At the Kumble Theatre, the Women’s International Music Network (WiMN) and the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment hosted She Rocks: From Inspiration to Track, an evening of live performance, creative dialogue, and empowerment featuring Divinity Roxx, Morgan James, Miette Hope, and Aijia.
Held on Thursday, October 23rd, in Brooklyn, this free community event celebrated women’s artistry, innovation, and resilience within a rapidly evolving music industry. Hosted by WiMN founder Laura B. Whitmore and moderated by Aijia, a singer-songwriter and producer known for her work with Selena Gomez, Anderson. Paak and Andy Grammer, the night seamlessly blended performance and conversation.
A Powerhouse Lineup of Women in Music
The event featured an inspiring mix of artists whose careers reflect both depth and diversity:
- Divinity Roxx – Grammy-nominated bassist, composer, and former Beyoncé musical director.
- Morgan James — Juilliard-trained singer, songwriter, and Broadway alum, celebrated by The New York Times.
- Miette Hope — Brooklyn-based songwriter and producer whose credits include Love Island, Amazon, Google, and Target.
The Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment continues to set itself apart with an industry-facing approach that gives students direct access to active professionals, turning education into real-time experience.
Claiming Power and Redefining Presence
A recurring theme of the evening was claiming one’s power as a woman in music. In studio environments often dominated by men, assumptions still linger about who leads the creative process.
“In a room full of men, it’s usually assumed the guy is the producer,” one panelist noted with humor. “Even if he’s making his first track, his confidence shoots through the roof. Mean while overcoming Imposter syndrome to take up space.” That sentiment resonated deeply. Each speaker emphasized the importance of authenticity, self-belief, and community, transforming challenges into catalysts for creativity.
Divinity Roxx: Owning the Groove
Divinity Roxx shared her powerful story of transformation from rapper to bassist at age 20, proving it’s never too late to pivot creatively.
“It took me a long time to say, ‘I’m a bass player,’” she reflected. “There was so much to learn, to breathe in, to become.”
Her live demonstration traced the evolution of a song from a simple bassline to a finished production, showing how collaboration and curiosity bring music to life.
Roxx also reflected on her time performing with Beyoncé, recalling how she “slept with her bass” to internalize her instrument’s rhythm and feel. Her dedication and joy underscored her message: “You have to have fun, but it has to feel right.”
Aijia: Simplicity and Soul
Aijia brought warmth and wisdom through her performance, opening with a tender piano ballad about love that filled the Kumble Theatre with stillness. Her second song lifted the energy, showcasing her dynamic presence as both artist and curator.
In conversation, she spoke about collaboration as a cornerstone of creativity:
Women create differently. We don’t isolate, we connect, communicate, and care about how it feels.
Her approach captures what makes the modern woman producer so impactful: a balance of intuition, technical skill, and emotional fluency & working with the team.
Miette Hope: Freedom in Multiplicity
Miette Hope inspired many with her take on the “multi-hyphenate” artist identity.
You don’t have to choose one lane,” she said. “You can write, produce, perform whatever feels true.
Her creative process thrives on movement; she often finds inspiration during her commutes between teaching sessions. Hope shared that she’s currently finishing an EP slated for release in 2026, blending soulful lyrics with introspective production.
Her message: your journey can be nonlinear, and that’s where the beauty lies.
Morgan James: Soul, Structure, and Trust
Morgan James delivered two captivating original songs, accompanied by her acoustic guitarist. Experiencing her live for the first time was stunning. Her range is unexpected, her tone rich with soul and love.
She described her creative process as intimate and grounded in trust:
Most of her songwriting happens alongside her husband and creative partner, where chemistry and comfort allow authenticity to flow. James emphasized how essential it is for women to feel safe and inspired in their creative relationships to lead from both strength and sensitivity.
Ecosystems of Empowerment
The movement toward equity in music continues through organizations championing education, mentorship, and inclusion:
- She Is The Music
- We Make Noise
- Gender Amplified
- Beats By Girls
- Mistra Music
- RAMPD – Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities
Together with the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment, these organizations are shaping a more inclusive future where all artists have the tools and visibility to thrive.
A Rhythm Reset and Full Circle Moment
Back in May 2025, I was invited by AEG to see Janet Jackson perform at Resorts World Theatre, an experience that reset my rhythm and reignited my creative spark. From that night to my conversation with Jimmy Jam at City Winery, and now She Rocks at the Kumble Theatre, these experiences have become my continuing education in music and purpose.
More than events, they are reminders of what makes this industry truly special: the people.
As a songwriter, I believe our gift is interpretation to communicate feelings others hold but cannot yet express. What I witnessed at She Rocks is proof that women are not just participants in music; they are architects of its evolution.
This isn’t about diminishing men; it’s about acknowledging that women are integral at every level of artistry, from production and songwriting to public relations and performance. When I say “She Rocks,” I mean every woman working steadfastly, creating impact, and deserving her flowers.
Gratitude and Connection
I’m proud to have attended and documented this event. The Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment continues to build bridges between artistry and education, fostering spaces that feel both professional and personal.
Special thanks to Alexis from Vital Versatility PR and Rachel Wyman for the invitation.
During intermission, I met Carly Shea, a gifted songwriter who hosts songwriting camps. We connected instantly and have since continued the conversation online. It’s proof that attending events like this isn’t just about listening, it’s about building real relationships that expand our creative community.
To every woman creating, collaborating, and courageously showing up:
You don’t just rock. You redefine the rhythm.
