Femme It Forward Honors Ciara, Jhené Aiko and More at 2025 Gala

Femme It Forward returned to The Beverly Hilton for its 4th Annual Give Her FlowHERS Awards Gala, where the celebration centered on women whose impact continues to shape music, community, and the future of entertainment.

Hosted by Femme It Forward President & CEO Heather Lowery and executive produced by Miatta Johnson and Massah David of MVD, Inc., the evening brought together an electric group of artists, executives, athletes, and mentors for a night anchored in gratitude, sisterhood, and the power of uplifting women.

The evening also marked a standout moment for Billboard as its Executive Director of R&B/Hip-Hop, Gail Mitchell, was honored for her decades of shaping the genre’s narrative and opening doors for the next generation of women across the media industry. Her recognition underscored the gala’s emphasis on lineage, mentorship, and the women who have spent their careers amplifying others.

The night opened under warm lights and lush florals, and included performances from Jordan Ward, Goapele, and FLO. This year’s honorees included Ciara, Jhené Aiko, Mariah The Scientist, Kehlani, Olandria Carthen, Normani, and Ravyn Lenae as they were celebrated alongside industry architects whose work has redefined possibility for women across entertainment.

The Next Gem Femme mentorship program, Femme It Forward’s flagship initiative, was also spotlighted for its pivotal role in providing access and accelerating career trajectories for women of color entering the field. Across the ballroom, mothers presented daughters, friends honored friends, and industry peers highlighted one another’s evolution, creating a night rooted in community and mutual admiration.

Teyana Taylor opened the evening by presenting her mother, Nikki Taylor, with The Queens Raising Queens Award. With barely a dry eye in sight, she thanked her for the blueprint she set, telling her, “I am the mother I am today because you are the mother you chose to be.”

Model Salem Mitchell presented longtime friend Ravyn Lenae with The Fem Z Award, spotlighting Gen Z artists who are setting the tone for the next generation.

Billboard’s Executive Director of R&B/Hip-Hop, Gail Mitchell, received the Mentor Excellence Award, honoring her 26-year legacy of elevating artists, nurturing talent, and advocating for inclusive storytelling across music media. Reflecting on her decades of mentorship, Mitchell told the room, “The main goal I’ve sought to accomplish throughout my career is paying my fortune forward: to hold the door open for others to walk through and fulfill their own dreams.”

Mitchell also offered a heartfelt nod to her colleagues, adding, “Thank you to my R&B/hip-hop family at Billboard, who are part of the next generation carrying the torch forward.”

Mariah The Scientist was recognized with The Bloom Award, presented by her sister Morgan Buckles, celebrating her artistic endeavors, where her momentum, vision, and evolution exemplify creative growth.

Jhené Aiko, whose catalog has contributed to shaping the fabric of contemporary R&B for more than a decade, received The Glow Getter Award from her mother, daughter, and sisters in a deeply vulnerable yet gratifying speech where she thanked her family for carrying her through a challenging year. “This year, they pulled me out of some really dark places,” she said. “They sat by my side when I couldn’t get out of bed.”

Olandria Carthen, honored with The Self-Love Award, emerged as one of the night’s breakthrough voices. With a growing fan base drawn to not only her beauty but her pure honesty, she used her moment to speak directly to women still learning to trust their own worth. “I dedicate this award to any woman who has ever questioned their worth.”

Normani took the stage to accept The Femme It Forward Award from Ryan Destiny, where she spoke spirit behind her work and the role of community in sustaining women in the industry.

“The Femme It Forward award fills me with immense gratitude because it speaks to humanity and who we are as people beyond anything else,” she said. “Philanthropy is never the work of one individual—it’s a shared effort built by communities, mentors, friends, and everyone who believes compassion is a force capable of real change.”

Kehlani’s acceptance of The Alchemist Award, presented by fellow Bay Area artist Goapele, unfolded as one of the night’s most vulnerable speeches. Coming off recent Grammy recognition and a years-long journey of evolution, she reflected on the often unseen parts of transformation.

“I firstly must thank God, the ultimate alchemist, the transformer of all things,” she said. “Alchemy isn’t always shiny; sometimes it happens in the dark when no one is watching, when you’re trying to remember who you are and what you’re here to do.” She thanked her community for allowing her to grow openly, saying, “Thank you for giving me the space to grow, to shift, to unlearn, to heal, and to come back to myself again and again.”

In her first major appearance after stepping down as Chairwoman of Epic Records, Sylvia Rhone accepted the inaugural Sylvia Rhone Legacy Award—a distinction honoring her groundbreaking, decades-long impact in the music industry.

She addressed the women in the room with clarity and conviction: “Now I am passing the baton to you all. Like the Olympic relay races, passing the baton transfers momentum. Successful exchanges make up time you thought you might have lost. Success relies on teamwork, timing, and communication. It’s your time, so go forth and prosper even more.”

The evening closed with a powerful message from Heather Lowery, who told the room: “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.”