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

There are moments in life that remind you how powerful it can be to simply 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. It was more than just an event. It was an experience that left me reflecting on growth, opportunity, fear, and the importance of believing in your own voice.

From the moment I walked into the room, the energy felt inspiring. The space was filled with accomplished and influential women from a wide range of industries including media, business, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. There was a shared sense of ambition and purpose in the room, and it was clear that many of the women there had taken bold steps to build meaningful careers and make an impact in their fields.

Among the women in attendance were several well known and respected voices. 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. Shaina Rainford, the founder of Bask and Lather Organic and Healthy Hair Care, represented the world of entrepreneurship and innovation. Vikki Ziegler, founding partner of Ziegler Law Group and author, brought her legal and business perspective to the conversation. Helen Little, a Hall of Fame on air personality and brand influencer at iHeartMedia, was also present. Another powerful voice in the room was Bozoma “Boz” Saint John, author and the former Chief Marketing Officer at Netflix and one of the most respected marketing leaders in media and branding.

Being in a room with women who have built brands, led companies, and shaped culture was both inspiring and humbling. Each woman represented a unique journey toward success, yet they all shared something in common. They had the courage to take risks, the confidence to lead, and the determination to build something meaningful within their industries.

One of the most memorable moments from the event 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 immediately resonated with me. Often, people focus on the amount of time they spend pursuing their goals. They think about how long it takes to succeed or how many years it will take to accomplish something meaningful. However, the idea of living the width of life offers a different perspective. Living the width of life means expanding your experiences, embracing opportunities, building connections, and allowing yourself to grow in spaces that challenge you.

This event reminded me of the importance of doing exactly that.

If I am being completely honest, there were moments when I looked around the room and felt a little insignificant. When you are surrounded by individuals who have achieved so much, it can make you question where you stand. However, as the event continued, I realized something important. Being in the room is not about comparing accomplishments. Being in the room is about recognizing your own value.

Every person who enters a space like that brings something unique with them. It might be creativity, perspective, 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.

One of my biggest takeaways from the event was the conversation around fear. Fear has a way of making people hesitate, second guess themselves, or talk themselves out of opportunities that could change their lives. However, the message that stood out to me was simple but powerful. Look fear in the eye and wink at it. Push through it anyway.

If something makes you nervous but also excites you, it may be an opportunity worth taking. Growth often happens when we move forward even when we are uncertain. Many of the women in that room likely faced moments of fear throughout their careers, yet they chose to move forward despite it.

Another important lesson I took away from the experience was the need to pour back into myself and my craft. It is easy to spend so much time giving to others that we forget to nurture our own talents and passions. This event reminded me to invest in my voice, my work, and the creative paths that continue to inspire me.

It also reminded me of the importance of not dimming your light for anyone. Each person has something valuable to offer the world. When you allow your voice, creativity, and ideas to shine, you not only grow personally but also create space for others to do the same.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend this event thanks to my dear friend and former co-worker Randy Gomez. Her invitation reminded me of how powerful genuine connections and networking can be. Sometimes one invitation can open the door to an experience that shifts your perspective and motivates you to keep moving forward.

As someone who hosts radio and podcast content through NikiMarie Radio and is currently affiliated with 90.3 WHPC at Nassau Community College, being surrounded by women who have influenced media, storytelling, and culture was incredibly meaningful. It reminded me that voices matter. Storytelling matters. Representation and connection still hold tremendous power.

International Women’s Day is not just a celebration. It is a reminder of the strength, vision, and leadership that women bring to every industry and community. The impact of women continues to shape culture, business, and society in meaningful ways.

For me, this experience served as a powerful reminder to keep growing, keep creating, and keep stepping into rooms that challenge and inspire me. Life is not only about how long we live. It is about how wide we allow our lives to grow and how willing we are to embrace the opportunities that come our way.