An inspiring partnership fuels authentic conversations and creates pathways for future generations through impactful storytelling and community-driven events.
The partnership between AT&T and Hello Sunshine stands out as a powerful collaboration rooted in shared values and mutual goals. Kellyn Smith Kenny, AT&T’s Chief Marketing and Growth Officer, emphasized the synergy between the two companies: “AT&T began working with Hello Sunshine in 2016. We wanted to get in on the ground floor with a company that resonates with our customer base. The mission is to create meaningful connections between women, and we believe our values align with theirs.”
Kenny highlighted AT&T’s commitment to engaging with communities that resonate deeply with its customers. This partnership with Hello Sunshine allowed AT&T to align closely with a company focused on inspiring and empowering women. AT&T’s involvement from the start allowed them to support Hello Sunshine’s growth and mission—a true “ground-floor” partnership that has flourished over the years.
This year marked the second Shine Away event, a two-day experience built on the previous year’s success. More than a thousand attendees immersed themselves in networking and connection opportunities designed to inspire and create pathways for growth. The event featured curated lounges and panels with notable media, literature, and business figures. The power list included Tatyana Ali, Dr. Thais Aliabadi, Brooke Baldwin, Andi Bartz, Sara Blakely, Julia Boorstin, Kate Bowler, Lauren Ling Brown, Sydney Carter, Kerry Diamond, Kathleen Griffith, Dr. Mary Claire Haver, Francesca Hogi, Nancy Jooyoun Kim, Lauren Makler, Gillian McAllister, Heather McMahan, Olivia Munn, Naomi Watts, and many more. These influential leaders shared valuable insights on career development, personal growth, and well-being.
Participants’ feedback emphasized the event’s impact, with attendees from various backgrounds highlighting powerful moments and meaningful discussions. One impactful panel discussion, skillfully moderated by Kellyn Smith Kenny, featured Reese Witherspoon, Founder of Hello Sunshine, and Academy Award winners Laura Dern and Octavia Spencer. This captivating session’s authenticity and emotional depth engaged the audience as three acclaimed women shared their personal stories, insights, and experiences. Kenny noted that the openness and vulnerability shown by the panelists emphasized their community commitment, creating a genuine connection with attendees. “The authenticity speaks to how much they value the community. They trusted the audience enough to share their personal stories,” she observed, highlighting how real connections can foster a supportive, inspiring environment.
Hello Sunshine’s mission to uplift women and share diverse stories resonates profoundly with its community. Kenny praised the vision of Hello Sunshine, acknowledging the brand’s ability to cultivate a fiercely loyal fan base. By making Shine Away accessible online through platforms like Instagram, Hello Sunshine ensured that those unable to attend in person could still experience the event’s spirit and inspiration.
AT&T and Hello Sunshine deepened their collaboration through workshops and strategic meetings, creating a community-focused experience that brought customers and fans closer together. This partnership, rooted in shared values, allowed both brands to connect meaningfully with their audiences.
Academy Award-winner Octavia Spencer shared her appreciation for Shine Away and Hello Sunshine’s efforts in fostering a women-supporting-women community. “The community of strong women that Reese and Hello Sunshine have cultivated and empowered in turn has inspired me to continue doing so in the ways that I can. I couldn’t have more love and appreciation for women supporting other women; it’s what continues to create opportunities for us, by us,” Spencer noted.
Her dedication to elevating diverse voices was evident as Spencer reflected on her passion for storytelling: “I love the stories that can come from anywhere—we all have a voice, and I couldn’t be more honored to help empower others, especially those from all marginalized communities. I want to help highlight stories from different walks of life and showcase their strength, resilience, and determination.”
An essential focus of the Shine Away event was “Changing the Narrative for Future Generations.” Kenny stressed the importance of fostering an environment where women can thrive professionally, stating, “Investing in women is simply good business. Companies led by women are proven to be more profitable and innovative. Repetition of this narrative is key.”
Citing data showing the advantages of diverse leadership, Kenny emphasized the strength of companies prioritizing inclusivity. “It’s about building strong businesses that embrace inclusive practices,” she said. Kenny also shared that businesses with more women in senior roles tend to outperform their peers, with benefits like higher profitability, enhanced innovation, and stronger customer loyalty. “When women are succeeding, when women have pathways to leadership, when women are the target customer, those companies perform extraordinarily well.”
AT&T has long been committed to promoting equal opportunities, investing in programs that foster leadership development, and creating an inclusive culture that supports all employees. Kenny commended AT&T’s approach, which includes tools, inclusion initiatives, and a focus on psychological safety, as critical to ensuring success in diversity initiatives.
AT&T’s purpose, as described by Kenny, is to create a vibrant, sustainable business that connects people to greater possibilities. “If you believe in that, you have to believe in inclusivity because inclusivity fuels creativity, it drives innovation, and it strengthens our connection to the communities we serve,” she said. She pointed out the contributions of women in AT&T’s history, including Dr. Shirley Jackson, who was instrumental in innovations like fiber-optic cables and caller ID, and highlighted how these advancements have enhanced connectivity worldwide.
Kenny also mentioned that successful companies inspire others to adopt inclusive practices. By showcasing the performance advantages of women-led teams, companies like AT&T set a positive example for the broader business community. “When they see companies that are outperforming, they notice more women on their boards and in C-suite roles. This encourages others to rethink talent development,” Kenny explained.
To gauge the success of its partnership with Hello Sunshine, AT&T examines in-person and virtual customer experiences, along with the buzz generated post-event. Kenny emphasized AT&T’s holistic approach in assessing the impact of their initiatives, focusing on meaningful engagement and positive community response.
Reflecting on her inspirations, Kenny shared heartfelt stories of her grandmother’s resilience and her mother’s strong work ethic. “They taught me that hard work pays off and that you can be anything you want if you put your mind to it,” she said. Her dedication to mentorship, particularly through AT&T’s Mentoring Circle, showcases her commitment to community-building. “It’s about paying it forward and building a supportive network for one another,” Kenny added, highlighting the importance of mentorship in fostering a culture of empowerment.
As the conversation wrapped up, Kenny spoke passionately about the impact of Shine Away and the movement that AT&T and Hello Sunshine are spearheading. “We launched Shine Away to create deep, lasting connections. We hope attendees felt that sense of community,” she said.
The collaboration between AT&T and Hello Sunshine goes beyond sponsorship; it is a demonstration to their shared commitment to empowering women, fostering authentic connections, and reshaping the narrative for future generations. Through initiatives like Shine Away, AT&T, and Hello Sunshine, continue to pave the way for a more inclusive and inspiring future.