Albany State University (ASU) proudly hosted the Black Girls Matter Meetup Brunch, an empowering event designed to uplift and inspire young Black women, sponsored by Sally Beauty, the industry-leading destination for professional-quality hair color and care. The event brought together students and esteemed panelists for an engaging and motivational discussion. 

The panel featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Logan Marshall, Miss ASU; Dana Bly, Founder of Pardon My Fro; and Monaé Everett, Celebrity Stylist and Sally Beauty Spokesperson. Each panelist shared invaluable insights on navigating life as a business owner, staying motivated despite challenges, and balancing student leadership with academics. Their personal stories and expert advice resonated deeply with attendees, fostering an atmosphere of inspiration and empowerment.

The event welcomed 280 female students, all receiving a swag bag filled with a Sally Beauty gift card and full-sized products from popular Black-owned or founded brands such as Camille Rose, Design Essentials, Carol’s Daughter, and Shea Moisture.

Reese Wimberly, a senior marketing major, shared her excitement about the event: “The event was absolutely amazing. As an ambassador of Impressions of Beauty, I was able to see all the work that went into the event's success. It was also a great way to start Women’s History Month. One thing I took away from the event was that being a Black woman is powerful and that building your community is important because they are the ones that will always support you.”

The Black Girls Matter Meetup Brunch at ASU is part of the larger Black Girls Matter Meetup Tour, an initiative presented by Impressions of Beauty and proudly sponsored by Sally Beauty. As the exclusive beauty retailer for the tour, Sally Beauty is committed to supporting and celebrating Black women at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) throughout Black History Month and Women's History Month.

Students left the brunch feeling motivated and encouraged to pursue their dreams with confidence. The Black Girls Matter Meetup Brunch stands as a testament to ASU’s commitment to fostering leadership, resilience, and success among its students.