PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT’s 2024 SWEATlebrity Award Speeches
September 23, 2024 • By PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT
PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT’s annual SWEATlebrity™️ Awards have earned a reputation for delivering uplifting, emotional, and deeply inspirational moments—and this year was no exception. Hosted at Garden City Events in Atlanta, GA, the 2024 edition of the SWEATlebrity™️ Awards spotlighted seven remarkable women who have made their mark in the wellness world. Over the years, we have honored 43 incredible leaders, from Laila Ali and Rasheeda Frost to Keri Hilson and Riley Burruss, and this year, we were thrilled to add Jené Marie, Kayla Nicole, Leticia Gardner, J’zotta Rolle, Samia Gore, Azariah McGowan, and Shea Dawson to that prestigious list. Their acceptance speeches, with moving words, motivated and inspired everyone in attendance. Whether you missed it or just want to relive the magic, press play and feel the inspiration. These women understood the assignment, and their words are sure to move you. Watch the full acceptance speeches below!
Jené Marie – Dancer / Actor / Content Creator
Jené Marie is a professional dancer, actor, and all-around creative content creator, originally from Louisville, Kentucky. She moved to Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of 10 to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, and her journey has been unstoppable ever since. Her career has taken off, allowing her to share the stage and screen with some of your favorite artists, including Ciara, Teyana Taylor, Tyra Banks, Latto, and more. In the summer of 2024, Jené had the incredible opportunity to tour with Missy Elliott, an experience she cherished. Now, she’s focused on continuing to expand her brand and inspire others to follow their dreams.
Kayla Nicole – Media Correspondent / Wellness Founder
Kayla Nicole, an LA native, is a dynamic actor, content creator, on-camera host, and model. As the founder of the wellness platform Strong Is Sexy, she empowers women to embrace their inner strength over external appearances. With a background in media journalism, she has worked with major organizations like NBA, BET, and Global Grind. Kayla is also the founder of Tribe Therepe, offering mental and physical health guidance for those unable to afford therapy. Her recent acting credits include Kevin Hart’s FIGHT NIGHT and The Family Business New Orleans on BET.
Leticia Gardner – CEO, Be Your Own Skinny
Leticia Gardner, an entrepreneur from Jersey City, is a powerhouse who balances her roles as a mom, wife, boss, and fitness guru. With a passion for beauty and wellness, she is revolutionizing the industry while leading by example. Leticia excels in both her personal and professional life, inspiring others with her dedication to health and fitness. Her unwavering drive and magnetic personality make her a force to be reckoned with, motivating others to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in the world.
J’zotta Rolle – CEO, Set Body & Beauty Corp / Fitgirlbomb
J’zotta Rolle, also known as @FitGirlBomb, is a fitness influencer and entrepreneur with a powerful online presence. Known for her innovative workouts and motivational content, J’zotta inspires women to embrace fitness as a lifestyle. Based in the U.S., she promotes sustainable health and wellness through her social media platforms and her upcoming activewear line, empowering women to build both physical and mental strength globally.
Samia Gore – CEO, Body Complete Rx & FoundnWell
Samia Gore is a trailblazing entrepreneur and founder of Body Complete Rx and FoundnWell, breaking barriers as the first Black female founder in the nutritional supplement industry.
As CEO of FoundnWell, a 501c3 providing mental health resources for entrepreneurs, she empowers others on their wellness journeys. Recognized by Inc. Magazine as a “Top Female Founder 100,” Samia continues to inspire as a mentor and featured speaker for platforms like Harvard Business School, Essence, and Create + Cultivate.
Azariah McGowan – Fitness Influencer
Azariah McGowan, a 22-year-old college student, began her fitness journey in 2020 during COVID by tackling at-home workouts and challenges to reach her goals. Sharing her progress and struggles on social media, Azariah aims to inspire women to prioritize their health, embrace their authentic selves, and lead healthier lives. She is passionate about building a supportive community that empowers the next generation of women to thrive and reach their full potential.
Shea Dawson – Sr. Director of Athlete Relations & Partnership Development, Overtime
Le’Sheala “Shea” Dawson is a transformative figure in the world of sports, serving as the Senior Director of Athlete Relations & Partnership Development at Overtime. Her deep understanding of basketball at all levels has been key to the brand’s strategic growth. Shea played an instrumental role in launching the Overtime Elite and Overtime Select basketball leagues, solidifying Overtime’s unique position in the industry.
Since fitness influencers aren’t often celebrated for their life-changing impact, it is no surprise that this year’s SWEATlebrity™️ honorees delivered powerful messages that resonated with everyone. From heartfelt gratitude to inspiring words of wisdom, each speech was a testament to these wellness game-changers’ strength, resilience, and dedication.
All Videos: Bee Alyssa Trofort