For the first time ever, Glamour Editor-in-Chief Samantha Barry took Women of the Year on the road by hosting a two-day getaway to Carmel, CA with Mercedes-Benz. Celebrating the power and influence women have through advanced driving methods, a curated selection of influencers and press were invited for empowering conversations and a once-in-a-lifetime AMG Driving Academy Experience. The intensive, high-speed, high adrenaline driver training program is designed for those looking to push their driving skills and Mercedes-AMG vehicles to the limit under the guidance of top professional instructors.
With the overarching theme of Empowered Women, Empowering Women, guests including Sara Sampaio, Jessica Hart, and Style & Society’s Kinya Claiborne enjoyed empowering conversations with female influencers and entrepreneurs including an inspiring panel with beauty expert Kate Somerville and Glamour West Coast Editor Jessica Radloff. Attendees also enjoyed with dinners and cocktails at some of the most idyllic spots tucked within the rolling vineyards of the Carmel Valley including Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Carmel Valley Ranch and Holman Ranch.
Created to empower and encourage women to achieve their best and tap into their full potential by getting out of their comfort zones and taking control, attendees got to experience the AMG Driving Academy by going behind the wheel of a Mercedes racecar at Laguna Seca, one of the most challenging and picturesque tracks in the country. One of the four Grand Prix raceways in the country, Laguna Seca raceway is a massive 2-mile, 11 turn race track complex with tremendous elevation changes and the famous “corkscrew”, tucked in the hills of Carmel Valley.
In just one day, guests went from motorist to driver by fulfilling their dreams of driving the fastest and most powerful cars that Mercedes-AMG has to offer on the legendary racetrack at speeds usually only enjoyed by the pros. Testing the full extent of their performance and power, drivers also got to experience the custom designed drift tracks, learning vehicle control and proper technique in drifting.
The driving experience comes on the heels of Glamour’s annual Women of the Year Awards and Summit celebrating powerhouse leaders, innovators, and changemakers November 10-11 in New York. Now in its 29th year, guests should expect interactive experiences designed to spark creativity and inspire action, a live summit with a daylong program of panel discussions and a star-studded awards ceremony. Attendees will also receive a Women of the Year gift bag, filled with must-have beauty, skincare, and wellness products, fashion accessories and more.
By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz & Getty Images
