In celebration of Women’s History Month, Florida A&M University (FAMU) First Lady Wendy Beard hosted Unbreakable: A Celebration of Strength, held in the grand ballroom on Monday, March 17, 2025.

Women gathered from every corner of the university and community to pay tribute to the joys of womanhood. As they waited to check in, they were gifted tiaras to adorn their heads and goodie bags, including ‘Queens of the Hill’ buttons they quickly pinned to their chest.

Guiding the flow of energy was newly appointed Chief of Staff Carmen Cummings-Martin, who served as moderator with a blend of charm and humor. She engaged the audience by sharing her personal experience of having to encourage herself.

“I look at myself, and I speak over myself: ‘Girl, you got it going on. That's right. That's right. That outfit you were going to wear, we're not going to wear that today because you are going to walk in there with confidence by grace, and you are beautiful,” said Cummings-Martin, who also serves as assistant vice president of Alumni Affairs.

Her words were met with nods of agreement and laughter throughout the room.

Bringing greetings on behalf of the royal court family was Miss Florida A&M University Kayla Jada Thompson. With poise and purpose, she said, “Today, we not only gather on the achievements of women throughout history but also recognize the unbreakable strand that has defined us as a community. As we reflect on the word unbreakable, we are reminded that strength is not only about physical resilience; it is about the fortitude of spirit and the courage to rise even through adversity.”

It was only fitting that Interim President Timothy L. Beard, Ph.D., took a moment to acknowledge the women of FAMU who help put the care in “excellence with caring.”

“I'm honored to work beside every one of you, and I am grateful for your leadership and contributions,” he shared. Before taking his seat, Beard added with a smile that no one does it quite like women, “We try to mimic you, but we fall so short.”

As attendees enjoyed lunch, Vice President/Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Alonda Thomas encouraged them to engage in meaningful conversations about self-care and resilience with a preselected table moderator to initiate the discussions. And then, capturing the essence of the event, Thomas recited an excerpt from Maya Angelou’s Phenomenal Woman:

“Pretty women often wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size. But when I start to tell them, they think I’m telling lies. I say, it’s in the reach of my arms, the span of my hips, the stride of my step, the curl of my lips. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me,” read Thomas.

Guests were also treated to a gifted vocal performance by Anthony Williams, former background singer for the incomparable Pattie LaBelle. He serenaded the audience with soul-stirring renditions of “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “Hero,” which ended with a standing ovation.

Before Williams sang the house down, Interim President Beard stood once more to introduce his wife of four decades, describing her as his “first and only lady.”

“During her career in education, she inspired, empowered, and mentored thousands of women, particularly young women and little girls. I have witnessed firsthand her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others, which is why she is indeed an exceptional queen, wife, and mother—you name it, she gets the job done. I am truly blessed to have had her by my side, both as my partner in life and as a source of strength and inspiration,” he praised.

Wendy Beard took to the microphone with warmth and intention, delivering a message of resilience, solidarity and community.

“Let this luncheon today serve as a reminder of our collective power and the remarkable impact we can have when we support one another. Together, we are unbreakable, and our stories of triumph continue to inspire future generations. When we leave today, my hope is that every woman that is present today will feel uplifted, empowered, and reminded of the strength that you carry within yourself,” she urged.

The first lady described the tiaras each audience member wore as not just decorative, but symbols of authority and power, representing grace, dignity, resilience and inner strength. She encouraged everyone to wear their crowns with pride and view challenges as opportunities to elevate above the fray, using setbacks as moments to readjust and persevere.

The first lady further emphasized supporting others, leading with confidence, embracing self-worth and letting their crowns shine as a testament to their potential.

With fire in her voice, she continued: “Embrace your uniqueness. Your crown reflects the beauty that makes you who you are. When you lift up another woman, you not only elevate her, but also enhance the realness of your crown. Your crown is a symbol of leadership, so step forward and lead with grace and confidence. Every setback that you have is a chance to fix your crown and show the world of your determination.”

She reminded the women that “even a queen will face storms,” but it is how they wear their crown that defines them. She urged them to celebrate their victories, great and small, because it adds to the beauty of their crowns.

“In times of uncertainty, trust that your crown will guide you towards your purpose. Your crown is a symbol of empowerment. Share your story, but hopefully, it will uplift others. When you doubt your worth, put your crown on. Look in the mirror, and what will you see? You'll see that limitless possibilities are within you. Know your worth. Know that you are somebody,” she sermonized.

As she looked out at the sea of women before her, she described them as a royal court of mothers, grandmothers, cancer survivors, women who have lost their partners, married women, working professionals, students, seasoned women with disabilities, women who represent diverse ethnicities and cultures, activists, entrepreneurs, caregivers, women using their talents to inspire others; mental health advocates, community leaders, athletes, and women who have shaped society.

“We rise by lifting each other up. We have to keep shining and supporting one another,” she said. “I want you today to be the queen who fixes another woman's crown without telling the world that it was crooked.”

The first lady then recalled a seemingly simple but profound exchange between her and her church member Sister Cooper, whom she had known since a youth. Sensing Wendy Beard struggling one day, Sister Cooper approached her and said, “I love you.” The words caused the first lady to break down and cry, but, she said, it made everything all right, and for that, Sister Cooper will always be a part of her story.

As the luncheon drew to a close, Wendy Beard had a final charge for women in the room, telling them no matter what they may be going through, they should shake it off and keep it moving.

“Remember, we are all on this journey together, and our support for one another is invaluable. So, let's empower each other with kindness and understanding and lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. When we support each other, we all rise,” she said.

Then came the moment that heightened the energy to another level. In an exercise of collective affirmation, Wendy Beard led the room in a declaration—eye to eye, woman to woman, crown to crown. The room echoed as guests said to one another, “You are royal. You are strong. You are powerful.”

It wasn’t just words—it was a renewal, a reminder that each woman in that space was part of something greater.

There were tears. Smiles. Hugs. Laughter. By the end, the message was crystal clear—these women weren’t just attending an event. They were reclaiming their power. The tiaras weren’t just accessories; they were armor. And as they walked out, heads high and spirits higher, one thing was undeniable: they were—and always will be—unbreakable.

Photos by: Glenn Beil/Office of Communications

Event Coordinator: Vernon E. Bryant/Office of the President

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