Guzangs’ HERitage Spotlights African Women Redefining Industries at Intimate Gathering in NYC

On Friday evening, Guzangs hosted an exclusive cocktail reception and panel conversation in honor of Women’s History Month. Titled HERitage: A Celebration of African Female Founders & Changemakers, the event spotlighted trailblazing women of African descent across fashion, beauty, entertainment, and beyond. Held at The Crosby Street Hotel, the evening brought together industry leaders, influential creatives, and change agents to engage in meaningful discussions and celebrate the power of African women shaping today’s cultural and business landscape. HERitage was not just a celebration, but a call to continue supporting African female founders and changemakers worldwide.

The HERitage panel conversation featured an esteemed lineup of speakers, including actress Arsema Thomas, of Bridgerton acclaim, fashion designer Tia Adeola, Diarrha Ndiaye-Mbaye, founder of Ami Colé, and music executive Tolu Ayeni. Moderated by Teen Vogue’s Dani Kwateng, and creator and Harvard alum Eni Popoola, the discussion explored the dynamic ways these trailblazing women are breaking barriers, preserving their African heritage, and creating lasting legacies across fashion, beauty, entertainment, and technology.

The guest list featured an intimate and curated selection of VIPs, industry insiders, stylists, influencers, and key media representatives. Notable attendees included fashion editors Robyn Mowatt and Anire Ikomi, Irene Ojo-Felix of models.com, Next in Fashion’s Amari Carter, author Ehime Ora, stylist Peju Famojure, Liberty Imhoff of Manic Metallic, and more.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a premium cocktail experience courtesy of Woodford Reserve. Signature cocktails included The Woodford Spire and the Chocolate Old Fashioned. Champagne was provided courtesy of Armand de Brignac. The event space was enhanced by floral arrangements from Fox Fodder Farms. The Crosby Street Hotel provided a delicious menu featuring carefully curated canapés, including chicken satay with spicy peanut dressing, Crosby beef sliders, and mozzarella, tomato, and basil skewers. Guests received luxury candles provided by Diptyque and gift cards from Industrie Africa.

As the conversation unfolded, panelists explored the theme of heritage—honoring the past while innovating for the future. The discussion underscored the importance of African women’s representation in global industries, the role of storytelling in shaping narratives, and the power of community in fostering success.

The event concluded with vibrant networking, where attendees connected over shared experiences, ambitions, and aspirations for the future.

See more photos from the event below: