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BPN Celebrates a Decade of Empowering Black Professionals

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10th Annual Black Professionals Summit Brings Over 300 Leaders Together to Advance Careers and Generational Wealth at Seminole Hard Rock.

November 25th, 2024

The Black Professionals Network (BPN), a non-profit dedicated to empowering Black professionals and enhancing their networks and net worth, successfully hosted its 10th Annual Black Professionals Summit at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The milestone event brought together more than 300 professionals from across the country, marking a significant moment in the continued advancement of Black excellence in the professional world.

Fawn Weaver, co-founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and a trailblazer in the spirits industry, delivered an inspiring keynote address. Speaking to a packed room, Weaver shared the compelling story of Nathan “Nearest” Green, a formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel the art of distilling. Her fireside chat emphasized the importance of legacy, entrepreneurship, and the power of reclaiming history, sparking meaningful conversations among attendees. “We have to be better about not building for other people,” Weaver urged, inspiring a call to action for the audience to prioritize their own legacy-building.

Throughout the weekend, thought leaders, industry professionals, and speakers led dynamic discussions focused on advancing careers, building generational wealth, and leaving a lasting impact. Topics ranged from leadership and entrepreneurship to financial empowerment, with a strong emphasis on creating opportunities for future generations. The summit concluded on Friday, but the weekend continued with relaxed networking events, including an elegant all-black soirée where the Black Real Estate Investment Council (BRIC) was officially launched, and ended with a brunch and a scenic yacht sail, providing attendees a chance to connect and unwind.

“This summit continues to be a transformative space for Black professionals to connect, learn, and grow,” said Kenasha Paul, CEO and Founder of Black Professionals Network. “Our mission is to not only empower individuals but also to foster a sense of community and collective strength that transcends industries.”

The 10th Annual Black Professionals Summit continues to reinforce BPN’s commitment to providing resources and opportunities that drive success for Black professionals nationwide. For more information about the Black Professionals Network and future events, please visit, https://mybpn.org/.

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

  • Legacycon House of Heroes Presented by Hard Rock International Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

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Events

Melissa Odabash Brings the French Riviera to PARAISO Miami Swim Week

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The glamour of the French Riviera arrived in Miami Beach as Melissa Odabash presented Riviera: La Côte d’Azur during PARAISO Miami Swim Week.


May 29, 2026

Before the runway began, guests explored sponsor activations throughout the venue, including cocktails from Empress 1908 Gin, pours from Maker’s Mark, refreshments from LaCroix, Australian Gold sun care products, and sweet treats from Tony’s Chocolonely. A crystal-covered MINI convertible featuring a sparkling pink palm tree quickly became one of the evening’s most photographed attractions.

As guests settled into their seats, the atmosphere shifted from Miami Beach to the Mediterranean coast.

Inspired by the timeless elegance and relaxed luxury of the French Riviera, the runway showcased the effortless resort style that has become synonymous with the Melissa Odabash brand. Models floated down the catwalk in sophisticated swimwear, airy coverups, crochet pieces, flowing dresses, and polished resort looks that felt equally at home in Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, or Miami Beach.

A palette of crisp whites, soft neutrals, shimmering metallics, and ocean-inspired blues reinforced the coastal aesthetic, while lightweight fabrics and elegant silhouettes captured the ease of luxury vacation dressing.

The presentation celebrated more than swimwear. It embraced an entire lifestyle centered around sunshine, travel, seaside glamour, and effortless sophistication. Each look reflected the idea that great resort fashion should feel both elevated and wearable, whether spent poolside at a beach club or dining waterfront at sunset.

By blending timeless resort pieces with the romantic spirit of the Côte d’Azur, Melissa Odabash delivered one of the week’s most transportive runway experiences. For a few moments inside the PARAISO Fashion Tent, guests were no longer on Collins Avenue. They were somewhere along the sun-soaked shores of the French Riviera.

Feeling inspired to plan your next getaway? The looks featured on the runway and additional resort wear styles can be purchased through MelissaOdabash.com, offering shoppers the opportunity to bring a touch of Côte d’Azur elegance to their own summer travels.

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Events

Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party Brought SPF and Swim Week Energy to Strawberry Moon

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The Miami Swim Week® The Shows event mixed model casting, poolside glamour, sunscreen touch-ups, and a very South Beach kind of scene.


May 26, 2026

Miami Swim Week® The Shows is known for runway lights, bold swimwear, and a little bit of beautiful chaos, but Neutrogena brought the action poolside with its Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party at Strawberry Moon.

Set against the hotel’s dreamy pastel pool deck, the event felt less like a traditional casting call and more like a sun-soaked Swim Week hangout with a purpose. Models moved around the pool in swimwear, guests mingled under turquoise umbrellas, and the whole scene had that perfect Miami mix of fashion, beauty, heat, and “wait, is this a casting or a party?” energy.

The pool became the runway for the afternoon, with models walking along the water in front of Miami Swim Week® The Shows signage. It was casual, but still camera-ready. Instead of a stiff casting room, Neutrogena created a setting that felt alive, social, and very on-brand for Miami. There were bikinis, heels, palm trees, pool reflections, and enough sunlight to make the SPF message feel extremely relevant.

At the center of the event was Neutrogena’s bright activation area, complete with Ultra Sheer sunscreen products, yellow-and-white towels, and the perfect pool party reminder: “Arrive. Apply. Unwind.” Guests could check out the sunscreen lineup while taking in the casting atmosphere around them. It gave the whole afternoon a smart beauty angle without taking away from the fun.

The best part was how naturally everything fit together. Miami Swim Week is all about swimwear, bodies, beach culture, and confidence, so a sunblock casting pool party made perfect sense. Neutrogena did not just set up a table and call it a day. The brand turned SPF into part of the event experience, making sunscreen feel like the accessory everyone actually needed.

The atmosphere was playful and relaxed, with guests moving between the pool, the Neutrogena station, and nearby brand activations. Liquid Youth also added to the beauty-meets-wellness vibe with colorful collagen drinks, giving attendees another reason to stop, sip, and stay a little longer.

By moving the casting call into a pool party setting, Neutrogena gave Miami Swim Week a daytime moment that felt fresh, social, and easy to enjoy. It had the structure of a fashion event, the vibe of a South Beach pool day, and just enough glam to remind everyone that this was still Swim Week.

In a city where the sun is basically a main character, Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party was a natural fit. It brought together models, beauty lovers, swimwear energy, and SPF in one bright, splashy afternoon.

At Strawberry Moon, the message was simple: show up, get seen, protect the glow, and maybe get cast while you’re at it.

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Events

Surfside’s Paddletopia 2026 Served Up Sunshine, Sweat, and Veggie-Packed Bites

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Veggies Made Great helped fuel a family-friendly weekend of free workouts, paddleboarding, coffee, small bites, and feel-good fun at 96th Street Park.


May 18, 2026

Surfside brought the good vibes this weekend with Paddletopia 2026, a two-day wellness and outdoor lifestyle event that turned 96th Street Park into a sunny little hub for movement, community, and family-friendly fun.

Held on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event welcomed kids, adults, fitness lovers, coffee drinkers, paddleboarders, and anyone looking for a fresh-air weekend by the water. The best part? So many of the experiences were free, making it easy for families and locals to drop in, move around, and enjoy the day without overthinking it.

The workout classes were a highlight, bringing plenty of energy to the park with approachable, upbeat sessions that made wellness feel fun instead of intimidating. Between the fitness classes, paddleboarding, live music, wellness activations, and relaxed outdoor atmosphere, Paddletopia had that perfect South Florida mix of active and easygoing.

Of course, no great weekend event is complete without good bites. Veggies Made Great, an official event partner, kept guests fueled with complimentary samples of their veggie-packed favorites, including the Spinach Egg White Frittata and Lemon Blueberry Muffin. The samples were a smart fit for the day: light, wholesome, tasty, and easy to enjoy between activities. Paired with coffee and other small bites available throughout the event, it made for the kind of simple, satisfying spread that both kids and adults could get behind.

The event also had a thoughtful environmental angle through the “Paddle for Plastic” initiative with Plastic Fisherman, encouraging attendees to help clean Surfside canals in exchange for eco-friendly rewards. It added a meaningful layer to the weekend, blending wellness, community, and environmental care in a way that felt natural for a coastal town like Surfside.

Overall, Paddletopia 2026 felt like exactly what a South Florida weekend should be: outdoorsy, welcoming, active, delicious, and just a little bit sun-kissed. From free fitness classes to better-for-you snacks and community-focused fun, Surfside gave families a reason to get outside and enjoy the best of wellness by the water.

To bring a little of that Paddletopia feel-good energy home, check out more of the veggie-packed muffins, frittatas, and easy breakfast favorites from Veggies Made Great at https://www.veggiesmadegreat.com/ 

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Events

A Mother’s Day Escape with Gale Force Flavor

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Gale Miami Pairs Skyline Views, Serene Spa Moments and Casa Gianna’s Italian Comfort for a Downtown Mother’s Day Escape.

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Morikami Turns Mother’s Day into Lasting Memories

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Morikami Serves a Mother’s Day Worth Savoring with Garden Views, Homemade Flavor and Heart.
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30th Annual Las Olas Wine & Food Festival

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Las Olas Wine & Food Festival Celebrated Three Decades of Culinary Chaos, Cocktail Creativity and Charitable Goodness. (more…)

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Events

Inside Tequila Town Where Culture and Cocktails Collide

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No Chaser Needed as Tequila Town Delivers Straight Shots of Culture, Connection and Cocktails With a Kick in Miami.
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Events

Beach Bites and Breezy Sips at SAVOR SoFLO

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Sips, Sand and Small Bites Set the Tone as SAVOR SoFLO Festival Serves Up a Beachside Tease of What Could Grow Into Something Bigger. (more…)

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