The ZD Experience: Leadership & Legacy Was One of Those Moments
Curated by Stephen Washington and Zandrina Dunning, the evening brought together a dynamic collective of leaders, visionaries, creatives, and community builders—each arriving with purpose, and leaving with renewed clarity about the impact they are called to make.
From the very beginning, the experience was thoughtfully and intentionally set.
Guests were warmly welcomed at the door by Edie Allen, creating an immediate sense of care, professionalism, and hospitality. As attendees entered and began to connect, DJ Scrib curated a soundtrack that set the tone—layering the space with intention, culture, and energy.
Creative Director Stephen Washington then welcomed guests, grounding the room in community and excellence. In a seamless transition, DJ Scrib introduced host Zandrina Dunning, marking the official start of an evening centered on purpose, presence, and powerful conversation.
Before the featured dialogue, the audience was invited into a deeply personal and transparent moment with Lauren “Luvie” Smith, who courageously shared her own evolving legacy story. As the daughter of Patrice Smith, her reflection was rooted in identity, resilience, and overcoming. Her vulnerability opened the room—creating space for honesty, connection, and self-reflection, and setting a powerful emotional foundation for what was to come.
At the center of the experience was a compelling and thought-provoking conversation between host Zandrina Dunning and featured guest Kenya Dunn.
Through honesty, wisdom, and lived experience, Kenya offered a masterclass in what it means to lead with purpose. She challenged the audience to move beyond titles and into true alignment—reminding each person in the room that leadership is not about position, but about responsibility, courage, and conviction.
Her words called leaders higher.
Not just to be seen—but to be intentional.
Not just to exist in spaces—but to transform them.
The emotional depth of the evening was further elevated by a moving poetic offering from Dr. Tonya Matthews (also known as Jahipster), whose words grounded the room in truth, culture, and reflection—reminding us that leadership is as much about soul as it is about strategy.
A key highlight of the evening was the spotlight on the Lowcountry African American Giving Circle, reinforcing the importance of collective giving, shared responsibility, and investing in community-driven impact.
In alignment with that mission, The ZD Experience also proudly highlighted several impactful community partners whose work continues to shape and uplift the region:
Shoshanna Richek, Certified Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Counselor, who helps individuals uncover the root causes of emotional eating so they can feel confident, free, and whole again
Renée Fleuranges-Valdes, founder of Quilted Artistry by Renèe, whose work highlights and honors strong women through storytelling, culture, and textile art
These highlights served as a reminder that leadership is not just spoken—it is lived daily through purpose-driven work and community impact.
Throughout the evening, the energy in the room was undeniable. It was a space of accountability, empowerment, and shared vision. Attendees didn’t just listen—they engaged, reflected, and connected in meaningful ways.
This is the essence of The ZD Experience.
Creating spaces where conversation meets connection.
Where stories are honored.
Where leaders are not only inspired—but activated.
This was more than an event.
It was a call to lead differently.
To live intentionally.
And to build something that will outlive us all.
Producer’s Note
If you were in the room last Thursday… you already know. ❤️
What we experienced wasn’t just an event.
It was alignment.
It was intention.
It was legacy in motion.
As host and producer, I am still taking it all in.
The ZD Experience: Leadership & Legacy was everything I envisioned—and more.
To Kenya Dunn…
thank you for not just showing up, but for pouring into every soul in that room. Your words carried weight. Your presence carried purpose. You challenged us to lead with clarity, to walk boldly in our calling, and to stop shrinking in spaces we were born to transform.
You didn’t just speak – you shifted something.
To Dr. Tonya Matthews…
your poetic expression was nothing short of divine. It grounded us, moved us, and reminded us that leadership is not only strategic – it is spiritual, emotional, and deeply human.
To every leader, every visionary in that room…
the energy was undeniable. The connections were real. The intention was felt.
This is why we do what we do.
Because moments like this remind us that we are not just gathering – we are building something that will outlive us.
We are shaping conversations.
We are creating space.
We are cultivating legacy.
And to those who continue to support, partner, and believe in The ZD Experience… thank you for trusting the vision.
Stay tuned for a Summer experience you don’t want to miss.
Becoming a partner of The ZD Experience means aligning your brand with a platform that inspires, engages, and uplifts audiences around the globe. Together, we can create powerful connections and unforgettable experiences.
