Power Play! Inspiring Women Gather In The Caribbean For The Best Workweek, Ever

Last month, 300 influential women from around the world convened on the island of St. Martin for five days of sun, style, and — yes — professional development. They were there for the Women With Purpose Global Summit, which brings together female movers and shakers that are way up at the top of their chosen fields. This year's roster included CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, who's now CEO of Starfish Media Group and contributor to HBO’s Real Sports; author and CNBC financial expert Carmen Wong Ulrich; and attorney and crisis manager Judy Smith, who just so happens to have inspired the hit TV show Scandal.

“Hundreds of accomplished women experienced cutting-edge talks and necessary tools and techniques for the 21st century while networking with respected women from around the world — in the luxurious surroundings of incredible island destinations,” says Valerie Norman-Gammon, the event’s creator and producer.

Of course, it wasn't all seminars and sand. Participants stepped out of their ultra-luxurious home for the week, La Samanna Resort, to attend a fashion day at Le Chateau des Palmiers. There, designers like Barbara Bates, Caitlin Power, Meiling, Cristy Rice, Milkaya Laijah, Charla Hobson, Sheila Sorton, and Poupette showed off their latest collections. And renowned filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper, director and producer of Versailles ‘73, served as commentator along with other notable women in fashion.

Click through for pics from the awe-inspiring event.