Former NBC Today show co-host Hoda Kotb and actress Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in the film adaptation of “Wicked,” were among the many empowering speakers at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women. The event took place Thursday at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Mayor Cherelle Parker attended the Center City event, which is designed to “promote, empower, communicate and amplify the influence of women in the workplace.” Parker described the conference as “electrifying and quite frankly, contagious.” A second conference is planned for March.

Cynthia Erivo, celebrated for her astounding voice and her portrayal of the green-glowing Wicked Witch in “Wicked,” as well as her acclaimed roles in “The Color Purple” and “Harriet,” shared valuable life lessons with the packed audience. She encouraged women to speak positively about themselves and to embrace confidence.

“I had a friend who was always speaking negatively,” Erivo said. “‘I don’t think that I can do this and I don’t think I’m ready to do this.’ The reverse, ‘I can do this, I am ready to do this,’ sounds much more positive.”

Erivo shared that her mother decided when she was a baby that she was destined to become either a singer or a doctor. “She said that I used to hum and sing all of the time,” Erivo recalled. “I was always chatty and talkative, and I guess she thought that I was kind of bright. At age five, I was in a nativity play and sang a song. By age eleven, people would gather around when I sang on the schoolyard, and I began to realize that I had talent.”

The actress was chosen to attend the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where she began to understand her power to portray characters with vulnerabilities. “What makes you strong is your vulnerability,” Erivo said, adding that she prefers roles in which the character has been heartbroken, has faced difficulties, or has challenges to overcome.

Also featured was Mel Robbins, author of a self-help book and host of a top-ranked podcast. She discussed her book “The Five Second Rule,” which challenges readers to count backwards from five before making decisions.

“You have everything you need to create a better life,” Robbins said. She challenged the audience: “The problem is, it’s you against you. When you are afraid, fear kills action, but action kills fear.”

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On Thursday evening, September 18, 2025, The Philadelphia Tribune hosted its 2025 Most Influential African Americans event. The celebration honors Black Philadelphians who are making a significant impact throughout the area.
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/pennsylvania-conference-for-women-brings-inspiring-star-power/article_d91770fb-ed9f-49c5-8f88-bb703de05e05.html