Sheen Magazine had the honor of attending the 2nd Annual SEED Summit & Awards, led by the visionary CEO and Founder, the incomparable Valeisha Butterfield, was a transformative weekend filled with inspiration, healing, and empowerment. Set against the breathtaking Southern California mountains, the summit brought together some of the most influential minds and trailblazers in various industries. This year’s gathering focused on cultivating new relationships, deepening knowledge, and preparing for future leadership in a space designed to restore and replenish.
Shy, Mike Harris, Valeisha Butterfield
Tamika D. Mallory & Lindsay Wagner
The Power of Intimate Conversations
One of the most highly anticipated moments of the summit was the intimate poolside chat with Tamika D. Mallory, moderated by the dynamic Lindsay Wagner. Tamika, a renowned advocate for justice and equality, shared her personal journey, including her powerful work advocating for Breonna Taylor and her role in curating the Women’s March. The author introduced her new memoir, I Lived to Tell the Story, as she took us down the memory lane of her life journey!
She revealed the emotional toll the backlash from the Women’s March took on her, stating that it became “the Best-Worst experience of my life—it almost killed me.” Despite the intense challenges, Tamika’s resilience and unwavering commitment to her cause left the audience inspired. When asked by actor Gary Dourdan about how she persevered through the backlash, Tamika reflected on the importance of confronting tough challenges head-on and the healing that comes from owning your truth.
The evening concluded with an exclusive screening of The Memo, a short film produced by SEED Media and starring Kyla Pratt. Based on the best-selling book by Minda Harts, the film was directed by Vanna James and adapted for the screen by Nakia Stephens. As guests enjoyed the captivating film, they savored delicious bites and engaged in lively conversation, creating a perfect end to an unforgettable evening.
Gary Dourdan – Photo Credit: Aryka Randall (Aryka Photography)
Valeisha B. & Kenya Barris – Photo Credit: Aryka Randall (Aryka Photography)
Dr. Cheryl P. Williamson & Media Host “Shy” – Photo Credit: Aryka Randall (Aryka Photography)
Revolutionary Conversations and Inspirational Talks
Saturday’s events were nothing short of revolutionary, starting with a conversation with Angela Rye, moderated by Alesha Reneé. This conversation was a powerful blend of inspiration and healing, leaving attendees ready to take on the world with renewed purpose.
The day also featured an interactive audience session led by the talented media personality Shy, who kept the energy high and the laughter flowing with her infectious style.
Other standout sessions included:
- Leading with Purpose by Tiffany R. Warren, Founder of ADCOLOR, moderated by Mitzi Miller
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Love Heals with Dannella Lane and Rel Howery, moderated by Affion Crockett, focusing on healing past traumas, fostering healthy relationships, and discerning when you have been connected to your life partner!
- Building for the Future with Mike Harris, Founder of Pro Standard, moderated by Shy
- Creative Genius Unlocked with Kenya Barris, Award-winning screenwriter and director, moderated by Valeisha Butterfield
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Purpose-Driven Life with Gary Dourdan, Award-winning artist & actor, who pulled out the guitar and serenaded the very attentive onlookers, moderated by Erin J. Hall
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Unmute Your Greatness: The Key to Magnetic Messaging with Adonis Spicer, award-winning celebrity publicist, offered valuable insights on crafting a compelling message.
His session laid the foundation, or “soil,” in which the powerful seeds of knowledge shared throughout the summit could be planted and nurtured for enhanced visibility and brand growth.
- Monetizing Your Content: Turning Your Content into Cash with Lydia Hall, award-winning content creator
- Network to Net Worth with Nikkia McClain, award-winning founder
There was also a surprise moment with the phenomenal Cicley Gay, Chairperson of Black Lives Matter, who was invited to share a few words. As a passionate advocate for racial justice and equality, she spoke powerfully about her journey and efforts to amplify marginalized voices while pushing for systemic change. Her impromptu words added a profound layer to the experience, leaving attendees inspired and energized.
These sessions, including hers, provided valuable insights and actionable takeaways, empowering all who attended to elevate their personal and professional lives.
Affion Crockett,Rel Howery, Dannella Lane & Valeisha Butterfield -Photo Credit: Aryka Randall (Aryka Photography)
Miatta Johnson Alesha Reneé Monique Idlett Ingrid Best Valeisha Butterfield Erin J Hall Massah David Lydia Hall Jennifer Sinigal-Cornelius – Photo Credit: Aryka Randall (Aryka Photography)
Valeisha B.,Angela Rye, Alesha Reneé – Photo Credit: Aryka Randall (Aryka Photography)
Recognizing Trailblazers and Industry Icons
The evening culminated with a prestigious awards ceremony honoring trailblazers across industries. The honorees included:
- Judge Lauren Lake, award-winning author, attorney, and television host of We the People, moderated by Janell Snowden
- Elaine Welteroth, award-winning author and founder of BirthFund, moderated by Janell Snowden
- Jimmy Jam, legendary songwriter and producer, moderated by Janell Snowden
Each honoree’s contributions to their respective fields were celebrated with heartfelt recognition, inspiring the next generation of leaders to continue their own journeys of impact.
SEED Sanctuary: A Wellness Experience
The final day of the summit focused on well-being and personal growth, culminating in the SEED Sanctuary: A Wellness Experience. Dr. Cheryl P. Williamson led the Mindfulness Moment, a session that provided attendees with the space to reflect, reset, and reconnect with their inner selves. Though the weather turned slightly rainy, it created a serene atmosphere that felt like a metaphor for the journey ahead—just as seeds need water to grow, so too do the seeds of knowledge and connection sown throughout the weekend need nurturing.
As one attendee put it, “If you plant a seed, don’t be disappointed when it rains.”
A Weekend of Transformation
The 2nd Annual SEED Summit & Awards proved to be a weekend like no other—one that united men and women of impact to plant seeds, be pruned, and share the harvest that follows the storm. The transformative conversations, healing moments, and inspiring talks left everyone in attendance feeling empowered to take bold steps toward their goals and dreams.
As Valeisha Butterfield said during the summit, this is just the beginning. The seeds planted this weekend will continue to grow and blossom in the months and years to come, and the SEED Summit is poised to be a catalyst for even more groundbreaking conversations, collaborations, and change. Don’t miss what’s next. The future is bright, and it’s in the hands of those who dare to lead with purpose.
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