Women unite for second Diva’s Day Out

Women came together to celebrate A Walking Brand’s second Diva’s Day Out. Photo by Daria Laycock
The ladies walked a red carpet and had their photos taken before a screening of Proud Mary.

By Daria Laycock
Outlook Writer

As she stared at the line that hugged the wall and disappeared around the corner of the Tallahassee AMC 20, Tiffany Hill knew that her efforts were a success.

 
In the line was a diverse group of women and girls of all ages who were there in droves for Diva’s Day Out.

 
Hill staged the event for the second consecutive year through her nonprofit organization, A Walking Brand. The organization’s mission is to promote unity and a diverse sisterhood, Hill said.

 
A military veteran, Hill saw the world and experienced diverse cultures. She was taken aback when she returned home to find a lack of diversity in Tallahassee, she said.

 
“I had to ask, ‘why was there such a separation?’ ” Hill said. “I wanted to create events where everyone can feel welcome, no matter what they look like or what kind of clothes they have on.”

 
Out of that came the idea for Diva’s Day Out. Last year, Hill recruited more than 100 women from across the country for A Walking Brand’s first Diva’s Day. The turnout was the impetus for repeating the event, she said.

 
This year’s event was divided into three segments.

 
The day began at GrassLands Brewing Company where participants engaged in a combined gift exchange and cocktail hour. Leftover gifts from the “sip and swap” were donated to the HOPE center, a homeless facility for women.

 
As the day progressed the women went to Exit Tallahassee. The stop gave the women an opportunity to participate in a critical thinking session while working together.

 
The day culminated in a private screening of Proud Mary starring Taraji P. Henson. A red carpet lined the women’s path into the theater.
Brandis Hall said she couldn’t miss the chance to participate in the event.

 
“I came out last year (and) there were so many women and you don’t get to see that in Tallahassee,” Hall said. “It’s a great way to network.”
Even more valuable were the friendships she made, Hall said.

 
“I met one young woman earlier at the brewery and she was so cool and down to earth,” she said. “One girl I met last year and we still hang out. She came earlier and we are going to the after party together.”