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Step into a world where elegance meets empowerment—the Pink Apple Gala, an exquisite evening dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements of women across all fields. Hosted by the nonprofit organization Women Who Influence, this pink-tie affair has grown into a must-attend event, radiating sophistication and purpose from start to finish.

The evening began with a walk down the pink carpet—a vibrant symbol of femininity and strength—where guests dazzled in their finest attire under a canopy of sparkling lights and camera flashes. The excitement was palpable as honorees, influencers, and attendees paused for photo ops that captured the essence of a night dedicated to honoring trailblazers in business, communication, entrepreneurship, and community impact.

As attendees entered the venue, they were enveloped in an atmosphere of prestige and refinement, with the soft glow of pink hues creating a mesmerizing backdrop for an evening of inspiration and camaraderie. Guests were treated to a gourmet dining experience, featuring culinary delights expertly crafted to please both the eye and the palate, while exquisite champagne flowed, adding an extra touch of luxury to the night.

One of the evening’s highlights was the exclusive appearance of Carol Maraj, mother of music icon Nicki Minaj. Serving as the keynote speaker, Maraj captivated the audience with a powerful speech that underscored the importance of resilience and empowerment in achieving success. To add to the excitement, she gave Sheen Magazine an exclusive sneak peek of her upcoming fashion line, “Carol Maraj Collections,” which blends contemporary chic with timeless elegance. The designs showcased her commitment to empowering women to feel confident and stylish in every aspect of their lives. She exclusively shared with us, “This event means the world to me because it’s another opportunity to encourage women. To encourage them to know their worth, that they’re masterpieces of God. I love events like this so it really means a lot to me to attend.”

The gala also featured a series of inspiring performances, including a moving spoken word presentation by Lyrical Faith, which captivated the audience with messages of strength, identity, and hope. With Mr. SOC spinning sounds that set the perfect mood for the evening, guests mingled, networked, and celebrated their shared commitment to uplifting women globally.

Throughout the night, guests were introduced to the “Speak Out Loud” program—an exciting new initiative by Women Who Influence. This mental health curriculum is designed to empower youth to recognize, prevent, and respond to mental health challenges while promoting healthy relationships and well-being. This program launch added a deeper layer of meaning to the event, reinforcing the organization’s mission to foster mental health awareness and advocacy among young people.

The evening also honored several extraordinary women who have made significant contributions to their fields:

  • Ilka Jordan of Jordan Alliance Group received the Creative in Business Award for her innovative approach to business development.
  • Kim Marshall of Wilson Marshall PR+Events was honored with the Creative in Communication Award for her exceptional work in PR and event management.
  • Kaylani Vasquez of Boss Babe & Brunch received the What You Do Makes a Difference Award for her dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs.
  • Regina Gwynn of Black Women Talk Tech was presented with the Creative in Entrepreneurship Award for her efforts to champion diversity in tech.
  • Ayisha Mendez of Forbes Black received the Leadership Award for her commitment to creating opportunities for Black professionals.
  • Alysha Campbell of Culture Shift HR was honored with the Trailblazer Award for her groundbreaking work in transforming workplace culture.
  • Therese Myers of Yes Girls Create took home the Community Impact Award for her tireless work in community empowerment and advocacy.

Emceed by Jionne Michael, with pink carpet hosting by Tiana Heath and a special appearance by Bianca Golden, the evening was nothing short of spectacular.

The Pink Apple Gala isn’t just about glamour; it’s about making a difference. Guests were encouraged to engage in charitable endeavors throughout the night, contributing to initiatives that empower women and foster a legacy of change. Each donation, each word of encouragement, and each award presented echoed the Gala’s core message: that when women come together to support and uplift one another, incredible things happen.

As the night drew to a close, it was clear that the Pink Apple Gala was more than just a celebration—it was a call to action. At this empowering event, pink wasn’t just a color—it was a symbol of strength, unity, and a brighter future for women everywhere.