Ciara, Jhené Aiko, Mariah The Scientist and more honored at Femme It Forward’s 4th Annual Give Her FlowHERS Gala

Femme It Forward hosts 4th annual Give Her FlowHERS Gala

Femme It Forward hosted its 4th Annual Give Her FlowHERS Awards Gala, bringing together music icons, rising stars, industry leaders, and cultural visionaries for a night dedicated to celebrating women who shape, elevate, and redefine creative spaces. Held at The Beverly Hilton, the event served as both a tribute and a powerful reminder of women’s ongoing influence in music, entertainment, and leadership.

This year’s gala honored Ciara, Jhené Aiko, Kehlani, Mariah The Scientist, Olandria Carthen, Normani, Ravyn Lenae, and more. The night was hosted by Femme It Forward President & CEO Heather Lowery and executive produced by Miatta Johnson and Massah David of MVD, Inc.

The awards spotlighted achievement, resilience, evolution, self-love, creativity, and community impact—core themes that align deeply with Femme It Forward’s mission to celebrate, educate, mentor, and empower women in entertainment.

A Night Designed to Celebrate Women’s Voices

The Give Her FlowHERS Awards has become a key moment in the cultural calendar. It honors not just chart-topping artists but also the behind-the-scenes leaders who open doors and drive progress. Its user-centric approach resonates because the stories told onstage reflect the everyday experiences of women everywhere—self-discovery, growth, healing, and empowerment.

This year’s gala felt especially intimate, with family members presenting several awards. The emphasis on community, legacy, and connection set the tone for an evening full of honesty, vulnerability, humor, and gratitude.

Evergreen themes such as personal evolution, mentorship, and the importance of representation also shaped the night, making the gala not only an awards event but a reflection of the broader movement for equity and empowerment within the music industry.

Teyana Taylor Honors Her Mother with the Queens Raising Queens Award

One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when Teyana Taylor presented The Queens Raising Queens Award to her mother, Nikki Taylor. The category recognizes the maternal figures whose love and foundation make success possible for the next generation.

“I am the mother I am today because you are the mother you chose to be,” Teyana said as she held back tears.

The moment captured a universal truth. Many women in creative fields credit their strength, balance, and perseverance to the women who raised them. The award served as a reminder that empowerment often starts at home.

Ciara Receives The Muse Award from Victoria Monét

The Muse Award honors a living legend whose music and legacy continue to inspire new generations. This year, Ciara received the distinction, presented by Victoria Monét, creating a powerful artist-to-artist moment.

Ciara’s influence reaches far beyond hits and choreography. Her commitment to evolution, reinvention, and authenticity has made her a beacon for women pursuing creative longevity. Her recognition at the gala reaffirmed her place as a cultural icon, mentor, and creative force.

Jhené Aiko Accepts The Glow Getter Award Surrounded by Family

Few moments highlighted the evening’s emotional depth more than Jhené Aiko’s acceptance of The Glow Getter Award. Presented by her daughter Namiko, her mother Christina Yamamoto, and her sisters Mila J and Miyoko, the award celebrates women who embody wellness, self-care, inner strength, and purpose.

Jhené’s speech offered an honest look at her year of healing.

“This year, they pulled me out of some really dark places. They sat by my side when I couldn’t get out of bed,” she said.

Her openness resonated with attendees and reinforces an important evergreen message: caring for one’s emotional and mental well-being is foundational, even for the strongest among us.

Olandria Carthen Honored for Self-Love and Growth

The Self-Love Award went to Olandria Carthen, presented by her mother Felicia. The honor celebrates women who define growth and joy through inner healing and self-worth—an essential theme for women navigating personal and professional spaces.

“I dedicate this award to any woman who has ever questioned their worth,” Olandria said.

Her message speaks to a universal experience. Self-love remains one of the most talked-about yet challenging aspects of wellness, and her recognition champions the importance of honoring one’s value.

Mariah The Scientist Awarded The Bloom Award

Mariah The Scientist received The Bloom Award, presented by her sister Morgan Buckles. The category highlights breakthrough artists whose artistic evolution mirrors personal blooming—quiet growth that eventually becomes impossible to overlook.

The award aligns with evergreen themes of transformation and creative courage. Mariah’s journey reflects the reality of many young artists navigating visibility, identity, and self-discovery in real time.

Kehlani Receives The Alchemist Award

The Alchemist Award celebrates women who turn adversity into artistry. This year, Goapele, a fellow Oakland native, presented the honor to Kehlani, creating a hometown-to-hometown moment rooted in mutual respect.

“I’m nervous, but I had a martini so I should be okay,” Kehlani joked as she began her speech.

Her words captured the lightness she is known for, even while her work and story consistently carry depth. The award underscores the power of resilience and the ability to transform life’s hardest chapters into timeless creative expression.

Ravyn Lenae Recognized as a Gen Z Trailblazer

Model Salem Mitchell presented The Fem Z Award to Ravyn Lenae, honoring her impact as a Gen Z artist who leads with authenticity and creativity. Ravyn’s artistry reflects the bold, experimental, emotionally honest spirit that defines today’s emerging generation.

This recognition speaks to the importance of representation and innovation for younger audiences who look to artists like Ravyn to reshape what creative freedom looks like.

Normani Receives The Femme It Forward Award

Presented by Ryan Destiny, Normani accepted The Femme It Forward Award, an honor reserved for women who lead with vision, impact, and service.

Normani’s continued evolution as an artist and cultural figure has positioned her as an influential voice for women navigating the entertainment landscape. This award reflects her leadership, her advocacy, and her commitment to community.

Industry Giants Honored for Mentorship and Legacy

The gala also celebrated women whose behind-the-scenes work has changed the industry.

• Gail Mitchell, Billboard’s Executive Director of R&B/Hip-Hop, received The Mentor Excellence Award, recognizing her dedication to guiding emerging talent.
• Sylvia Rhone received the inaugural Sylvia Rhone Legacy Award, named in her honor.

Her acceptance included a powerful statement:

“The ROI of Black women is infinite.”

The award recognizes her decades of groundbreaking contributions—contributions that have shaped the very structure of the music industry.

Performances That Elevated the Night

The evening featured dynamic performances from:

• Jordan Ward
• Goapele
• FLO

Each performance added energy and dimension to the gala, blending classic R&B tones with modern textures. The musical segments created natural pacing throughout the night and reinforced the gala’s mission to spotlight multigenerational talent.

Femme It Forward’s Mission at the Heart of the Gala

As always, the event highlighted Next Gem Femme, Femme It Forward’s flagship mentorship program for women of color. The initiative connects emerging professionals with executives who guide their career journeys. Its goal is to expand equity, accelerate opportunities, and build a stronger future pipeline of women leaders.

By honoring mentors and mentees, the gala amplified the idea that empowerment is not only personal but collective.

Heather Lowery Closes with a Message of Hope

Founder & CEO Heather Lowery ended the night with a powerful reminder:

“To every woman watching, listening, or quietly dreaming, remember your story is sacred; your roots are strong; and your flower will bloom in its own divine timing.”

Her words captured the essence of the gala: growth is personal, strength is inherited, and every woman has a story worth honoring.