ICYMI: The International Women’s Conference Returns to Hofstra University A Celebration of Women’s Leadership, Culture, and Legacy

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ICYMI The International Women’s Conference Returns to Hofstra University

ICYMI: New York, New York - In case you missed it, the International Women’s Conference is returning to Hofstra University on Saturday, March 7, 2026, for a powerful day of inspiration, connection, and celebration designed to uplift women from all walks of life. The flagship event runs from 10 AM – 4 PM EST, with an exciting Recognition Awards Reception following from 4 PM – 5 PM honoring extraordinary women leaders. 

Click link here for information on how to register, become a community sponsor, and corporate sponsor, or tabling opportunities: https://tinyurl.com/InternationwomensDayCon2026

A Platform with Purpose and Impact

Since its inception in 2017, the International Women’s Conference has become a premier annual event that amplifies women’s voices, champions leadership, and fosters cross-cultural exchange. Hosted at Hofstra University, the conference has consistently provided a space where women connect, learn, and grow together—building networks that turn opportunity into action. 

This event brings together women from diverse industries, cultural backgrounds, professions, and communities who are committed to driving progress and elevating women’s leadership across sectors. 

Official 2026 Theme: Her Voice. Her Culture. Her Power. Her Legacy.

The 2026 theme Her Voice. Her Culture. Her Power. Her Legacy honors the full spectrum of women’s identities and contributions. It celebrates women as storytellers, changemakers, culture keepers, economic drivers, and legacy builders. Through this theme, the conference emphasizes:

• Her Voice — uplifting women to speak with clarity and confidence

• Her Culture — recognizing the rich cultural influences shaping women’s leadership

• Her Power — strengthening influence in business, policy, academia, and community

• Her Legacy — honoring impactful work that paves the way for future generations 

Get Scoop On Local Legends - the African American Small Business Foundation Scales Impact as "Homegrown Heroes" Event Approaches

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List. Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

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African American Small Business Foundation Scales Impact as "Homegrown Heroes" Event Approaches

GARDEN CITY, NY — February 3, 2026 — The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. (AASBF) is entering 2026 with historic momentum, transitioning from a regional powerhouse to a nationally recognized leader in economic equity. Fresh off a wave of national media coverage from Essence, Black Enterprise, and Afrotech, the Foundation is now issuing a call to action for donors and stakeholders to support its inaugural "Homegrown Heroes of Long Island" celebration on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Adelphi University. 

A Growing National Voice for Equity

The Foundation’s work in closing systemic gaps has recently captured the attention of the country’s most influential Black media platforms. Recognition from Essence, Black Enterprise, and Afrotech underscores AASBF’s success in moving the needle on capital access, technical literacy, and inclusive procurement, and displaying homegrown heroes to inspire this generation and generations into the future.

“Being featured on national stages like Afrotech and Essence affirms that our model—local, intentional, and community-driven—is the blueprint for the future,” said Phil Andrews, Founding President of the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. “We aren't just discussing the wealth gap; we are actively closing it by building a sustainable economic engine right here on Long Island.”

Founding President Phil Andrews Speaking to AASBF Members

About the Curator: Mrs. Darkeh’s lifelong service has been recognized with numerous honors, which are documented in the American Biographical Institute, Second Edition. A trailblazer in both the corporate and public sectors, Mrs. Darkeh was also the first African American woman to work in the Accounting Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and later served as comptroller for Reed Roberts, Inc.

Her pioneering spirit continued in 1966 when she became the founding Director of Management Information at the Charles Drew Neighborhood Health Center, where she designed and implemented one of the nation’s earliest computerized patient identification and billing systems—an achievement well ahead of its time.

In 2003, Mrs. Darkeh curated and directed Promises Made, Promises Kept, a landmark photographic exhibition honoring distinguished African American women of Long Island. Premiering at Nassau Community College, the exhibit toured colleges and libraries throughout Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens counties.

As the creator and curator of this new exhibition, Mrs. Darkeh embodies the spirit of Homegrown Hero of Long Island a woman whose legacy was not imported, but cultivated; whose impact was not distant, but deeply rooted; and whose life’s work continues to shape the cultural landscape of the community she calls home.