ELEMENTAL SPEAKERS

Fire

Alexis Pauline Gumbs

She/They

Gumbs is a Queer Black Troublemaker and Black Feminist Love Evangelist and an aspirational cousin to all sentient beings.  Her work in this lifetime is to facilitate infinite, unstoppable ancestral love in practice. All of Alexis’s work is grounded in a community-building ethic and would not be possible without her communities of accountability in Durham, NC, the broader US Southeast, and the global south. Alexis work with her primary collaborator Sangodare has shown the world a Queer Black Feminist Love Ethic in practice. Over the past 11 years, they have nurtured the Mobile Homecoming Project, an experiential archive amplifying generations of Black LGBTQ Brilliance, and they are also the co-founders of Black Feminist Film School, an initiative to screen, study, and produce films with a Black feminist ethic.

LESSONS FROM THE COSMOS

Earth as a post-menopausal celestial being

The Queering of menopause

The Menopausal Multiverse

Interspecies Menopause Lessons

Fire

Alexis Pauline Gumbs

She/They

Gumbs is a Queer Black Troublemaker and Black Feminist Love Evangelist and an aspirational cousin to all sentient beings.  Her work in this lifetime is to facilitate infinite, unstoppable ancestral love in practice. All of Alexis’s work is grounded in a community-building ethic and would not be possible without her communities of accountability in Durham, NC, the broader US Southeast, and the global south. Alexis work with her primary collaborator Sangodare has shown the world a Queer Black Feminist Love Ethic in practice. Over the past 11 years, they have nurtured the Mobile Homecoming Project, an experiential archive amplifying generations of Black LGBTQ Brilliance, and they are also the co-founders of Black Feminist Film School, an initiative to screen, study, and produce films with a Black feminist ethic.

LESSONS FROM THE COSMOS

Earth as a post-menopausal celestial being

The Queering of menopause

The Menopausal Multiverse

Interspecies Menopause Lessons

Fire

Alexis Pauline Gumbs

Gumbs is a Queer Black Troublemaker and Black Feminist Love Evangelist and an aspirational cousin to all sentient beings.  Her work in this lifetime is to facilitate infinite, unstoppable ancestral love in practice. All of Alexis’s work is grounded in a community-building ethic and would not be possible without her communities of accountability in Durham, NC, the broader US Southeast, and the global south. Alexis work with her primary collaborator Sangodare has shown the world a Queer Black Feminist Love Ethic in practice. Over the past 11 years, they have nurtured the Mobile Homecoming Project, an experiential archive amplifying generations of Black LGBTQ Brilliance, and they are also the co-founders of Black Feminist Film School, an initiative to screen, study, and produce films with a Black feminist ethic.

LESSONS FROM THE COSMOS

Earth as a post-menopausal celestial being

The Queering of menopause

The Menopausal Multiverse

Interspecies Menopause Lessons

Fire

Alexis Pauline Gumbs

She/They

Gumbs is a Queer Black Troublemaker and Black Feminist Love Evangelist and an aspirational cousin to all sentient beings.  Her work in this lifetime is to facilitate infinite, unstoppable ancestral love in practice. All of Alexis’s work is grounded in a community-building ethic and would not be possible without her communities of accountability in Durham, NC, the broader US Southeast, and the global south. Alexis work with her primary collaborator Sangodare has shown the world a Queer Black Feminist Love Ethic in practice. Over the past 11 years, they have nurtured the Mobile Homecoming Project, an experiential archive amplifying generations of Black LGBTQ Brilliance, and they are also the co-founders of Black Feminist Film School, an initiative to screen, study, and produce films with a Black feminist ethic.

LESSONS FROM THE COSMOS

Earth as a post-menopausal celestial being

The Queering of menopause

The Menopausal Multiverse

Interspecies Menopause Lessons

Fire

adrienne maree brown

She/They

brown is growing a garden of healing ideas. Informed by decades of movement facilitation, somatics, science fiction scholarship and doula work, adrienne has nurtured Emergent Strategy, Pleasure Activism, Radical Imagination and Loving Correction as ideas and practices for transformation. adrienne is the NYT-bestselling author/editor of several published texts, a ritual singer-songwriter, co-generator of the Lineages of Change Tarot Deck, and co-creator/host of How to Survive the End of the World podcast with Autumn Brown. Loving Correctionsis now available from AK Press.

LESSONS FROM THE EARTH

Our Collective Ancestry of the Global Majority

Interdependent ecological relationships

Honoring menopause journey of elders and yelders

The power of Indigeneity

Fire

adrienne maree brown

She/They

brown is growing a garden of healing ideas. Informed by decades of movement facilitation, somatics, science fiction scholarship and doula work, adrienne has nurtured Emergent Strategy, Pleasure Activism, Radical Imagination and Loving Correction as ideas and practices for transformation. adrienne is the NYT-bestselling author/editor of several published texts, a ritual singer-songwriter, co-generator of the Lineages of Change Tarot Deck, and co-creator/host of How to Survive the End of the World podcast with Autumn Brown. Loving Correctionsis now available from AK Press.

LESSONS FROM THE EARTH

Our Collective Ancestry of the Global Majority

Interdependent ecological relationships

Honoring menopause journey of elders and yelders

The power of Indigeneity

Fire

adrienne maree brown

brown is growing a garden of healing ideas. Informed by decades of movement facilitation, somatics, science fiction scholarship and doula work, adrienne has nurtured Emergent Strategy, Pleasure Activism, Radical Imagination and Loving Correction as ideas and practices for transformation. adrienne is the NYT-bestselling author/editor of several published texts, a ritual singer-songwriter, co-generator of the Lineages of Change Tarot Deck, and co-creator/host of How to Survive the End of the World podcast with Autumn Brown. Loving Correctionsis now available from AK Press.

LESSONS FROM THE EARTH

Our Collective Ancestry of the Global Majority

Interdependent ecological relationships

Honoring menopause journey of elders and yelders

The power of Indigeneity

Fire

adrienne maree brown

She/They

brown is growing a garden of healing ideas. Informed by decades of movement facilitation, somatics, science fiction scholarship and doula work, adrienne has nurtured Emergent Strategy, Pleasure Activism, Radical Imagination and Loving Correction as ideas and practices for transformation. adrienne is the NYT-bestselling author/editor of several published texts, a ritual singer-songwriter, co-generator of the Lineages of Change Tarot Deck, and co-creator/host of How to Survive the End of the World podcast with Autumn Brown. Loving Correctionsis now available from AK Press.

LESSONS FROM THE EARTH

Our Collective Ancestry of the Global Majority

Interdependent ecological relationships

Honoring menopause journey of elders and yelders

The power of Indigeneity

Fire

Austen Smith

They/Them

Smith is a masculine-of-center, non-binary wordsmith, editor, community facilitator and radical imagination doula. ImaginationDoulas is a creative and spiritual learning space designed to support Black and other culturally marginalized creatives to transform their worlds through dreamwork, ancestral reverence, and a spirit-led creative discipline. ImaginationDoulas isn’t about transforming, healing, or decolonizing imagination—it’s about hospicing, eulogizing, and composting it. The archetype isn’t a birth doula but a death doula. Through our self-paced learning programs, community gatherings, private community space, and other offerings, we are helping dreamers reconnect to creativity beyond imagination.

LESSONS FROM THE AIR

Narrative Shapeshifting

Storytelling

Beyond binaries

Voices from the margins

Fire

Austen Smith

They/Them

Smith is a masculine-of-center, non-binary wordsmith, editor, community facilitator and radical imagination doula. ImaginationDoulas is a creative and spiritual learning space designed to support Black and other culturally marginalized creatives to transform their worlds through dreamwork, ancestral reverence, and a spirit-led creative discipline. ImaginationDoulas isn’t about transforming, healing, or decolonizing imagination—it’s about hospicing, eulogizing, and composting it. The archetype isn’t a birth doula but a death doula. Through our self-paced learning programs, community gatherings, private community space, and other offerings, we are helping dreamers reconnect to creativity beyond imagination.

LESSONS FROM THE AIR

Narrative Shapeshifting

Storytelling

Beyond binaries

Voices from the margins

Fire

Austen Smith

Smith is a masculine-of-center, non-binary wordsmith, editor, community facilitator and radical imagination doula. ImaginationDoulas is a creative and spiritual learning space designed to support Black and other culturally marginalized creatives to transform their worlds through dreamwork, ancestral reverence, and a spirit-led creative discipline. ImaginationDoulas isn’t about transforming, healing, or decolonizing imagination—it’s about hospicing, eulogizing, and composting it. The archetype isn’t a birth doula but a death doula. Through our self-paced learning programs, community gatherings, private community space, and other offerings, we are helping dreamers reconnect to creativity beyond imagination.

LESSONS FROM THE AIR

Narrative Shapeshifting

Storytelling

Beyond binaries

Voices from the margins

Fire

Austen Smith

They/Them

Smith is a masculine-of-center, non-binary wordsmith, editor, community facilitator and radical imagination doula. ImaginationDoulas is a creative and spiritual learning space designed to support Black and other culturally marginalized creatives to transform their worlds through dreamwork, ancestral reverence, and a spirit-led creative discipline. ImaginationDoulas isn’t about transforming, healing, or decolonizing imagination—it’s about hospicing, eulogizing, and composting it. The archetype isn’t a birth doula but a death doula. Through our self-paced learning programs, community gatherings, private community space, and other offerings, we are helping dreamers reconnect to creativity beyond imagination.

LESSONS FROM THE AIR

Narrative Shapeshifting

Storytelling

Beyond binaries

Voices from the margins

Fire

Sonya Renee Taylor

She/Her

Taylor is a New York Times best-selling author, world-renowned activist and thought leader on racial justice, body liberation and transformational change, international award winning artist, and founder of The Body Is Not an Apology (TBINAA). a global digital media and education company exploring the intersections of identity, healing, and social justice through the framework of radical self-love. In her book of the same name, The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love, Sonya lays out her radical self-love vision, arguing that all people arrive on this planet in a state of self-love before internalizing messages of shame and injustice from systems of oppression.

LESSONS FROM WATER

The wisdom from medical industry healers

Exploring the culture and Spirit of Osun and Yemonja

The throughline from menarche to menopause

Collective memory

Fire

Sonya Renee Taylor

She/Her

Taylor is a New York Times best-selling author, world-renowned activist and thought leader on racial justice, body liberation and transformational change, international award winning artist, and founder of The Body Is Not an Apology (TBINAA). a global digital media and education company exploring the intersections of identity, healing, and social justice through the framework of radical self-love. In her book of the same name, The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love, Sonya lays out her radical self-love vision, arguing that all people arrive on this planet in a state of self-love before internalizing messages of shame and injustice from systems of oppression.

LESSONS FROM WATER

The wisdom from medical industry healers

Exploring the culture and Spirit of Osun and Yemonja

The throughline from menarche to menopause

Collective memory

Fire

Sonya Renee Taylor

Taylor is a New York Times best-selling author, world-renowned activist and thought leader on racial justice, body liberation and transformational change, international award winning artist, and founder of The Body Is Not an Apology (TBINAA). a global digital media and education company exploring the intersections of identity, healing, and social justice through the framework of radical self-love. In her book of the same name, The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love, Sonya lays out her radical self-love vision, arguing that all people arrive on this planet in a state of self-love before internalizing messages of shame and injustice from systems of oppression.

LESSONS FROM WATER

The wisdom from medical industry healers

Exploring the culture and Spirit of Osun and Yemonja

The throughline from menarche to menopause

Collective memory

Fire

Sonya Renee Taylor

She/Her

Taylor is a New York Times best-selling author, world-renowned activist and thought leader on racial justice, body liberation and transformational change, international award winning artist, and founder of The Body Is Not an Apology (TBINAA). a global digital media and education company exploring the intersections of identity, healing, and social justice through the framework of radical self-love. In her book of the same name, The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love, Sonya lays out her radical self-love vision, arguing that all people arrive on this planet in a state of self-love before internalizing messages of shame and injustice from systems of oppression.

LESSONS FROM WATER

The wisdom from medical industry healers

Exploring the culture and Spirit of Osun and Yemonja

The throughline from menarche to menopause

Collective memory

Fire

Omisade Burney Scott

She/Her

Omisade Burney-Scott (she/her) is a 7th-generation North Carolinian Black Southern feminist, storyteller, and Reproductive Justice advocate based in Durham, NC. She is the Founder and Chief Menopause Steward of The Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause. Her insights have been featured in Ms. Magazine, Oprah Daily, The New York Times, NPR, and VOGUE. Omisade has spent over 30 years working at the intersection of social justice, storytelling, and collective care.

LESSONS FROM FIRE

Creativity

Pleasure reborn

Intersections of the erotic and menopause

Sex Education

Fire

Omisade Burney Scott

She/Her

Omisade Burney-Scott (she/her) is a 7th-generation North Carolinian Black Southern feminist, storyteller, and Reproductive Justice advocate based in Durham, NC. She is the Founder and Chief Menopause Steward of The Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause. Her insights have been featured in Ms. Magazine, Oprah Daily, The New York Times, NPR, and VOGUE. Omisade has spent over 30 years working at the intersection of social justice, storytelling, and collective care.

LESSONS FROM FIRE

Creativity

Pleasure reborn

Intersections of the erotic and menopause

Sex Education

Fire

Omisade Burney Scott

Omisade Burney-Scott (she/her) is a 7th-generation North Carolinian Black Southern feminist, storyteller, and Reproductive Justice advocate based in Durham, NC. She is the Founder and Chief Menopause Steward of The Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause. Her insights have been featured in Ms. Magazine, Oprah Daily, The New York Times, NPR, and VOGUE. Omisade has spent over 30 years working at the intersection of social justice, storytelling, and collective care.

LESSONS FROM FIRE

Creativity

Pleasure reborn

Intersections of the erotic and menopause

Sex Education

Fire

Omisade Burney Scott

She/Her

Omisade Burney-Scott (she/her) is a 7th-generation North Carolinian Black Southern feminist, storyteller, and Reproductive Justice advocate based in Durham, NC. She is the Founder and Chief Menopause Steward of The Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause. Her insights have been featured in Ms. Magazine, Oprah Daily, The New York Times, NPR, and VOGUE. Omisade has spent over 30 years working at the intersection of social justice, storytelling, and collective care.

LESSONS FROM FIRE

Creativity

Pleasure reborn

Intersections of the erotic and menopause

Sex Education

PANELISTS

ROOTED IN REMEDY
Our bodies remember the Earth—and the Earth remembers us.
Monica Rivera

Dr. Monica McLemore is a visiting professor at the Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University. Prior to this, she was a tenured, full professor in the Child, Family, and Population Health Department and the Director for the Manning-Price Spratlan Center for Anti-Racism and Equity (CARE) in Nursing at the University of Washington School of Nursing. Her peer reviewed articles, OpEds and commentaries have been cited in eight amicus briefs to the Supreme Court of the United States and four NASEM reports. She became Editor in Chief of Health Equity in 2022.

Monica Rivera

Dr. Monica McLemore is a visiting professor at the Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University. Prior to this, she was a tenured, full professor in the Child, Family, and Population Health Department and the Director for the Manning-Price Spratlan Center for Anti-Racism and Equity (CARE) in Nursing at the University of Washington School of Nursing. Her peer reviewed articles, OpEds and commentaries have been cited in eight amicus briefs to the Supreme Court of the United States and four NASEM reports. She became Editor in Chief of Health Equity in 2022.

Monica Rivera

Dr. Monica McLemore is a visiting professor at the Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University. Prior to this, she was a tenured, full professor in the Child, Family, and Population Health Department and the Director for the Manning-Price Spratlan Center for Anti-Racism and Equity (CARE) in Nursing at the University of Washington School of Nursing. Her peer reviewed articles, OpEds and commentaries have been cited in eight amicus briefs to the Supreme Court of the United States and four NASEM reports. She became Editor in Chief of Health Equity in 2022.

Dr. Daemon Jones

Dr. Dae believes that the key to finding happiness and fulfillment is knowing it is ok to put yourself first and choose health as your number one priority. When you do, you are able to show up more powerfully in every aspect of your life – work, personal and in your community. Dr. Dae works with individuals who are struggling with health issues such as weight gain, diabetes, and issues around the menopausal transition. These individuals often don’t realize their health issues are coming from hormonal imbalances that have not been addressed or properly treated. Dr. Dae is an expert in using lifestyle as medicine to reduce chronic disease. Her Replenish. Restore. Reclaim. framework proves that diminished health and energy can be reversed with proactive choices, at any age. Dr. Dae is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Washington, D.C. and treats patients from across the D.C. Metropolitan area, as well as virtually all over the world.

Dr. Daemon Jones

Dr. Dae believes that the key to finding happiness and fulfillment is knowing it is ok to put yourself first and choose health as your number one priority. When you do, you are able to show up more powerfully in every aspect of your life – work, personal and in your community. Dr. Dae works with individuals who are struggling with health issues such as weight gain, diabetes, and issues around the menopausal transition. These individuals often don’t realize their health issues are coming from hormonal imbalances that have not been addressed or properly treated. Dr. Dae is an expert in using lifestyle as medicine to reduce chronic disease. Her Replenish. Restore. Reclaim. framework proves that diminished health and energy can be reversed with proactive choices, at any age. Dr. Dae is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Washington, D.C. and treats patients from across the D.C. Metropolitan area, as well as virtually all over the world.

Dr. Daemon Jones

Dr. Dae believes that the key to finding happiness and fulfillment is knowing it is ok to put yourself first and choose health as your number one priority. When you do, you are able to show up more powerfully in every aspect of your life – work, personal and in your community. Dr. Dae works with individuals who are struggling with health issues such as weight gain, diabetes, and issues around the menopausal transition. These individuals often don’t realize their health issues are coming from hormonal imbalances that have not been addressed or properly treated. Dr. Dae is an expert in using lifestyle as medicine to reduce chronic disease. Her Replenish. Restore. Reclaim. framework proves that diminished health and energy can be reversed with proactive choices, at any age. Dr. Dae is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Washington, D.C. and treats patients from across the D.C. Metropolitan area, as well as virtually all over the world.

Sufia Ikbal-Doucet

Sufia Ikbal-Doucet (they/them) is a Sovereignty Doula, filmmaker, intuitive herbalist, and curator of Beauty. Sufia supports people in embodying their creative power by developing their intuitive language and direct communication with plants and other elder nature beings. Through the medicines of reverence, ritual, story, radical self responsibility, pleasure, and connection, Sufia nurtures the fractal embodiment of liberation that is fundamentally collective liberation. They offer personalized retreats, earth-honoring gatherings, intuitive guidance, and heart-led herbalism courses. Connect with Sufia at PrismaticRealm.com.

Sufia Ikbal-Doucet

Sufia Ikbal-Doucet (they/them) is a Sovereignty Doula, filmmaker, intuitive herbalist, and curator of Beauty. Sufia supports people in embodying their creative power by developing their intuitive language and direct communication with plants and other elder nature beings. Through the medicines of reverence, ritual, story, radical self responsibility, pleasure, and connection, Sufia nurtures the fractal embodiment of liberation that is fundamentally collective liberation. They offer personalized retreats, earth-honoring gatherings, intuitive guidance, and heart-led herbalism courses. Connect with Sufia at PrismaticRealm.com.

Sufia Ikbal-Doucet

Sufia Ikbal-Doucet (they/them) is a Sovereignty Doula, filmmaker, intuitive herbalist, and curator of Beauty. Sufia supports people in embodying their creative power by developing their intuitive language and direct communication with plants and other elder nature beings. Through the medicines of reverence, ritual, story, radical self responsibility, pleasure, and connection, Sufia nurtures the fractal embodiment of liberation that is fundamentally collective liberation. They offer personalized retreats, earth-honoring gatherings, intuitive guidance, and heart-led herbalism courses. Connect with Sufia at PrismaticRealm.com.

Indigenous Menopause Practices Return
What has been remembered, what has been lost, and what is being reclaimed.
Vivette Jeffries-Logan

Vivette Jeffries-Logan is a citizen of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. She has served her People as an elected member of the Tribal Council and as the Founding Director of the OBSN Tribal Health Circle. Vivette has worked as a trainer with Dismantling Racism Works (dRworks), served as Director of Training and Technical Assistance at a state domestic violence coalition, and serves on the Advisory Board of the American Indian Center at a local university. She has also designed and instructed the "Working Effectively with Tribal Government" course for the Centers for Disease Control and served as Core Faculty for the William C. Friday Fellowship for Human Relations. Alongside Tony Locklear, she co-facilitates talking circles for the Southeastern American Indian Cancer Health Equity Partnership (SAICEP) across Indigenous Nations in North Carolina, appreciating the trust and encouragement from her relatives.

Vivette Jeffries-Logan

Vivette Jeffries-Logan is a citizen of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. She has served her People as an elected member of the Tribal Council and as the Founding Director of the OBSN Tribal Health Circle. Vivette has worked as a trainer with Dismantling Racism Works (dRworks), served as Director of Training and Technical Assistance at a state domestic violence coalition, and serves on the Advisory Board of the American Indian Center at a local university. She has also designed and instructed the "Working Effectively with Tribal Government" course for the Centers for Disease Control and served as Core Faculty for the William C. Friday Fellowship for Human Relations. Alongside Tony Locklear, she co-facilitates talking circles for the Southeastern American Indian Cancer Health Equity Partnership (SAICEP) across Indigenous Nations in North Carolina, appreciating the trust and encouragement from her relatives.

Vivette Jeffries-Logan

Vivette Jeffries-Logan is a citizen of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. She has served her People as an elected member of the Tribal Council and as the Founding Director of the OBSN Tribal Health Circle. Vivette has worked as a trainer with Dismantling Racism Works (dRworks), served as Director of Training and Technical Assistance at a state domestic violence coalition, and serves on the Advisory Board of the American Indian Center at a local university. She has also designed and instructed the "Working Effectively with Tribal Government" course for the Centers for Disease Control and served as Core Faculty for the William C. Friday Fellowship for Human Relations. Alongside Tony Locklear, she co-facilitates talking circles for the Southeastern American Indian Cancer Health Equity Partnership (SAICEP) across Indigenous Nations in North Carolina, appreciating the trust and encouragement from her relatives.

Vivette Jeffries-Logan

Vivette Jeffries-Logan is a citizen of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. She has served her People as an elected member of the Tribal Council and as the Founding Director of the OBSN Tribal Health Circle. Vivette has worked as a trainer with Dismantling Racism Works (dRworks), served as Director of Training and Technical Assistance at a state domestic violence coalition, and serves on the Advisory Board of the American Indian Center at a local university. She has also designed and instructed the "Working Effectively with Tribal Government" course for the Centers for Disease Control and served as Core Faculty for the William C. Friday Fellowship for Human Relations. Alongside Tony Locklear, she co-facilitates talking circles for the Southeastern American Indian Cancer Health Equity Partnership (SAICEP) across Indigenous Nations in North Carolina, appreciating the trust and encouragement from her relatives.

Sangoma and Midwife Racha Tahani Lawler

Racha Tahani Lawler (Queen) is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), Licensed Midwife (LM), Registered & Certified Sangoma (South African Traditional Healer Herbalist), fourth generation midwife, farmer, beekeeper, herbalist and textile artist. September 2025 completed 24 years of catching babies out of hospital for Lawler (Queen) who supported over 1,800 families in their birthing, and for a decade prioritized Black midwifery students as a clinical preceptor and academic preceptor. She is the co-founder of the nonprofit Black Farm Studio House with her spouse dana washington-queen that amplifies Black queer artists, urban farmers, Black student midwives and advocates for the wellness of LGBTQIA2 folks across the African diaspora.

Sangoma and Midwife Racha Tahani Lawler

Racha Tahani Lawler (Queen) is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), Licensed Midwife (LM), Registered & Certified Sangoma (South African Traditional Healer Herbalist), fourth generation midwife, farmer, beekeeper, herbalist and textile artist. September 2025 completed 24 years of catching babies out of hospital for Lawler (Queen) who supported over 1,800 families in their birthing, and for a decade prioritized Black midwifery students as a clinical preceptor and academic preceptor. She is the co-founder of the nonprofit Black Farm Studio House with her spouse dana washington-queen that amplifies Black queer artists, urban farmers, Black student midwives and advocates for the wellness of LGBTQIA2 folks across the African diaspora.

Sangoma and Midwife Racha Tahani Lawler

Racha Tahani Lawler (Queen) is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), Licensed Midwife (LM), Registered & Certified Sangoma (South African Traditional Healer Herbalist), fourth generation midwife, farmer, beekeeper, herbalist and textile artist. September 2025 completed 24 years of catching babies out of hospital for Lawler (Queen) who supported over 1,800 families in their birthing, and for a decade prioritized Black midwifery students as a clinical preceptor and academic preceptor. She is the co-founder of the nonprofit Black Farm Studio House with her spouse dana washington-queen that amplifies Black queer artists, urban farmers, Black student midwives and advocates for the wellness of LGBTQIA2 folks across the African diaspora.

Sangoma and Midwife Racha Tahani Lawler

Racha Tahani Lawler (Queen) is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), Licensed Midwife (LM), Registered & Certified Sangoma (South African Traditional Healer Herbalist), fourth generation midwife, farmer, beekeeper, herbalist and textile artist. September 2025 completed 24 years of catching babies out of hospital for Lawler (Queen) who supported over 1,800 families in their birthing, and for a decade prioritized Black midwifery students as a clinical preceptor and academic preceptor. She is the co-founder of the nonprofit Black Farm Studio House with her spouse dana washington-queen that amplifies Black queer artists, urban farmers, Black student midwives and advocates for the wellness of LGBTQIA2 folks across the African diaspora.

Tina M. Braimah

Tina is a North Carolina native and received all of her formal education through the UNC System. Her family and her roots are here, so it only made sense that she would establish a midwifery practice in a place that not only feels like home, but IS home. Tina is the practicing midwife and owner of Sankofa Birth and Women’s Care. She has 19 years of experience supporting women in a variety of settings. She received her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Midwifery from ECU in 2015. After graduation, she worked briefly as a labor and delivery nurse and then as a home birth midwife serving Fayetteville and surrounding areas.

Tina M. Braimah

Tina is a North Carolina native and received all of her formal education through the UNC System. Her family and her roots are here, so it only made sense that she would establish a midwifery practice in a place that not only feels like home, but IS home. Tina is the practicing midwife and owner of Sankofa Birth and Women’s Care. She has 19 years of experience supporting women in a variety of settings. She received her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Midwifery from ECU in 2015. After graduation, she worked briefly as a labor and delivery nurse and then as a home birth midwife serving Fayetteville and surrounding areas.

Tina M. Braimah

Tina is a North Carolina native and received all of her formal education through the UNC System. Her family and her roots are here, so it only made sense that she would establish a midwifery practice in a place that not only feels like home, but IS home. Tina is the practicing midwife and owner of Sankofa Birth and Women’s Care. She has 19 years of experience supporting women in a variety of settings. She received her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Midwifery from ECU in 2015. After graduation, she worked briefly as a labor and delivery nurse and then as a home birth midwife serving Fayetteville and surrounding areas.

Tina M. Braimah

Tina is a North Carolina native and received all of her formal education through the UNC System. Her family and her roots are here, so it only made sense that she would establish a midwifery practice in a place that not only feels like home, but IS home. Tina is the practicing midwife and owner of Sankofa Birth and Women’s Care. She has 19 years of experience supporting women in a variety of settings. She received her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Midwifery from ECU in 2015. After graduation, she worked briefly as a labor and delivery nurse and then as a home birth midwife serving Fayetteville and surrounding areas.

Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens

Deirdre Cooper Owens is a historian, author, public speaker and reproductive advocate. She is the author of Medical Bondage: Race, Gender and the Origins of American Gynecology.

Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens

Deirdre Cooper Owens is a historian, author, public speaker and reproductive advocate. She is the author of Medical Bondage: Race, Gender and the Origins of American Gynecology.

Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens

Deirdre Cooper Owens is a historian, author, public speaker and reproductive advocate. She is the author of Medical Bondage: Race, Gender and the Origins of American Gynecology.

Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens

Deirdre Cooper Owens is a historian, author, public speaker and reproductive advocate. She is the author of Medical Bondage: Race, Gender and the Origins of American Gynecology.

Menopause Beyond the Margins
Who gets to be seen as menopausal—and who is erased from the frame?
Mo George

Mo George

Mo George

Mo George

Cheryl Ward

Cheryl Ward has dedicated her life to helping women rebuild their lives and create new beginnings. Her journey began at A New Way of Life Reentry Project, an organization that provides safe housing and support for women returning home from incarceration. As a Benefits Housing Coordinator, Cheryl guided women through the critical first steps of rebuilding — helping them secure identification, benefits, and resources to lay a foundation for their future. Her passion for service and mentorship led to her promotion as Safe House Network Manager, where she began mentoring safe house leaders across the United States. When the network expanded internationally to Uganda, Kenya, and Lagos, Nigeria, Cheryl was entrusted with the role of Global Safe House Network Organizer. Today, she continues to mentor and support safe house operators worldwide, ensuring they uphold the integrity and compassion of the A New Way of Life model.

Cheryl Ward

Cheryl Ward has dedicated her life to helping women rebuild their lives and create new beginnings. Her journey began at A New Way of Life Reentry Project, an organization that provides safe housing and support for women returning home from incarceration. As a Benefits Housing Coordinator, Cheryl guided women through the critical first steps of rebuilding — helping them secure identification, benefits, and resources to lay a foundation for their future. Her passion for service and mentorship led to her promotion as Safe House Network Manager, where she began mentoring safe house leaders across the United States. When the network expanded internationally to Uganda, Kenya, and Lagos, Nigeria, Cheryl was entrusted with the role of Global Safe House Network Organizer. Today, she continues to mentor and support safe house operators worldwide, ensuring they uphold the integrity and compassion of the A New Way of Life model.

Cheryl Ward

Cheryl Ward has dedicated her life to helping women rebuild their lives and create new beginnings. Her journey began at A New Way of Life Reentry Project, an organization that provides safe housing and support for women returning home from incarceration. As a Benefits Housing Coordinator, Cheryl guided women through the critical first steps of rebuilding — helping them secure identification, benefits, and resources to lay a foundation for their future. Her passion for service and mentorship led to her promotion as Safe House Network Manager, where she began mentoring safe house leaders across the United States. When the network expanded internationally to Uganda, Kenya, and Lagos, Nigeria, Cheryl was entrusted with the role of Global Safe House Network Organizer. Today, she continues to mentor and support safe house operators worldwide, ensuring they uphold the integrity and compassion of the A New Way of Life model.

Cheryl Ward

Cheryl Ward has dedicated her life to helping women rebuild their lives and create new beginnings. Her journey began at A New Way of Life Reentry Project, an organization that provides safe housing and support for women returning home from incarceration. As a Benefits Housing Coordinator, Cheryl guided women through the critical first steps of rebuilding — helping them secure identification, benefits, and resources to lay a foundation for their future. Her passion for service and mentorship led to her promotion as Safe House Network Manager, where she began mentoring safe house leaders across the United States. When the network expanded internationally to Uganda, Kenya, and Lagos, Nigeria, Cheryl was entrusted with the role of Global Safe House Network Organizer. Today, she continues to mentor and support safe house operators worldwide, ensuring they uphold the integrity and compassion of the A New Way of Life model.

Paris Hatcher

Paris Hatcher is a Black, queer visionary feminist who has has been organizing individuals and organizations toward liberation at the local, national, and international level for twenty years.. In 2014, Paris founded Black Feminist Future as a movement incubator to support the leadership of Black feminist leaders, organizations and movements. At BFF, she serves as the Director and Chief Rabble Rouser. Paris also worked as Principal at Rhombus Consulting, Race Forward: The Center for Racial Justice Innovation, and was the co-founder and the Executive Director at SPARK: Reproductive Justice NOW. She served as board member of Southerners on New Ground for five years and she was a founding board member of the Groundswell Fund the largest reproductive justice foundation in the United States. Follow Paris on IG at @harrietsrevenge

Paris Hatcher

Paris Hatcher is a Black, queer visionary feminist who has has been organizing individuals and organizations toward liberation at the local, national, and international level for twenty years.. In 2014, Paris founded Black Feminist Future as a movement incubator to support the leadership of Black feminist leaders, organizations and movements. At BFF, she serves as the Director and Chief Rabble Rouser. Paris also worked as Principal at Rhombus Consulting, Race Forward: The Center for Racial Justice Innovation, and was the co-founder and the Executive Director at SPARK: Reproductive Justice NOW. She served as board member of Southerners on New Ground for five years and she was a founding board member of the Groundswell Fund the largest reproductive justice foundation in the United States. Follow Paris on IG at @harrietsrevenge

Paris Hatcher

Paris Hatcher is a Black, queer visionary feminist who has has been organizing individuals and organizations toward liberation at the local, national, and international level for twenty years.. In 2014, Paris founded Black Feminist Future as a movement incubator to support the leadership of Black feminist leaders, organizations and movements. At BFF, she serves as the Director and Chief Rabble Rouser. Paris also worked as Principal at Rhombus Consulting, Race Forward: The Center for Racial Justice Innovation, and was the co-founder and the Executive Director at SPARK: Reproductive Justice NOW. She served as board member of Southerners on New Ground for five years and she was a founding board member of the Groundswell Fund the largest reproductive justice foundation in the United States. Follow Paris on IG at @harrietsrevenge

Paris Hatcher

Paris Hatcher is a Black, queer visionary feminist who has has been organizing individuals and organizations toward liberation at the local, national, and international level for twenty years.. In 2014, Paris founded Black Feminist Future as a movement incubator to support the leadership of Black feminist leaders, organizations and movements. At BFF, she serves as the Director and Chief Rabble Rouser. Paris also worked as Principal at Rhombus Consulting, Race Forward: The Center for Racial Justice Innovation, and was the co-founder and the Executive Director at SPARK: Reproductive Justice NOW. She served as board member of Southerners on New Ground for five years and she was a founding board member of the Groundswell Fund the largest reproductive justice foundation in the United States. Follow Paris on IG at @harrietsrevenge

Syd Yang

Rev. Syd Yang, MDiv is a mixed race/Taiwanese American queer trans/non- binary lay Buddhist Minister, spiritual counselor and writer who engages decolonial possibilities for shared liberation through their practice, Blue Jaguar Healing Arts . Syd is also a certified Movement Chaplain through Faith Matters Network.

Syd Yang

Rev. Syd Yang, MDiv is a mixed race/Taiwanese American queer trans/non- binary lay Buddhist Minister, spiritual counselor and writer who engages decolonial possibilities for shared liberation through their practice, Blue Jaguar Healing Arts . Syd is also a certified Movement Chaplain through Faith Matters Network.

Syd Yang

Rev. Syd Yang, MDiv is a mixed race/Taiwanese American queer trans/non- binary lay Buddhist Minister, spiritual counselor and writer who engages decolonial possibilities for shared liberation through their practice, Blue Jaguar Healing Arts . Syd is also a certified Movement Chaplain through Faith Matters Network.

Syd Yang

Rev. Syd Yang, MDiv is a mixed race/Taiwanese American queer trans/non- binary lay Buddhist Minister, spiritual counselor and writer who engages decolonial possibilities for shared liberation through their practice, Blue Jaguar Healing Arts . Syd is also a certified Movement Chaplain through Faith Matters Network.

PLEASURE, INTIMACY AND MENOPAUSE
What does healing justice look like when we hold menopause as a rite of passage rather than a pathology?
Dr. Tanya M. Bass

Tanya Bass, PhD, CHES®, CSE (she/her/hers) is an award-winning sexuality and public health educator. She is a subject matter expert in sexual and reproductive health, health equity, and mental health advocacy. Dr. Bass is an alumna of North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) Department of Public Health Education, where she serves as Clinical Instructor and lead instructor for Human Sexuality. She also serves as an instructor at the University of Michigan, Widener University, and previously at East Carolina University. She completed her PhD in Education at Widener University in the Center for Human Sexuality Studies.

Dr. Tanya M. Bass

Tanya Bass, PhD, CHES®, CSE (she/her/hers) is an award-winning sexuality and public health educator. She is a subject matter expert in sexual and reproductive health, health equity, and mental health advocacy. Dr. Bass is an alumna of North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) Department of Public Health Education, where she serves as Clinical Instructor and lead instructor for Human Sexuality. She also serves as an instructor at the University of Michigan, Widener University, and previously at East Carolina University. She completed her PhD in Education at Widener University in the Center for Human Sexuality Studies.

Dr. Tanya M. Bass

Tanya Bass, PhD, CHES®, CSE (she/her/hers) is an award-winning sexuality and public health educator. She is a subject matter expert in sexual and reproductive health, health equity, and mental health advocacy. Dr. Bass is an alumna of North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) Department of Public Health Education, where she serves as Clinical Instructor and lead instructor for Human Sexuality. She also serves as an instructor at the University of Michigan, Widener University, and previously at East Carolina University. She completed her PhD in Education at Widener University in the Center for Human Sexuality Studies.

Dr. Tanya M. Bass

Tanya Bass, PhD, CHES®, CSE (she/her/hers) is an award-winning sexuality and public health educator. She is a subject matter expert in sexual and reproductive health, health equity, and mental health advocacy. Dr. Bass is an alumna of North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) Department of Public Health Education, where she serves as Clinical Instructor and lead instructor for Human Sexuality. She also serves as an instructor at the University of Michigan, Widener University, and previously at East Carolina University. She completed her PhD in Education at Widener University in the Center for Human Sexuality Studies.

Goody Howard

Pleasure is her platform, education is her expertise, and real talk is her love language. Goody Howard empowers everyday people to unlearn shame and unlock joy through sex-positive education and public health. At her core, she's a catalyst for connection, helping people own their joy, their bodies, and their boundaries—with clarity, confidence, and consent.

Goody Howard

Pleasure is her platform, education is her expertise, and real talk is her love language. Goody Howard empowers everyday people to unlearn shame and unlock joy through sex-positive education and public health. At her core, she's a catalyst for connection, helping people own their joy, their bodies, and their boundaries—with clarity, confidence, and consent.

Goody Howard

Pleasure is her platform, education is her expertise, and real talk is her love language. Goody Howard empowers everyday people to unlearn shame and unlock joy through sex-positive education and public health. At her core, she's a catalyst for connection, helping people own their joy, their bodies, and their boundaries—with clarity, confidence, and consent.

Goody Howard

Pleasure is her platform, education is her expertise, and real talk is her love language. Goody Howard empowers everyday people to unlearn shame and unlock joy through sex-positive education and public health. At her core, she's a catalyst for connection, helping people own their joy, their bodies, and their boundaries—with clarity, confidence, and consent.

Eliza G. Boquin

Eliza is a Licensed Psychotherapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist dedicated to supporting Black and Brown women in creating relationships rooted in connection, healing, and joy. Her work guides women to reclaim their voices, rewrite their love stories, and experience intimacy without shame.

Eliza G. Boquin

Eliza is a Licensed Psychotherapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist dedicated to supporting Black and Brown women in creating relationships rooted in connection, healing, and joy. Her work guides women to reclaim their voices, rewrite their love stories, and experience intimacy without shame.

Eliza G. Boquin

Eliza is a Licensed Psychotherapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist dedicated to supporting Black and Brown women in creating relationships rooted in connection, healing, and joy. Her work guides women to reclaim their voices, rewrite their love stories, and experience intimacy without shame.

Eliza G. Boquin

Eliza is a Licensed Psychotherapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist dedicated to supporting Black and Brown women in creating relationships rooted in connection, healing, and joy. Her work guides women to reclaim their voices, rewrite their love stories, and experience intimacy without shame.

Dr. Lexx Brown-James

Dr. Lexx Brown-James, LMFT, CSE, CSES is a premiere sexologist leading the field of sexuality with shame free sex education and innovative sex therapy skills. As an AASECT certified sexuality educator and supervisor, Dr. Lexx provides education and therapy from womb to tomb through her practice The Institute for Sexuality & Intimacy, LLC, , keynotes, panels, and curriculum design. As a multiple time best seller and creator of Dr. Lexx’s Relationship Tune Up Cards, Dr. Lexx is an international sexologist. Featured in prominent media like CNN, Essence, It Gets Better, The New York Times, Scary Mommy, and NPR, Dr. Lexx breaks down the most complicated and taboo topics to create easily digestible and actionable change.

Dr. Lexx Brown-James

Dr. Lexx Brown-James, LMFT, CSE, CSES is a premiere sexologist leading the field of sexuality with shame free sex education and innovative sex therapy skills. As an AASECT certified sexuality educator and supervisor, Dr. Lexx provides education and therapy from womb to tomb through her practice The Institute for Sexuality & Intimacy, LLC, , keynotes, panels, and curriculum design. As a multiple time best seller and creator of Dr. Lexx’s Relationship Tune Up Cards, Dr. Lexx is an international sexologist. Featured in prominent media like CNN, Essence, It Gets Better, The New York Times, Scary Mommy, and NPR, Dr. Lexx breaks down the most complicated and taboo topics to create easily digestible and actionable change.

Dr. Lexx Brown-James

Dr. Lexx Brown-James, LMFT, CSE, CSES is a premiere sexologist leading the field of sexuality with shame free sex education and innovative sex therapy skills. As an AASECT certified sexuality educator and supervisor, Dr. Lexx provides education and therapy from womb to tomb through her practice The Institute for Sexuality & Intimacy, LLC, , keynotes, panels, and curriculum design. As a multiple time best seller and creator of Dr. Lexx’s Relationship Tune Up Cards, Dr. Lexx is an international sexologist. Featured in prominent media like CNN, Essence, It Gets Better, The New York Times, Scary Mommy, and NPR, Dr. Lexx breaks down the most complicated and taboo topics to create easily digestible and actionable change.

Dr. Lexx Brown-James

Dr. Lexx Brown-James, LMFT, CSE, CSES is a premiere sexologist leading the field of sexuality with shame free sex education and innovative sex therapy skills. As an AASECT certified sexuality educator and supervisor, Dr. Lexx provides education and therapy from womb to tomb through her practice The Institute for Sexuality & Intimacy, LLC, , keynotes, panels, and curriculum design. As a multiple time best seller and creator of Dr. Lexx’s Relationship Tune Up Cards, Dr. Lexx is an international sexologist. Featured in prominent media like CNN, Essence, It Gets Better, The New York Times, Scary Mommy, and NPR, Dr. Lexx breaks down the most complicated and taboo topics to create easily digestible and actionable change.

Dame Sadie

The Wisdom Keeper. The Pleasure Missionary. Dame Sadie (they/she) is an Afrofuturistic Wellness Practitioner forged by a matriarchal lineage of free-thinkers, healers, teachers, pastors, disruptors, creatives and lovers. She was called to serve community through activism, organizing, and education 25 years ago.

Dame Sadie

The Wisdom Keeper. The Pleasure Missionary. Dame Sadie (they/she) is an Afrofuturistic Wellness Practitioner forged by a matriarchal lineage of free-thinkers, healers, teachers, pastors, disruptors, creatives and lovers. She was called to serve community through activism, organizing, and education 25 years ago.

Dame Sadie

The Wisdom Keeper. The Pleasure Missionary. Dame Sadie (they/she) is an Afrofuturistic Wellness Practitioner forged by a matriarchal lineage of free-thinkers, healers, teachers, pastors, disruptors, creatives and lovers. She was called to serve community through activism, organizing, and education 25 years ago.

Dame Sadie

The Wisdom Keeper. The Pleasure Missionary. Dame Sadie (they/she) is an Afrofuturistic Wellness Practitioner forged by a matriarchal lineage of free-thinkers, healers, teachers, pastors, disruptors, creatives and lovers. She was called to serve community through activism, organizing, and education 25 years ago.

HOLDING THE WHOLE BODY
What does healing justice look like when we hold menopause as a rite of passage rather than a pathology?
Nicole Windbush

Nicole Winbush is a family physician living and practicing in Durham, NC, where she provides comprehensive primary care, including menopausal hormone therapy. In addition to her work as a primary care physician, she also maintains a private practice, Sankofa Healing Arts, which focuses on craniosacral therapy and other hands-on healing approaches. As a practicing physician, navigating her own menopausal transition, she experiences firsthand the barriers people face in receiving knowledgeable, effective, and compassionate care during this phase of life. In our fragmented and financially unsustainable healthcare system, her practice is guided by the question of how we can creatively reimagine care that supports the well-being of both care recipients and care providers.

Nicole Windbush

Nicole Winbush is a family physician living and practicing in Durham, NC, where she provides comprehensive primary care, including menopausal hormone therapy. In addition to her work as a primary care physician, she also maintains a private practice, Sankofa Healing Arts, which focuses on craniosacral therapy and other hands-on healing approaches. As a practicing physician, navigating her own menopausal transition, she experiences firsthand the barriers people face in receiving knowledgeable, effective, and compassionate care during this phase of life. In our fragmented and financially unsustainable healthcare system, her practice is guided by the question of how we can creatively reimagine care that supports the well-being of both care recipients and care providers.

Nicole Windbush

Nicole Winbush is a family physician living and practicing in Durham, NC, where she provides comprehensive primary care, including menopausal hormone therapy. In addition to her work as a primary care physician, she also maintains a private practice, Sankofa Healing Arts, which focuses on craniosacral therapy and other hands-on healing approaches. As a practicing physician, navigating her own menopausal transition, she experiences firsthand the barriers people face in receiving knowledgeable, effective, and compassionate care during this phase of life. In our fragmented and financially unsustainable healthcare system, her practice is guided by the question of how we can creatively reimagine care that supports the well-being of both care recipients and care providers.

Nicole Windbush

Nicole Winbush is a family physician living and practicing in Durham, NC, where she provides comprehensive primary care, including menopausal hormone therapy. In addition to her work as a primary care physician, she also maintains a private practice, Sankofa Healing Arts, which focuses on craniosacral therapy and other hands-on healing approaches. As a practicing physician, navigating her own menopausal transition, she experiences firsthand the barriers people face in receiving knowledgeable, effective, and compassionate care during this phase of life. In our fragmented and financially unsustainable healthcare system, her practice is guided by the question of how we can creatively reimagine care that supports the well-being of both care recipients and care providers.

Monica McLemore

Dr. Monica McLemore is a visiting professor at the Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University. Prior to this, she was a tenured, full professor in the Child, Family, and Population Health Department and the Director for the Manning-Price Spratlan Center for Anti-Racism and Equity (CARE) in Nursing at the University of Washington School of Nursing

Monica McLemore

Dr. Monica McLemore is a visiting professor at the Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University. Prior to this, she was a tenured, full professor in the Child, Family, and Population Health Department and the Director for the Manning-Price Spratlan Center for Anti-Racism and Equity (CARE) in Nursing at the University of Washington School of Nursing

Monica McLemore

Dr. Monica McLemore is a visiting professor at the Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University. Prior to this, she was a tenured, full professor in the Child, Family, and Population Health Department and the Director for the Manning-Price Spratlan Center for Anti-Racism and Equity (CARE) in Nursing at the University of Washington School of Nursing

Monica McLemore

Dr. Monica McLemore is a visiting professor at the Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University. Prior to this, she was a tenured, full professor in the Child, Family, and Population Health Department and the Director for the Manning-Price Spratlan Center for Anti-Racism and Equity (CARE) in Nursing at the University of Washington School of Nursing

Chanel Porchia

Chanel Porchia-Albert, CD, CPD, CLC, CHHC is committed to improving infant and maternal health. This commitment led her to create Ancient Song, a global birth justice organization dedicated to eradicating maternal and infant mortality and morbidity among Black and Latinx communities. Chanel’s passion has also taken her around the world, including Uganda, where she served as a maternal health strategist, and to Ethiopia where she is working with the Ministry of Health to establish a doula program in Addis Ababa. Chanel's groundbreaking efforts in birth and reproductive justice encompass research, care methodologies, and a steadfast focus on centering marginalized groups and people of color. Her work is rooted in a human rights framework, driving transformation within birthing rooms and instigating institutional reforms that address implicit bias and racism.

Chanel Porchia

Chanel Porchia-Albert, CD, CPD, CLC, CHHC is committed to improving infant and maternal health. This commitment led her to create Ancient Song, a global birth justice organization dedicated to eradicating maternal and infant mortality and morbidity among Black and Latinx communities. Chanel’s passion has also taken her around the world, including Uganda, where she served as a maternal health strategist, and to Ethiopia where she is working with the Ministry of Health to establish a doula program in Addis Ababa. Chanel's groundbreaking efforts in birth and reproductive justice encompass research, care methodologies, and a steadfast focus on centering marginalized groups and people of color. Her work is rooted in a human rights framework, driving transformation within birthing rooms and instigating institutional reforms that address implicit bias and racism.

Chanel Porchia

Chanel Porchia-Albert, CD, CPD, CLC, CHHC is committed to improving infant and maternal health. This commitment led her to create Ancient Song, a global birth justice organization dedicated to eradicating maternal and infant mortality and morbidity among Black and Latinx communities. Chanel’s passion has also taken her around the world, including Uganda, where she served as a maternal health strategist, and to Ethiopia where she is working with the Ministry of Health to establish a doula program in Addis Ababa. Chanel's groundbreaking efforts in birth and reproductive justice encompass research, care methodologies, and a steadfast focus on centering marginalized groups and people of color. Her work is rooted in a human rights framework, driving transformation within birthing rooms and instigating institutional reforms that address implicit bias and racism.

Chanel Porchia

Chanel Porchia-Albert, CD, CPD, CLC, CHHC is committed to improving infant and maternal health. This commitment led her to create Ancient Song, a global birth justice organization dedicated to eradicating maternal and infant mortality and morbidity among Black and Latinx communities. Chanel’s passion has also taken her around the world, including Uganda, where she served as a maternal health strategist, and to Ethiopia where she is working with the Ministry of Health to establish a doula program in Addis Ababa. Chanel's groundbreaking efforts in birth and reproductive justice encompass research, care methodologies, and a steadfast focus on centering marginalized groups and people of color. Her work is rooted in a human rights framework, driving transformation within birthing rooms and instigating institutional reforms that address implicit bias and racism.

Dr. Jennifer Mullen

Dr. Jennifer Mullan, PsyD is a major disruptor in the mental health industrial complex. Her work is an urgent call to dive into the root of global and generational trauma; uproot the colonial soul wound and to unlock the wisdom of our sacred rage. Affectionately nicknamed “the Rage Doctor” by peers and clients, Dr. Jennifer Mullan is trained as a Clinical Psychologist, Ancestral Guide, Root Worker, community organizer and a bestselling author. As CEO and founder of Decolonizing Therapy, LLC, Dr. Mullan seeks to shift the paradigm and narrative of traditional mental health for clients and practitioners. Dr. Jenn birthed Decolonizing Therapy®, a psychological evolution that weaves together The Political, The Ancestral, The Psychological, and The People. She is also the creator of the popular Instagram account @decolonizingtherapy and recipient of Essence magazine’s 2020 Essential Hero Award in the category of mental health.

Dr. Jennifer Mullen

Dr. Jennifer Mullan, PsyD is a major disruptor in the mental health industrial complex. Her work is an urgent call to dive into the root of global and generational trauma; uproot the colonial soul wound and to unlock the wisdom of our sacred rage. Affectionately nicknamed “the Rage Doctor” by peers and clients, Dr. Jennifer Mullan is trained as a Clinical Psychologist, Ancestral Guide, Root Worker, community organizer and a bestselling author. As CEO and founder of Decolonizing Therapy, LLC, Dr. Mullan seeks to shift the paradigm and narrative of traditional mental health for clients and practitioners. Dr. Jenn birthed Decolonizing Therapy®, a psychological evolution that weaves together The Political, The Ancestral, The Psychological, and The People. She is also the creator of the popular Instagram account @decolonizingtherapy and recipient of Essence magazine’s 2020 Essential Hero Award in the category of mental health.

Dr. Jennifer Mullen

Dr. Jennifer Mullan, PsyD is a major disruptor in the mental health industrial complex. Her work is an urgent call to dive into the root of global and generational trauma; uproot the colonial soul wound and to unlock the wisdom of our sacred rage. Affectionately nicknamed “the Rage Doctor” by peers and clients, Dr. Jennifer Mullan is trained as a Clinical Psychologist, Ancestral Guide, Root Worker, community organizer and a bestselling author. As CEO and founder of Decolonizing Therapy, LLC, Dr. Mullan seeks to shift the paradigm and narrative of traditional mental health for clients and practitioners. Dr. Jenn birthed Decolonizing Therapy®, a psychological evolution that weaves together The Political, The Ancestral, The Psychological, and The People. She is also the creator of the popular Instagram account @decolonizingtherapy and recipient of Essence magazine’s 2020 Essential Hero Award in the category of mental health.

Dr. Jennifer Mullen

Dr. Jennifer Mullan, PsyD is a major disruptor in the mental health industrial complex. Her work is an urgent call to dive into the root of global and generational trauma; uproot the colonial soul wound and to unlock the wisdom of our sacred rage. Affectionately nicknamed “the Rage Doctor” by peers and clients, Dr. Jennifer Mullan is trained as a Clinical Psychologist, Ancestral Guide, Root Worker, community organizer and a bestselling author. As CEO and founder of Decolonizing Therapy, LLC, Dr. Mullan seeks to shift the paradigm and narrative of traditional mental health for clients and practitioners. Dr. Jenn birthed Decolonizing Therapy®, a psychological evolution that weaves together The Political, The Ancestral, The Psychological, and The People. She is also the creator of the popular Instagram account @decolonizingtherapy and recipient of Essence magazine’s 2020 Essential Hero Award in the category of mental health.

Kwaneta Yatrice Harris

Kwaneta Harris is a former nurse, business owner, and expat, now an incarcerated journalist, from Detroit. In her writing she illuminates how the experience of being incarcerated in the largest state prison in Texas is vastly different for women in ways that directly map onto a culture rooted in misogyny. Her stories expose how the intersection of gender, race, and place contribute to state-sanctioned, gender-based violence. Harris is an abolition feminist and through her writing she offers a peek inside the brutal criminal legal system, with hope to reimagine effective non-carceral solutions for those who harm. She writes about abortion, censorship, and climate change and how they affect systems-impacted people.

Kwaneta Yatrice Harris

Kwaneta Harris is a former nurse, business owner, and expat, now an incarcerated journalist, from Detroit. In her writing she illuminates how the experience of being incarcerated in the largest state prison in Texas is vastly different for women in ways that directly map onto a culture rooted in misogyny. Her stories expose how the intersection of gender, race, and place contribute to state-sanctioned, gender-based violence. Harris is an abolition feminist and through her writing she offers a peek inside the brutal criminal legal system, with hope to reimagine effective non-carceral solutions for those who harm. She writes about abortion, censorship, and climate change and how they affect systems-impacted people.

Kwaneta Yatrice Harris

Kwaneta Harris is a former nurse, business owner, and expat, now an incarcerated journalist, from Detroit. In her writing she illuminates how the experience of being incarcerated in the largest state prison in Texas is vastly different for women in ways that directly map onto a culture rooted in misogyny. Her stories expose how the intersection of gender, race, and place contribute to state-sanctioned, gender-based violence. Harris is an abolition feminist and through her writing she offers a peek inside the brutal criminal legal system, with hope to reimagine effective non-carceral solutions for those who harm. She writes about abortion, censorship, and climate change and how they affect systems-impacted people.

Kwaneta Yatrice Harris

Kwaneta Harris is a former nurse, business owner, and expat, now an incarcerated journalist, from Detroit. In her writing she illuminates how the experience of being incarcerated in the largest state prison in Texas is vastly different for women in ways that directly map onto a culture rooted in misogyny. Her stories expose how the intersection of gender, race, and place contribute to state-sanctioned, gender-based violence. Harris is an abolition feminist and through her writing she offers a peek inside the brutal criminal legal system, with hope to reimagine effective non-carceral solutions for those who harm. She writes about abortion, censorship, and climate change and how they affect systems-impacted people.

Healing as Memory, Blood and Throughline
Water holds memory. Water connects us across generations.
Naimah Efia

Naimah Efia is a holistic health maven, specializing in mental health and psychic emancipation. Through a commitment to self-determined healing for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), Naimah activates transformation within a politicized praxis of decolonial care. Decolonial care allows for the return to our inherent right to heal, and be healed on our own terms, and in line with our legacies and traditions past, present and future.

Naimah Efia

Naimah Efia is a holistic health maven, specializing in mental health and psychic emancipation. Through a commitment to self-determined healing for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), Naimah activates transformation within a politicized praxis of decolonial care. Decolonial care allows for the return to our inherent right to heal, and be healed on our own terms, and in line with our legacies and traditions past, present and future.

Naimah Efia

Naimah Efia is a holistic health maven, specializing in mental health and psychic emancipation. Through a commitment to self-determined healing for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), Naimah activates transformation within a politicized praxis of decolonial care. Decolonial care allows for the return to our inherent right to heal, and be healed on our own terms, and in line with our legacies and traditions past, present and future.

Naimah Efia

Naimah Efia is a holistic health maven, specializing in mental health and psychic emancipation. Through a commitment to self-determined healing for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), Naimah activates transformation within a politicized praxis of decolonial care. Decolonial care allows for the return to our inherent right to heal, and be healed on our own terms, and in line with our legacies and traditions past, present and future.

Mona Eltahawy

Mona Eltahawy is an award-winning feminist author, commentator and disruptor of patriarchy. Her latest book is an anthology on menopause that she has edited called Bloody Hell! And Other Stories: Adventures in Menopause from Around the World. Her first book Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution (2015) targeted patriarchy in the Middle East and North Africa and her second The Seven Necessary Sins For Women and Girls (2019) took her disruption worldwide. Shie is working on a memoir to be called The King Herself: How Hatshepsut Helped me Unbecome. Her commentary has appeared in media around the world and she writes the newsletter FEMINIST GIANT.

Mona Eltahawy

Mona Eltahawy is an award-winning feminist author, commentator and disruptor of patriarchy. Her latest book is an anthology on menopause that she has edited called Bloody Hell! And Other Stories: Adventures in Menopause from Around the World. Her first book Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution (2015) targeted patriarchy in the Middle East and North Africa and her second The Seven Necessary Sins For Women and Girls (2019) took her disruption worldwide. Shie is working on a memoir to be called The King Herself: How Hatshepsut Helped me Unbecome. Her commentary has appeared in media around the world and she writes the newsletter FEMINIST GIANT.

Mona Eltahawy

Mona Eltahawy is an award-winning feminist author, commentator and disruptor of patriarchy. Her latest book is an anthology on menopause that she has edited called Bloody Hell! And Other Stories: Adventures in Menopause from Around the World. Her first book Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution (2015) targeted patriarchy in the Middle East and North Africa and her second The Seven Necessary Sins For Women and Girls (2019) took her disruption worldwide. Shie is working on a memoir to be called The King Herself: How Hatshepsut Helped me Unbecome. Her commentary has appeared in media around the world and she writes the newsletter FEMINIST GIANT.

Mona Eltahawy

Mona Eltahawy is an award-winning feminist author, commentator and disruptor of patriarchy. Her latest book is an anthology on menopause that she has edited called Bloody Hell! And Other Stories: Adventures in Menopause from Around the World. Her first book Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution (2015) targeted patriarchy in the Middle East and North Africa and her second The Seven Necessary Sins For Women and Girls (2019) took her disruption worldwide. Shie is working on a memoir to be called The King Herself: How Hatshepsut Helped me Unbecome. Her commentary has appeared in media around the world and she writes the newsletter FEMINIST GIANT.

gina Breedlove

Breedlove is a sound healer, vocalist, composer, grief doula, author, & oracle for Grace. gina was Born and raised in the People's Republic of Brooklyn. She began her walk with spirit & sound at age 5, singing, toning, and humming to herself to shield her soul and nourish her spirit. gina experienced her first sound healing circles at her family's Missionary Baptist Church, not far from the Apalachicola bay, in Florida. She has toured as featured vocalist with Harry Belafonte, Craig Harris, Sekou Sundiata, and Ronny Jordan, to name a few.

gina Breedlove

Breedlove is a sound healer, vocalist, composer, grief doula, author, & oracle for Grace. gina was Born and raised in the People's Republic of Brooklyn. She began her walk with spirit & sound at age 5, singing, toning, and humming to herself to shield her soul and nourish her spirit. gina experienced her first sound healing circles at her family's Missionary Baptist Church, not far from the Apalachicola bay, in Florida. She has toured as featured vocalist with Harry Belafonte, Craig Harris, Sekou Sundiata, and Ronny Jordan, to name a few.

gina Breedlove

Breedlove is a sound healer, vocalist, composer, grief doula, author, & oracle for Grace. gina was Born and raised in the People's Republic of Brooklyn. She began her walk with spirit & sound at age 5, singing, toning, and humming to herself to shield her soul and nourish her spirit. gina experienced her first sound healing circles at her family's Missionary Baptist Church, not far from the Apalachicola bay, in Florida. She has toured as featured vocalist with Harry Belafonte, Craig Harris, Sekou Sundiata, and Ronny Jordan, to name a few.

gina Breedlove

Breedlove is a sound healer, vocalist, composer, grief doula, author, & oracle for Grace. gina was Born and raised in the People's Republic of Brooklyn. She began her walk with spirit & sound at age 5, singing, toning, and humming to herself to shield her soul and nourish her spirit. gina experienced her first sound healing circles at her family's Missionary Baptist Church, not far from the Apalachicola bay, in Florida. She has toured as featured vocalist with Harry Belafonte, Craig Harris, Sekou Sundiata, and Ronny Jordan, to name a few.

Michaela Harrison

Michaela Harrison is an international vocalist and healer whose career is rooted in relaying the transformational power of music and supporting others in accessing the healing energy available in nature through ritual and creative practices. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and a master’s in Africana Studie

Michaela Harrison

Michaela Harrison is an international vocalist and healer whose career is rooted in relaying the transformational power of music and supporting others in accessing the healing energy available in nature through ritual and creative practices. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and a master’s in Africana Studie

Michaela Harrison

Michaela Harrison is an international vocalist and healer whose career is rooted in relaying the transformational power of music and supporting others in accessing the healing energy available in nature through ritual and creative practices. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and a master’s in Africana Studie

Michaela Harrison

Michaela Harrison is an international vocalist and healer whose career is rooted in relaying the transformational power of music and supporting others in accessing the healing energy available in nature through ritual and creative practices. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and a master’s in Africana Studie