Tina Knowles-Lawson is best known for being Beyonce’s mother, but her accomplishments extend far beyond raising an uber successful daughter: Knowles-Lawson is a philanthropist, author, and fashion designer in her own right. And so the multi-talented mogul has been named as the first-ever winner of ESSENCE’s Inspiring Leadership Award. She’ll be recognized for her achievements at the 2016 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans.
As People notes, Knowles-Lawson “works consistently to promote women’s empowerment, community relations and social justice through several organizations, such as The Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth, The Survivor Foundation, Miss a Meal, and Goodwill.”
In the past, Beyonce has acknowledged Knowles-Lawson for making her feel “safe enough to dream.” That certainly sounds like the kind of message an inspiring leader would convey.
Knowles-Lawson will receive her award June 3. The ESSENCE festival runs from July 1-3.
