(RALEIGH, NC) - Radio One of Raleigh presents Women’s Empowerment 2013 on Saturday, March 23 at Lenovo Center. Women’s Empowerment is a high energy, high profile event that targets African-American women of all ages and is attended by as many as 18,000 Radio One listeners. A presenting sponsor of Women’s Empowerment is Duke Medicine.

Women’s Empowerment has empowered, educated and entertained women for the past 18 years. This extravagant event has become a tradition for women of the Triangle. For an entire day women are dazzled with unforgettable performances by national recording artists, impressive vendor displays, informative seminars and celebrity autograph sessions.

Past speakers have included Susan Taylor, former editor in chief of Essence magazine, entertainment diva Patti LaBelle, R&B songstress Mary J. Blige, actress and director Debbie Allen, actress Phylicia Rashad, motivational speaker Iyanla Vanzant, award winning actresses and producers Angela Bassett and Vivica A. Fox, television personality Star Jones-Reynolds, Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts, champion of health & fitness Laila Ali, supermodel Tyra Banks and entertainer Steve Harvey. 

The event will feature a noteworthy motivational speech by an internationally recognized speaker. This year’s keynote speaker will be charismatic leader, visionary, provocative thinker and entrepreneur Bishop T.D. Jakes. Bishop Jakes serves as senior pastor of The Potter’s House, a global humanitarian organization and 30,000 member church located in Dallas.

Beyond the pulpit, Jakes ranks among the 25 Most Influential African Americans, Britain's 100 Most Influential Black People and EBONY's Power150. His worldwide impact can be felt through a media empire that spans film, television, radio, best-selling books, greeting cards and conference series.

Talk show host, best-selling author and executive producer Wendy Williams will also speak at this year’s event. “The Wendy Williams Show,” which airs in 52 countries, on BET at midnight, BET Centric, and is now in its fourth season, has just been renewed on Fox through 2014. Prior to achieving success in daytime television, Williams built a devoted audience of fans throughout an enormously successful 23-year career in radio.

Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Charlie Wilson has been added to this year’s stellar Women’s Empowerment performance line-up. Wilson is the talent behind the 15-week Billboard Urban Adult Contemporary chart-topper You Are. Known as the lead singer of The Gap Band, Wilson has emerged as a powerfully dynamic solo artist.

North Carolina native LeJuene Thompson will be performing this year. Thompson is an award-winning, contemporary gospel singer, with a voice so compelling and a singing style so captivating that she has been dubbed “The Diva in Waiting” by Billboard magazine. In addition, Bishop Morton will be performing. Morton is a visionary leader, accomplished author, renowned pastor and popular recording artist.

Created in March 1994, in honor of Women’s History Month, Women’s Empowerment was designed to enhance the lives of African-American women by addressing issues that specifically impact their health, relationship and overall lifestyle.

Tickets are on sale now at the Lenovo Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. Additional information about Women’s Empowerment 2013 can be obtained by calling (919) 848-9736 or online at www.foxync.com or www.thelightnc.com.