Living the Width of the Moment: International Women’s Day at iHeartMedia

There are moments in life that remind you just how powerful it is to be present in the right room surrounded by the right energy. Attending the International Women’s Day event at iHeartMedia was one of those moments for me.

From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt electric. The room was filled with accomplished, influential, and inspiring women from many different industries including media, business, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. It was the kind of environment where you could feel ambition, resilience, and purpose all in the same space.

Among the women in attendance were some incredible names. Media personalities Angela Yee and Angie Martinez were there, along with singer Brenda K. Starr, who I had the pleasure of connecting with personally. Comedian and Breakfast Club co-host Jess Hilarious was also part of the experience, along with Shaina Rainford, the founder of Bask and Lather Organic and Healthy Hair Care. Vikki Ziegler, founding partner of Ziegler Law Group and author, brought her legal and entrepreneurial perspective to the room. Helen Little, Hall of Fame on air personality and brand influencer at iHeartMedia, was also part of the experience. Another powerful voice was marketing executive Bozoma “Boz” Saint John, the former Chief Marketing Officer at Netflix and one of the most respected leaders in branding and media.

Being in that room was both inspiring and humbling. Each woman represented a different journey to success, yet they all shared something powerful in common. They had the courage to take risks, the courage to lead, and the courage to build something meaningful within their industries.

One of the moments that truly stayed with me came when Bozoma Saint John shared a quote from author Diane Ackerman. She said, “I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.”

That quote instantly resonated with me.

So often we focus on time. We think about how long we have been working toward something, how much time has passed, or how many years it might take to reach our goals. But the idea of living the width of life brings a completely different perspective. Living the width of life means expanding your experiences, creating meaningful connections, stepping into new opportunities, and allowing yourself to grow in spaces that challenge you.

And this room certainly did that for me.

If I am being completely honest, there were moments when I looked around and felt a little insignificant. When you are surrounded by women who have built brands, led companies, written books, and shaped culture, it can make you question where you stand. But as the event continued, I began to realize something important.

Being in the room is not about comparing accomplishments.

Being in the room is about recognizing your own value.

Everyone who enters a space like that brings something unique with them. It might be creativity, perspective, leadership, determination, or simply the willingness to keep learning and growing. Sometimes the most important step forward is allowing yourself to show up and claim your place.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend this event thanks to my dear friend and former coworker Randy Gomez. Moments like this remind me how powerful networking and genuine relationships can be. One invitation can open the door to experiences that expand your thinking and remind you why you started your journey in the first place.

As someone who hosts radio and podcast content through NikiMarie Radio and who is currently affiliated with 90.3 WHPC at Nassau Community College, being surrounded by women who have influenced media, storytelling, and culture felt incredibly meaningful. It reminded me why voices matter. It reminded me why storytelling matters. And it reminded me that representation and connection are still some of the most powerful tools we have.

International Women’s Day is not just a celebration. It is a reflection of the impact women continue to make in culture, business, leadership, and communities around the world. Throughout the entire month of March, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, we are reminded that the vision, strength, and determination of women continue to shape the future.

For me, this experience was a reminder to keep growing, keep building, and keep stepping into rooms that inspire you to become more than you were yesterday.

Life is not only about how long we live.

It is about how wide we allow our lives to grow.