*As a Coca-Cola VIP Blogger, my travel and accommodations for the 20th annual ESSENCE Festival are being provided by the company.

 

A dream realized.

 

As far back as I can remember, I have held a huge love for two things: ESSENCE and Coca-Cola. I have dreamed of attending the ESSENCE Festival ever since it began 20 years ago, and one of my top blogging goals was to work with one of my favorite beverage brands: Coca-Cola. Needless to say how shocked and ecstatic I was when I received a personal invitation to be a Coca-Cola VIP Blogger at the 2014 ESSENCE Festival during the fourth of July weekend in New Orleans!

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As a special guest of Coca-Cola, I get to meet other influential Bloggers and learn about Coca-Cola’s latest initiatives. One of which being their commitment to women and diversity, and partnership with ESSENCE. I will also have the chance to connect with other Coca-Cola VIP guests through exclusive events, including elected officials and dignitaries. All of this while having the opportunity to celebrate memorable moments and enjoy entertainment from A-List musicians at the nightly concerts.

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During the four days of my stay in New Orleans for the Festival, I am looking most forward to the ESSENCE Empowerment Experience. Known as the nation’s largest forum for African-American women, I will get to attend empowering and inspiring panel conversations hosted by Alicia Keys, Iyanla Vanzant, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and many others. And as someone who is earnestly working to get my health back on track, I am equally excited about the interactive health and wellness sessions as well as the 5K Run/Walk hosted by Coca-Cola in partnership with one of my favorite groups: Black Girls Run.

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Coca-Cola and ESSENCE have and always will be such an integral part of my life. Both companies have shaped the person I am today through great information and great memories. I’m so thrilled that two of my professional and personal goals are being realized in one single event! I am so grateful to Coca-Cola for this wonderful opportunity! It really is a dream come true for me!

Coca-Cola VIP Blogger

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I am very proud and honored to serve as a Coca-Cola VIP Blogger for the 2014 ESSENCE Festival! I will be sharing my experiences on all of my social media channels throughout the festival – please feel free to connect with me across the web to see all of my updates!

 

MELISASource on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MELISASource

MELISASource on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MELISASource

MELISASource on Instagram: www.instagram.com/MELISASource

Coca-Cola VIP Blogger

You can also keep up with the events by visiting the www.cokeessencefest.com and on social media by using the hashtag: #CokeESSENCEFest

 

Coca-Cola VIP Blogger