FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – September has become synonymous with one of South Florida’s most powerful women’s conferences. The 8th Annual Women of Color Empowerment Conference weekend is scheduled for Sept. 7 through 9 at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort.

The conference includes a variety of motivational sessions, beginning on Friday at 4 p.m. with world renowned psychologist, Gay Hendricks, PhD. Hendricks will discuss the leadership topic: Taking the Big Leap into Conscious Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence.

He and his wife, Katie, run the Hendricks Institute, which is all about helping people to live more consciously, more mindfully and more joyously.

“Our greatest wish for you is to discover what you most love doing — and spend more and more time doing it. To enjoy the love, abundance, and success it creates. To bring it forth so it serves you and the rest of the world.” The Hendricks say on their website.

Friday will also include a Fireside Chat with award-winning journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine Vanessa De Luca. Friday evening will conclude with a Welcome and Diversity Reception by the sea with live entertainment for conference attendees and invited guests.

Saturday will feature a full day of empowerment sessions geared to educate, encourage and cultivate leadership. April Ryan, National White House Correspondent and CNN contributor, will be the featured speaker at Saturday’s luncheon. Other Saturday featured sessions will include: Healthy Living with Chef Carla Hall, Host of “The Chew,” as well as several dynamic panel discussions.

Karen Hunter of Sirius XM Radio will moderate “The Superwoman Syndrome” featuring Lamman Rucker, star of the Oprah Winfrey Network’s “Greenleaf,” “Black Panther” actress Sope Aluko, and comedian/author Kim Coles. There will be a wide range of expert panelists from both the public and private sectors speaking on leadership topics, as well as social and political trends relevant to women of color.

Sunday’s activities will include a Sunrise Fitness Walk followed by the popular “Spirit of Sisterhood” breakfast overlooking the ocean. The hearty breakfast starts at 8:30 AM and will feature live performances, a highend fashion show and an inspirational message by Reverend Lori Morton.

The conference is being held at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort at

3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit http://southfloridawomenofcolor.com/.