Astrid Richardson-Ashley, LCSW-C is a Senior Clinical Manager at a charitable non-profit in Baltimore, Maryland where she provides clinical assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic services to healthcare practitioners experiencing behavioral, psychiatric, and/or substance-related challenges. She earned her B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. She became an International Coaching Federation-trained Certified Life Coach and Reiki I and II Practitioner in The Usui System of Natural Healing. At the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women (MCIW), she offered Reiki treatment - a subtle healing practice that encourages balance of the mind, body, and spirit – to inmates sentenced to life or long-term imprisonment.   After 20 years as an Engineering Consultant, she  followed her dream to become a psychotherapist and earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. 

Dr. Tuttle is an independent consultant and owns Marketing, Management & Health Care Consulting, L.L.C. Chiquita obtained her health care management experience at Kaiser Permanente, a major Health Maintenance Organization as Director, National Accounts - Central and West Coast States. 

She has been involved in the HIV/AIDS arena working specifically within diverse communities in the nonprofit environment. She holds an MBA in Health Services Administration with a minor in Marketing from Golden Gate University and has completing courses for a Master’s in International Business.  Ms. Tuttle completed her PhD at Walden University in the school of Health Services Administration program with a concentration in Public Health Policy. 

Dee Manuel Cloud is a Breast Cancer Recovery Strategist, International Speaker, and owner and CEO of the  Intentional Living Academy. She is also the author of the bestselling book, Beauty in the Breakdown: Finding Peace in the Midst of Life’s Disruptions. 

Dee has developed her signature program, "Thriving on Purpose,"which provides a unique approach to bouncing back from breast cancer. 

As an accomplished speaker she has been invited to speak to multiple audiences and organizations, including TOUCH, the Black Breast Cancer Alliance Group via BlackDoctor.Org, Lynn’s Angel Foundation, Why Sales Network Women’s Empowerment Breakfast: Breaking the Bias, and the Comeback Champion Summit, just to name a few. Dee was also awarded the Rocking the Virtual Stage Award for Women Rocking Business by Sage Lavine. 

Delorme McKee Stovall is a Spiritual Counselor, Ordained Minister, Author, and Former Director Office of Human Rights and Commission for Santa Clara County Government. She was into born to a traditional middle classed Black family as the eldest of three daughters. She was required to serve as a quasi parent from the age of 8 until she left home at 18 .

Delorme recognized at an early age that she was born to be a healer. She became a nurse. Later she turned her passion for helping others to the area of human rights advocate and activist. Today her focus is on healing her body and spirit and engaging in self-care.

Dr. Astrid Williams currently serves as a Director, Programs & Initiatives for California Black Health Network. As an expert in public health, Dr. Williams' wide expertise ranges from chronic disease management to environmental justice, and maternal and reproductive health. She is particularly passionate about women’s health issues and how they relate to women of color. A significant portion of her work involves developing public policies that address community-level health and social issues using evidence-based practices.

Dr. Williams advocates for beauty justice and works to phase out toxic chemicals in beauty and personal care products. She works endlessly to shift cultural norms favoring Eurocentric beauty standards resulting in harmful health outcomes by leveraging advocacy and regulation of the cosmetics industry. Dr. Williams openly shares how toxins in the built environment and from personal care products can have a direct effect on reproductive health.

Dr. Hylton is a Holistic Integrative Health Practitioner renowned for her expertise in contemplative healing practices and her commitment to wholeness and well-being. She is internationally recognized as a Global Sound Healer and Reiki Master, a National Certified Restorative Justice Trainer, Mindfulness Psychotherapist, Certified Reflexologist, Certified Hypnotherapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Ordained Minister, Recording Artist, and Concert Soprano Vocalist.

She is the visionary creator behind Sound Vibronics®, the Sonic Stress Reduction Meditation System, and the Sonic MIND Streaming® Emotional Wellness Methodology—pioneering sound-based practices that blend healing frequencies, affirmations, and intention through meditation, Crystal Alchemy Singing Bowls, and her angelic vocal tones. Her work introduces a powerful paradigm shift in psychological, emotional, and physiological healing: Sonic Medicine for the 21st Century.

With over two decades of experience and advanced degrees in both business and cosmetology, Dr. Love holds a Doctorate of Professional Cosmetology (DPC). Her passion lies in helping women reclaim their confidence—especially those who have undergone mastectomies—by offering life-changing 3D areola tattooing and scar camouflage services. Her work allows survivors to look in the mirror and feel whole again, blending art and empathy with every procedure.

Dr. Love’s impact extends far beyond her salon chair. She has served as a TV host on PBS’s Forum 360, and currently sits on boards such as the Black Chamber of Commerce of Summit County and Good Place Holdings. A dedicated community advocate, she volunteers with organizations that uplift women, support individuals navigating cancer recovery, and champion small business growth.

Dr. Linda Thompson (aka Dr. Linda T.) is a retired assistant professor from Howard University in the Department of Nutritional Sciences and a practicing licensed nutritionist.  She received her master of science degree and her Ph.D. in nutritional sciences from Howard University (with an emphasis in community nutrition). For more than 25 years, she has been involved in nutrition and health program and policy planning for minority urban populations. Dr. Thompson has extensive experience in developing and implementing chronic disease prevention/management programs among African American populations in low-income communities, especially with women.  She has published numerous research articles and presents at national conferences. In addition, she is a Reiki master, certified breathologist and has been practicing meditation/mindfulness for over 30 years.

Ebonie Michelle was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, by Charles and Carol Lewis, who instilled in their daughters the values of pride in identity, intentionality in actions, and honesty towards the community they serve.  Ebonie earned a B.A. in Marketing ManagementHampton University (HU) in Hampton, Virginia.  She earned her Master of Public Health (MPH) in Behavioral Health and Education. Ebonie earned her MPH at Florida A&M University.  She has worked in breast cancer prevention, youth violence prevention, and professional development, as well as human resources training and development with a leading government agency in Chicago, IL. These experiences equipped her for the establishment of Prowl The LAB, one of her greatest professional achievements. She has a devoted husband and two beautiful children who inspire her to make the world better. 

Erin “Bionic” Brown, the above knee amputee from bone cancer, has leaned into her identity as an athlete and inspired a movement of disability inclusion in The Bahamas. And, she has the distinction of being the first black woman with a disability, Bahamian, and Para Triathlete in maritime history to be named Godmother of a Royal Caribbean International vessel - Royal Caribbean International Odyssey of the Seas. Learn more about Erin & the work of her firm Erin Brown Connects below.

Lisa Simms Booth, Executive Director of the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts. Lisa’s advocacy journey began when her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003. Navigating her mother’s journey drove her to commit to improving this experience for other families going through a similar path. Lisa channeled this sense of purpose in leadership roles at the Milken Institute’s FasterCures center and the Biden Cancer Initiative. Today, Lisa continues to advocate for cancer patients and their families at Smith Center, DC’s only independent non-profit focused on whole person care for those with cancer and the public.

 Smith Center for Healing and the Arts is a nonprofit health, education, and arts organization in Washington DC. Our mission is to develop and promote healing practices that explore physical, emotional, and mental resources that lead to life-affirming changes for people affected by cancer. 

Dr. Bolin is an innovator, leader, advocate, and seeker. For 25+ years, she has worked in addiction medicine, and explored the relationship between addiction and gender-based violence. Her work is infused by her belief in the equality of all peoples and the divine right of every human being to be free of all forms of violence.

Her work focuses on raising global awareness regarding the impact of addiction and gender-based violence on the health and well being of individuals and the society at large.  Her vision is to bring an end to all forms of violence and to develop best practice models that address the multiple forms of violence as a global public health problem. Currently Dr. Bolin is employed as Family Nurse Practitioner at the City and County of San Francisco Department of Psychiatry, Trauma Recovery Center.

Melbra Watts is the Executive Director of Charlotte Maxwell Clinic (CMC).  Founded in 1991, CMC provides free access to compassionate, integrative care for low-income women with cancer, including acupuncture, massage, energy work, movement, and nutrition advice.  These individual and group  services are delivered by licensed and certified volunteer practitioners. 

Melbra began with CMC as a volunteer energy healing practitioner in 2013 while operating a private practitice.  She joined the board in 2017 and was elected board president before becoming the Executive Director of the clinic in 2020.  She has brought over 20 years of previous public and nonprofit experience to her position.

Melissa Christie, Director of Wellness Programs, for Unite for HER, a national nonprofit organization that supports breast cancer and ovarian cancer patients.

Melissa joined Unite for HER in 2021, after being in the in the Health and Wellness field for the over 10 years, where she served as the Director of Member Experience and Retention at Fitness and Lifestyle Club - a Fitness Provider for Unite for HER Wellness Programs. In her role as Director of Wellness Programs, she is responsible for coordinating with hospital partners and staff, AND local communities through strategic events. 

Melissa holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Mathematics from Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY. She lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and she and her husband have 3 wonderful children.

Starla has long been a champion of social justice, dedicating her life to empowering individuals and communities. With over 18 years of experience as a community advocate, activist, and researcher, she has focused on the intersections between social determinants of health, public policy formation, and health disparities. 

As a member of Black Ladies Advocating for Cancer Care (BLACC), she has engaged in community-based participatory research, serving as a principal investigator for a study assessing the acceptability of a peer navigation program for Black breast cancer survivors and patients. Starla holds a BA in Sociology and a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, East Bay.

Stephanie Mwangaza Brown is a licensed Traditional Five Element Acupuncturist, Reiki Master, and indigenous healer with extensive training in various healing arts. With a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Maryland and a Master's degree in Acupuncture from the Tai Sophia Institute for the Healing Arts, she has been practicing acupuncture since 2006. 

Through Acupuncture, Ms. Brown helps her clients create ease where there was dis-ease, and free flow of chi (energy) where there was stuck-ness. She partners with her clients to identify how they can maintain that free flow in the face of the challenges of life.

Mwangaza's work is rooted in the principles of the five elements, using them as a guide to help individuals heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She assists clients in re-evaluating life choices, releasing emotional burdens, reshaping thoughts, and setting new goals.

Talaya Dendy is a 12-year Cancer Thriver, Cancer Doula, Independent Patient Advocate, Cancer Health Equity Consultant, Mental Health First Aider, and Podcaster who has dedicated her career to guiding, supporting, empowering, and advocating for people diagnosed with cancer. She developed a fulfilling career path from cancer patient to Founder and CEO of On the Other Side LLC, a cancer navigation enterprise that provides personalized support using a patient-centered and holistic approach.

Talaya hosts the "Navigating Cancer TOGETHER" podcast and is a contributing author to a #1 best-selling book, I Survived Cancer And Here Is How I Did It. It shares the stories of cancer survivors and thrivers to spread hope and show that a cancer diagnosis is not the end."

Tracee Stanley is the author of the bestselling book Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity and The Luminous Self: Sacred Yogic Practices & Rituals to Remember Who You Are (Shambhala Publications). Tracee is the founder of Empowered Life Circle, a sacred community and portal of practices, rituals, and Tantric teachings inspired by more than 28 years of studentship in Sri Vidya Tantra and the teachings of the Himalayan Masters. As a post-lineage teacher, Tracee is devoted to sharing the wisdom of yoga nidra, rest, meditation, self-inquiry, nature as a teacher, and ancestor reverence. Tracee is gifted in illuminating the magic and power found in liminal space and weaving devotion and practice into daily life. 

Valarie has been on the cancer journey since 2015. As a cancer thriver, her goal is to learn about the disease, educate the community, and bring light to the health disparities patients face daily. As a Patient Leader, she wants to be a voice for those who cannot speak up for themselves to ensure they receive equitable access to good healthcare, clinical trials, and proper treatment. She is passionate about teaching others how to be their own best advocate. Valarie enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music, and hiking.

Valencia is a nationally certified and state-licensed Athletic Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist and Cancer Exercise Specialist with over 25 years of experience in sports medicine, injury prevention, and wellness programming. She holds a Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences from the University of Vermont and a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine from Wingate University.

Valencia has provided athletic training and injury prevention services across diverse settings. 

In addition to her clinical and teaching work, Valencia holds multiple certifications and she is a committed advocate for holistic, preventative care and continues to serve both athletic and industrial populations through her work in virtual health and injury triage.

She is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and regional affiliates in South Carolina and Georgia.