The EDGE Foundation Queen Bees conducted their first event, a Women’s Empowerment Conference on Saturday, Nov. 18.
The conference brought together women from all over Miami for a day of empowerment, including a crowning of this year’s three Community Queens, inspiring female speakers, Q&A’s, lunch, and raffles.
The Queen Bees was founded by Mercy Hernandez in January 2016.
“The group was created to inspire and empower women of all ages to be their very best,” Hernandez said. “To create a place, a sisterhood, where women can share their stories and experiences in a judgment-free environment. The organization’s members pledge to support and empower each other, so that they can all share the beauty of community and compassion as one.”
The goal of the Queen Bees is to empower women, knowing that stronger and happier women will better serve our children and communities. Queen Bees unite women who empower each other through sharing, storytelling, laughter, inspiration, networking, compassion, empathy and community.
At their first event, the Queen Bees crowned three “Community Queens” — Cutler Bay Mayor Peggy Bell, Miami-Dade County District 8 Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, and Palmetto Bay Councilmember Karyn Cunningham. The three Community Queens gave brief speeches and were even crowned as they accepted the honor.
“It was very exciting to be honored by The Edge’s Queen Bees,” Cunningham said. “As women we need to lift each other up. It was very exhilarating to hear the stories of women who are making great contributions in our community, and humbling to be honored by them.”
Levine Cava presented the group with a proclamation from the Miami-Dade County Commission.
“As women who care so much for others, we need to take care of ourselves and support others who also give of themselves,” said Levine Cava. “Queen Bees honor the givers.”
Bell said, “I was so honored to be recognized for my work with the youth in Cutler Bay. To be in the company of Councilwoman Cunningham and Commissioner Levine Cava, who do so much for our youth, was humbling. Young women need our support to continue their education, to be leaders of tomorrow.
“I admire Mercy Hernandez and her board for their tireless work with young women in our community. I am happy to provide support and hope to be a good role model for these young women who are working to give back,” Bell added.
Anyone is welcome to join The Queen Bees. The next event is “Vision & Vino,” a vision board party on Jan. 31, 2018. Seats are limited and are $25 per person.
For information on the event and the organization, visit the webpage at www.theedgehelps.com/queen-bees.
