Brain, Brand, and Beauty HBCU Collegiate Conference launches first stop on HBCU tour
Submitted by DiDi Hughes
MONTGOMERY, AL – April 1, 2025 – The Brain, Brand, and Beauty HBCU Collegiate Conference, presented by The Skky Brand, Inc. and Alabama State University (ASU), brought together influential experts to empower and inspire female students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This dynamic, one-day event, held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama, was the inaugural stop of a nationwide tour that will visit HBCU campuses across the United States.
The conference, powered by It Girls Initiative, LLC, a nonprofit organization, founded by Fort Lauderdale natives and Alabama State University alums DiDi Rentz-Hughes (also known as multi-media personality “DiDi Skky”) and renowned TV/film makeup artist Geno Freeman, focused on developing leadership skills, career pathways, building personal brands, and embracing unique beauty. The event also covered important topics like mental health, sex trafficking awareness, and personal safety.
Attendees heard from industry experts from across the southern region such as Mental Health LPN Erica Barnett; Human Trafficking Educator and Survivor, Donna Hubbard; Fashion Editor Dr. Courtney Hammonds; Etiquette and Self-esteem coach Sheyann Webb-Christburg; PNC AVP Bank Manager, Glennetta Davis; and keynote speaker, Atlanta Municipal Judge Terrinee Gundy to name a few.
“Statistically, there are 24 million people entangled in human trafficking worldwide,” said Bishop Donna Hubbard, a survivor of human trafficking. “More than 70% of those are women of color, and more than 80% are women, so it’s important for us to understand that we become vulnerable when we’re not informed, and we’re not educated.”
A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Mrs. Bessie Elizabeth Rentz Scholarship, named in honor of the late mother of founder Rentz-Hughes. The first recipient, ASU sophomore Mckenzie Crumpton, expressed her gratitude: “This scholarship means everything to me. It helps me continue the legacy of Mrs. Bessie Rentz and will ease my financial burden as I pursue my education.”
“We are looking forward to sharing this elevated and life changing experience with the young women on the campuses of Florida HBCUs such as Florida Memorial, FAMU, Bethune Cookman, and Edward Waters,” says Rentz-Hughes and Freeman, graduates of Dillard High School of Performing Arts and Boyd Anderson High School respectively.
About The Skky Brand, Inc.
The Skky Brand, Inc. is a leading special events, marketing, and public relations agency specializing in transformative, impactful experiences and initiatives.
About It Girls Initiative, LLC
It Girls Initiative, LLC is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering young women through leadership development, mentorship, and resources that support both personal and professional growth. The initiative aims to inspire and cultivate the next generation of confident women leaders. To learn more about It Girls Initiative’s Brain Brand & Beauty HBCU Collegiate Conference visit www.3bhbcuconference.com
