The weekend of April 4-7, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio, was electrified by a trio of major events: a sold-out NCAA Women\u2019s Basketball Final Four, a much-anticipated total Lunar Eclipse, and the dynamic “Tall Girl Takeover” hosted by Tall Girls United (TGU). Towering women from across the country, all standing 6 feet and above, gathered for the second annual Wellness, Wealth, & Winning Conference, a TGU initiative aimed at uniting tall girls worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The conference kicked off with a vibrant Meet & Greet at the Cleveland Marriott at Key Towers. Organized by TGU Leadership Team member and Director of Community Affairs, Nasheema Anderson<\/strong>, the event featured delectable hors d’oeuvres and refreshing mocktails, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie. “Tall girls are often isolated in our respective cities with stares and daily questions, but for this moment in time, we created a safe space for Tall Girls to finally find their tribe,” said Sylvia Crawley Spann<\/strong>, Co-Founder and CEO of Tall Girls United, LLC, and the Tall Girls United Fund (TGUFund 501c-3).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In collaboration with the WNBA and the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio, the Ultimate Brunch & Forum was an undeniable highlight of the conference. It featured an electrifying TGU Talk by WNBA veteran and acclaimed author Yolanda Moore, followed by an extraordinary panel discussion with WNBA legends Vicki Hall, Tracy Henderson-Edwards (former Minneapolis Henry High School star, High School All-American, and 2019 Minnesota High School Basketball Hall of Fame inductee), and Cleveland Boys & Girls Club honored alum Semeka Randall Lay. The event was alive with insightful conversations and a sumptuous brunch buffet showcasing the absolute best of regional delights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The conference\u2019s crown jewel was the “Tip-Off” Fashion Show at Lounges Content Studio in downtown Cleveland. Sponsored by NY LED Furniture, the show boasted the tallest lineup of models ever seen on a runway, with 20 top models strutting down a dynamic, LED-lit catwalk. TGU runway coach Lashay Davis<\/strong> led the models, including WNBA Seattle Storm\u2019s 6\u20192 guard Jordan Horston<\/strong> and hometown star Shyanne Sellers<\/strong>, the 6\u20192 All-Big 10 guard from the University of Maryland. The Sellers family played a significant role, with Big 10 Star and NBA veteran Brad Sellers<\/strong>, Mayor of nearby Warrensville Heights, radio broadcaster legend Kymberly Sellers<\/strong>, and the Sellers sisters serving as the Honorary Chairs for the conference. The models dazzled in designs from top tall girl brands like Crawley\u2019s Creation, TJL Collection, Nineth Closet, Prissy Duck,<\/strong> and Morle Collection<\/strong>, captivating the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saturday\u2019s excitement peaked with a Launch Party for the Women’s Basketball League (WBL), marking the revival of the late 1990s Cleveland Rockers, a WNBA charter organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The conference concluded on Sunday with the FCA Worship Service and Kay Yow Breakfast, offering inspiration and affirmations to attendees. In partnership with WNBA Chaplains, TGU provided a place of worship for all coaches, administrators, and players attending the Final Four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As TGU moves into year-round programming, be on the lookout for regional and international TGU brunches and other special TGU membership events worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The launch of the TGU Memberships<\/a> Drive kicked off on December 16, 2023, at a private viewing of Beyonc\u00e9’s Renaissance at IPIC Theater – Galleria<\/a>, in Houston, TX. The exclusive event was an extraordinary gathering of Tall Queens, graced by the presence of WNBA icon Sheryl Swoopes<\/strong> and the remarkable Dr. Chelsea Frazier<\/strong>, a former Breck HS MN Girls Basketball State Champion, All-Freshman Ivy League player, and current Cornell University Assistant Professor. It commenced with a heartfelt welcome from Crawley Spann on the big screen. A special shoutout goes to Tamara [Irwin] Williams<\/strong>, Minneapolis North High School alum, and former Lady Polar, who not only attended but also joined us on-site before bidding farewell to the event, marking her as TGU\u2019s inaugural VIP Member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n