The mother of one of pop music's biggest stars was honored Monday at an annual domestic violence awareness event.

Carol Maraj, mother to superstar Nicki Minaj, was honored at the third annual Surviving and Thriving Day for her work in raising awareness to stop the cycle of abuse.

"Women need to understand their self, their worth," she says.

In addition to stories of abuse, the event celebrated the strength of survivors. Attendees were also treated to pampering with manicures and massages.

Many of the speakers and survivors at Monday's event are founders and CEOs of their own companies.

Sue Rock's nonprofit takes leftover textiles from the garment industry and turns them into new clothing for women who have escaped domestic violence.

"I thought, what a great way to restore somebody's self-esteem," Rock says.