Scenes From a 'Young, Fabulous and Female' Evening in Philly

What happens when you gather nearly 200 focused and savvy women -- some famous, others striving -- to talk career goals and life dreams, followed by networking over cocktails? How about The Root's recent Young, Fabulous and Female event in Philadelphia, moderated by Jacque Reid?

1 of 13

Leading the Discussion

Sponsored by Lincoln and held at the African American Museum in Philadelphia on Jan. 13, the evening began with a panel moderated by journalist and broadcast personality Jacque Reid, far right (The Tom Joyner Morning Show), who was joined by (from left) news anchor Sheinelle Jones (Fox 29); University of Pennsylvania professor Salamishah Tillet, Ph.D.; conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson (Black Pearl Orchestra); and The Root's deputy editor, Sheryl Huggins Salomon.
Captions by The Root editorial staff; photographs by Lindsay MacDonald
2 of 13

Meet Our Publisher

The Root's publisher, Donna Byrd, greeted more than 175 women who braved the icy January weather to gather at the museum. She also introduced Melvin Wilson, who, as director of interactive strategy at Uniworld, represented the sponsor, Lincoln.
3 of 13

Jacque Reid

Jacque Reid currently appears on The Tom Joyner Morning Show every Tuesday and Friday as a special news correspondent covering women and women's issues for the show's "Inside Her Story" segment. She is also a contributing editor for The Root.
4 of 13

Sheinelle Jones

Sheinelle Jones

The award-winning morning news anchor for Fox 29 in Philadelphia had this advice to share with the audience: "Ask for what you want. Take what you get. And use what you get to get what you want."
5 of 13

Jeri Lynne Johnson

Don't worry about being perceived as an "angry black woman," said Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra founder Jeri Lynne Johnson. When channeled properly, anger can fuel the passion that helps you overcome obstacles and pursue your dreams.
6 of 13

Dr. Salamishah Tillet

Tillet, an assistant professor of English and Africana studies at the University of Pennsylvania, is the co-founder of A Long Walk Home, Inc., which uses art therapy and the visual and performing arts to end violence against girls and women. Using her skills to bring about social change is what makes her "fabulous," she said.
7 of 13

Sheryl Huggins Salomon

If you want a happy and balanced life, you must act with purpose and intent in all areas of your life, not just your career, advised Sheryl Huggins Salomon, deputy editor of The Root.
8 of 13

A Wide-Ranging Discussion

The panelists weighed in on topics as varied as mentorship, defying stereotypes and what they would do differently if they had it all to do again.
9 of 13

Black Women United

Moderator Jacque Reid (center, in pink) put her best foot forward with audience members during the cocktail reception.
10 of 13

The Young, Fabulous and Female

Panelist Dr. Salamishah Tillet (center, in blue) worked the step-and-repeat with audience members.
11 of 13

Woman to Woman

Insights were exchanged long after the panel discussion had ended, against a backdrop of interactive black-history exhibits.
12 of 13

Girls' Night Out

It was a perfect evening to explore the essence of "fabulous" with a friend.
13 of 13

Mix and Mingle

After all the soul-searching and networking, it was a great opportunity to unwind.