Women's Brunch 2024 Speakers
Shantel Thigpen is not just a name; she's a force of positivity, resilience, and empowerment in the heart of Baltimore City. With over 40 years of unwavering dedication as a member of Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries, Shantel's commitment to her community knows no bounds. As a devoted mother of three remarkable individuals - Kevin Jr., Kenyelle, and Kennedy - she embodies the essence of strength and compassion, instilling values of integrity and service in her children.
However, Shantel's impact extends far beyond her immediate family. As the Founder and Director of the renowned YSP (Youth Sports Program), she has woven a tapestry of hope and opportunity for thousands of children across Baltimore City. Under her visionary leadership, YSP has burgeoned into one of the largest and most impactful youth sports and summer programs in the region. YSP is housed in the first "Green Recreation Center" in Baltimore City.
Shantel's approach is not merely about sports but about holistic development and mentorship. Through YSP, she offers a lifeline to the marginalized communities of the city, providing not just a safe haven but a platform for growth, learning, and self-discovery. Her program is a beacon of light, nurturing young talents, fostering camaraderie, and shaping future leaders.
With a heart brimming with compassion and a mind fueled by determination, Shantel Thigpen stands as a shining example of what it means to be a catalyst for change. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting others and her tireless efforts in serving the youth of Baltimore City have left an indelible mark on the community. In every life she touches, she plants the seeds of hope, resilience, and possibility, cultivating a brighter, more promising tomorrow for generations to come.
Kalilah Wright, the founder and CEO of expressive apparel brand, MESS in a Bottle, established
the company as a form of communication, a way to evoke change, and to start important
conversations. As a designer and trained architect, she used her Masters degree in Architecture
from Morgan State University and Bachelors of Arts from Penn State University to give her
community a voice.
MESS in a Bottle was birthed in a small row-house in Baltimore, Maryland, but quickly gained
traction and became nationally recognized. Celebrities such as Viola Davis, Serena Williams,
Luvvie Ajayi Jones, Bozoma Saint John, Lena Waithe, Yvonne Orji and more, are all proud
supporters of the brand.
Featured on national television, with Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban, Kalilah has shown the world she
is nothing to MESS with. Kalilah has fostered partnerships and brand collaborations with major
corporations such as Warner Brothers Studios for their movie, The Kitchen, YouTube, Roc
Nation artist, Rapsody, The TLC Network, BET, Google, and most recently Target, for their
Black History Month collection.
Expanding her brand beyond t-shirts, Kalilah continues to use her expressive form of communication to give the world a much needed MESSage.