BOSTON, MA – Everyone can name a woman in history that has changed the world for the better – but Ketline Turner, founder of Above Greatness Events, wanted to give the women she sees making a difference their flowers as she lives in her story today.
“The work that they’ve done behind closed doors – nobody sees it,” says Ketline, who hosted the first annual Madam C.J. Walker Bada$$ Women in HerStory Triumph Awards at the Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill. “March is Women’s History Month, so what better way to just let them know that as another female entrepreneur I see you, I’m inspired by you, and I’m giving you your flowers. Right now.”
Hosted by DJ Rere & Host Valcin, the awards ceremony held at the Wyndham Beacon Hill in downtown Boston featured performances in dance and poetry, speaking panel lead by female entrepreneurs, a motivational speaking portion and address by Senator Liz Miranda – and of course, the awards. Named after her grandmother, Precious Williams is a Badass in Herstory Award recipient that grew up in St. Louis and passed the bar on her first try. After working for major law firms, she is now known as the pitch master queen as seen on shark tank, a five time number one best selling author and has won 13 national titles. “You have to give their flowers while they’re still alive – while they can still smell it and hope that they are making an impact and influence on the next generation that you don’t have to do it the way they say you have to do it. You can literally come from the other side of the tracks and go all the way to the ivory tower,” says Williams. “You have diamonds in your backyard right now who are having an impact on their community.”
What’s the vibe?: With a stunning view of Boston, the elevated awards ceremony lifted the stories of powerful women in a high-energy celebration.
“Social media tells you in order for you to be seen you have to have a million and one followers or you have to know a celebrity,” explains Ketline, who thoughtfully chose to drape the decor in purple in honor of Womens’ History Month. “But I feel that these women are celebrities in my eyes.”
Shutting down stereotypes, the elegant event boasted an almost 100% female crew (except, of course, Host Valcin – who’s worth every penny to bring the hype). “A lot of time you hear women can’t get along, they’re catty, blah blah blah – I’m like, that’s not true,” says Ketline. “There’s a room full of powerful women in there that have not an ounce of jealousy for anybody, they’re here to celebrate each other just to show you proof positive that this can be done. “
The goal, Ketline says, is to empower female entrepreneurs around the world. “Tell your female entrepreneurs how much you appreciate them when they do a good job, don’t always drag them down, support them, inspire them, and just love one another. Because that’s what this world needs.”
To learn more about the Bada$$ in HerStory Awards and Ketline Turner, visit her website.
To see more stories like this or if you have an event you’d like to pitch to Emmalyn to cover, email emmalyn@emmalynreid.com.
Emmalyn Reid 