshops, panel discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities with prominent HBCU alumni and executives from various industries, including the talented actress Wendy Raquel Robinson and the accomplished entrepreneur and television personality Yandy Smith-Harris, both proud graduates of Howard University. Joining them was Florida A&M University Coach Willie Simmons, singer and actress LeToya Luckett, Visit Lauderdale's Stacy Ritter and Neki Mohan, Attorney and Sports Agent Kristen Campbell, Wells Fargo Financial Advisor Tracey Tynes Horlback, Miami Dade County, District 1 Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert III and more. These remarkable individuals shared their insights and experiences, inspiring attendees to reach new heights in their respective fields. All hosted by Hot 105's Shelby Rushin, Local 10 Alexis Frazier, and NBC's Constance Jones.

Grammy award winning singer and actress LeToya Luckett spoke to the incredible resilience of women and their remarkable ability to exude grace amid carrying insurmountable pressure. Luckett empowered the women in attendance to embrace their resilience.

Emmy Award-winning Producer, Philanthropist, Actress, and NAACP Image Award recipient Wendy Raquel Robinson, alongside other esteemed HBCU alumni like Yandy Smith-Harris, shared their invaluable HBCU experiences during The Elevation Experience presented by Visit Lauderdale. Wendy Raquel Robinson reflected on her time studying at Howard University, where she had the privilege of learning alongside immensely talented individuals such as Taraji P. Henson, Isaiah Washington, and many others. She emphasized how the HBCU experience, not only at Howard but also at other historically black colleges and universities, is a transformative journey that nurtures a profound sense of community, cultural pride, and academic excellence. Yandy Smith-Harris, introducing her groundbreaking venture, Yelle Skincare, which combines her passion for entrepreneurship and skincare, providing a platform to empower individuals to embrace their natural beauty and cultivate self-care practices. The event celebrated the achievements of these remarkable individuals and highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within the HBCU community.

The Elevation Experience presented by Visit Lauderdale proved to be a fruitful collaboration and platform for Wells Fargo to advance their HBCU Strategy and actively engage attendees through an interactive workshop. With a strong commitment to meeting the diverse financial needs of the community, Wells Fargo focused on empowering women-owned small businesses and showcased their dedication to supporting crucial financial topics, including home ownership, supplier diversity, and wealth management. By offering valuable insights and guidance, Wells Fargo demonstrated their unwavering support for financial empowerment and success within the HBCU community.

FAMU Head Coach Willie Simmons, renowned for his expertise in the sport, conducted an engaging session "The Queen's Playbook: Empowering Women for the Game" that went beyond the basics of football. The clinic focused on empowering women with fundamental football skills, strategic insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at the game. Participants were provided with a hands-on demonstration, enabling them to experience the thrill and challenges of playing football in real life.

The must attend Clinic exemplified inclusivity and empowerment of women in sports. The event enriched participants' understanding of football and inspired them to overcome barriers and embrace their passion for the game and in life.

Under the visionary leadership of Orange Blossom Classic Committee Executive Director Kendra Bulluck, The Elevation Experience presented by Visit Lauderdale embodied her vision of empowering individuals and fostering personal growth. As part of this transformative event, Bulluck introduced a goal-setting journal designed to elevate participants' aspirations and achievements. The goal-setting journal received an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to document their goals and track their progress. This event marks a pivotal milestone on the road to the biggest HBCU Reunion Experience, culminating with the highly anticipated Denny's Orange Blossom Classic presented by Ready Life. For more information and to secure tickets for the big game, visit www.orangeblossomclassic.com, where the legacy and excitement continue to unfold.

Source :Orange Blossom Classic Committee

This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.

More News

Charity reflects on changing needs over 25 years
Oct 17, 2026
Charity reflects on changing needs over 25 years

Help a Guernsey Child says it has provided in excess of £1.2m worth of essential support.

Nightclubs are disappearing - and it's affecting young people
Oct 17, 2026
Nightclubs are disappearing - and it's affecting young people

One young person said with no nightlife in their town they cannot "let loose and mess around".

M.L.B. Playoff Ads With Sydney Sweeney and Megan Fox Draw Backlash
Oct 17, 2026
M.L.B. Playoff Ads With Sydney Sweeney and Megan Fox Draw Backlash

Commercials with Sydney Sweeney promoting a gambling platform and Megan Fox endorsing male enhancement have rankled fans, and even athletes. Who is in charge?

Netflix Hurries to Rewrite Its Narrative With Layoffs and a Sudden Firing
Oct 16, 2026
Netflix Hurries to Rewrite Its Narrative With Layoffs and a Sudden Firing

Despite strong revenues and profits, the streaming service cut 1,000 jobs and jettisoned its chief content officer. Drops in the stock price and viewer engagement are to blame.

Why Bad News in the Bond Market May Be Good News for Investors
Oct 16, 2026
Why Bad News in the Bond Market May Be Good News for Investors

In the contrarian logic of investing, rising interest rates have made bonds much more attractive, our columnist says.

U.S. Budget Deficit Nears $2 Trillion, a Reality Check for Trump’s Cost Cutting
Oct 16, 2026
U.S. Budget Deficit Nears $2 Trillion, a Reality Check for Trump’s Cost Cutting

Higher interest rates are inflating borrowing costs as the Trump administration spends on the Iran war and tariff refunds.

Indonesian Stocks Plunge as MSCI Threatens to Drop Market from Indexes
Oct 16, 2026
Indonesian Stocks Plunge as MSCI Threatens to Drop Market from Indexes

The potential downgrade by MSCI, an influential index provider, adds to a deepening crisis of investor confidence in the economic policies of President Prabowo Subianto.

Warsh Vows to Tame Inflation as A.I. Delivers ‘Shock’ to Economy
Oct 16, 2026
Warsh Vows to Tame Inflation as A.I. Delivers ‘Shock’ to Economy

The Federal Reserve chairman stuck to his pledge to avoid providing guidance about the path forward for interest rates, but did nothing to convey an urgency to raise them later this month.

A new railway corridor: How Nanning links Chinese and ASEAN markets
Oct 16, 2026
A new railway corridor: How Nanning links Chinese and ASEAN markets

A new railway corridor: How Nanning links Chinese and ASEAN markets

Watch: Did Tesla really just unveil a flying car?
Oct 16, 2026
Watch: Did Tesla really just unveil a flying car?

Tesla CEO Elon Musk showcased the vehicle at a facility owned by his SpaceX company, which helped develop the model.

China and Europe are building new connections in aerospace
Oct 16, 2026
China and Europe are building new connections in aerospace

China and Europe are building new connections in aerospace – from skies to stars. On the one hand, their deep industrial partnership is scaling global civil aviation to new heights. On the other hand, scientific collaboration is opening new possibilities for space exploration and deepening our understanding of the Sun-Earth system.

BizTalk | Exclusive interview with Former PM of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Oct 16, 2026
BizTalk | Exclusive interview with Former PM of Bosnia and Herzegovina

In this episode of BizTalk, CGTN's Guan Xin speaks with Zlatko Lagumdzija, former prime minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, about China's development and its role in global governance.

YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.

Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?

Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.

Manage The Numbers

Manage The Numbers is the world’s fastest-growing finance news website, featuring the latest money and market news, along with in-depth analysis so you can make the best decision.

Newsletter