11:00am – 12:30pm
Room N227a
Unlocking the Key to Business Success: The Power of the 7 Assets
This presentation will provide attendees with innovative strategies to differentiate their businesses, escape market competition, and carve out uncontested market space.
In this high-impact seminar, attendees will uncover the 7 key assets that separate thriving, self-sustaining businesses from those that struggle to scale. Guests will walk away with a clear understanding of where their business stands, what’s missing, and how to leverage assets to drive revenue, efficiency, and lasting success.
Speakers: Dr. Sakira Jackson

11:30am – 12:30pm
Room N227b
Men Motivating Men Tour
Presented by: TBTNews
Real men discussing manhood within their business, communities, and families
Moderator: Carl West
Speaker: Claude Robinson

11:00am – 12:30pm
Room N228
The State of Black Men’s Mental Health and Awareness
Description: No judgements and no shame, just a raw and honest panel of Black men sharing their mental health journeys and the experiences that have shaped it. Experience the Men(tal)Hood Culture series right here at BWe!
Hosted by: Victor Love, Founder of Men(tal)Hood Culture
Moderator: Matt McGill, WVON
Speakers: Dr. Karriem Watson, Dr. Bonnie Thomas, Obari Cartman, Robert Owens, Makafui, Phil Bradley, Illinois State Representative La Shawn K. Ford, Dave Jeff, Toussaint Werner. Dr. George Smith, Ariel Ben Israel

11:00am – 12:30pm
Room N230b
Like a BOSS: 4 Building Blocks That Will Help Take Your Woman-Owned Business to the NEXT LEVEL
Are you ready to level up, lock in, and lead your business like the powerhouse you are? Like a BOSS. breaks down the four essentials every woman entrepreneur must master: Building Owning Strategizing and Self-Prioritizing. Come learn the blueprint to boss up, show up, and blow up.
Speaker: Dr. Nakia Hall, Leadership Development Facilitator &
Consultant

11:00am – 12:30pm
Room N231
Discover Your Hidden Treasures
Women on the move affirm their destination daily. History reminds us that divine Prophets hear God. He daily commands all His children, men, and women alike, to be bold, to claim their destination and mostly, to take their place in society by force. Join us as we reflect, learn life changing affirmations and hear His direction for you and yours through the powerful spirit of prophecy.
Speaker: Dr. Ingrid E. Bridges, Pastor of Sacred Hand Ministries & Publisher of Ink Pages

1:00pm – 2:30pm Room N226
Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin Presents:
Money Moves with Melissa: She Means Business a Financial Empowerment Series – Telling Your Story: The Art of the Pitch When Courting Capital with Wells Fargo
Description: Crafting a compelling origin story is crucial to establishing trust – not only with customers – but also with potential lenders. This workshop helps entrepreneurs uncover and polish their unique business narrative.
Speaker: Ryan Imeri

1:00pm – 2:30pm Room N227a
Battling Cancer and Winning: Faith is our Superpower!
Presented by: Wyn-Win Communications
Description: Winning a battle with cancer is as much a spiritual fight as a physical one. The faith that has sustained Black women over generations is the secret sauce that powers our ability to survive and thrive in the face of life-threatening and spirit-crushing situations. Join some of our local warriors, experts, medical providers, and policymakers in a spirited discussion about how faith in God, family, and their medical teams helped them beat this disease.
Moderator: Cheryle Jackson, CEO, My Own Doctor
Speakers: Lisa Hayes, Executive Director, pink4ever; Dr. Anngell Jones, Chair of Surgery, Sinai Hospital; Apostle Dr. Renee Allison, New Life House of God; Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, District 6, Cook County Board of Commissioners

1:00pm – 3:00pm
Room N227b
Where Do We Go from Here? Town Hall Discussion
The topic will focus on dealing with the increasingly clear attempts to erase Black History and impact, how to persevere in times such as these while building community, and the importance of staying informed. We would also like to highlight the importance of getting involved in making change happen for the community.
Moderator: Matt McGill, WVON
Speakers: Janai Nelson, NAACP Legal Defense Fund President; Jotaka Eaddy, Founder, Full Circle Strategies LLC & #WinWithBlackWomen; Roland Martin, Journalist/Host #RolandMartinUnfiltered; Congresswoman Robin Kelly, 2nd Congressional District; Congressman Jonathan Jackson, 15th District of Illinois

1:00pm – 2:30pm
Room N228
ViiV Healthcare Presents: A Different PrEP Option
(Patient Ambassador Program)
This session will discuss the importance of HIV prevention. A patient ambassador will share their personal perspectives and prevention journey.
Speakers: Shae, Patient Ambassador; Michelle Minor, Community Engagement Specialist

1:00pm – 2:30pm
Room N230a
Securing Your Legacy: Estate Planning and Protection Workshop
Sponsored by: Ted London & Associates
Join us for an empowering and essential workshop focusing on the critical importance of estate planning. This session will demystify the process of securing your financial future and ensuring your legacy is protected for generations to come. We’ll cover key topics including understanding the basics, wills and trusts, protecting your assets, designating your beneficiaries, healthcare directives and power of attorney as well as dispelling myths. This workshop provides a safe and supportive space to ask questions, gain clarity, and take actionable steps towards building a strong financial foundation and a lasting legacy. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to protect what matters most.
Moderator: Theodore “Ted” London
Speakers: Joseph Porter, Financial Services; Stacey Chauncey, Secure Home and Automation

1:00pm – 2:30pm
Room N230b
Feeding Your Mind, Body & Soul – Ways to Promote Black Health and Wellness
Sponsored by: Northwestern Medicine
Description: There is a saying in Black communities, “you cannot feed others from an empty well.” It is a metaphor that speaks to the need that one must prioritize their won needs before attempting to effectively care for others. Applying this through the context or lens of healthcare, this phrase emphasizes the importance of addressing or prioritizing one’s health as a part of an ongoing journey to well-being. Join Dr. Kimbra Bell and a select team of Northwestern Medicine physicians who will discuss the importance of feeding and nurturing your physical and emotional well-being. Northwestern medicine will establish for audience members that, “you cannot function well if you aren’t well,” while also discussing healthcare strategies to fuel your physical and emotional well-being so you can enjoy a healthier, happier quality of life.
Moderator: Bioncé Foxx, Radio Host of The Bioncé Foxx Experience
on V103
Speakers: Kimbra Bell, MD, Internal Medicine Medical Director,
Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Center; Alana Lewis, MD, Cardiology; Jade Avery, MD, Psychiatry; Veronica Johnson, MD, Internal and Obesity Medicine; Julia Riley, MD, Dermatology

3:00pm – 4:30pm
Room N226
Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin Presents:
Money Moves with Melissa: She Means Business a Financial Empowerment Series – Credit 101 with TransUnion
Presented by: City of Chicago Treasurer’s Office
Learn about credit from the experts. Let TransUnion help you understand credit, your personal credit score, and share best practices for maintaining a good credit score.
Speaker: Tracie Anderson

3:00pm – 4:30pm
Room N227a
Fashion Do’s & Don’ts
Description: Hear from our BWe Fashion Show Coordinator as he shares tips on how to excel in the world of fashion with industry professionals!
Speakers: Shawn Moton, SOS Shawn Founder, and Guests

3:00pm – 4:30pm
Room N227b
Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Effect on Black Women
Sponsored by: Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter
African Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease, with women experiencing higher incidents than men. In this important session, we will explore what Alzheimer’s Disease is, why it disproportionately affects African American women, and the steps women can take to reduce their risk. Participants will also learn about the impact of caregiver stress, the latest research on brain health, and practical strategies for early detection, lifestyle changes, and community support. Whether you are concerned about your memory, caring for a loved one, or simply want to be informed, this session will equip you with knowledge and tools to take action.
Speakers: Phil Bennett, Program Manager at the Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter; Michelle Mason, CDP, CMDCP/Caregiver and Alzheimer’s Educator

3:00pm – 4:30pm
Room N228
She Carries It All: Reclaiming our Physical & Mental Health Across Generations
Sponsored by: University of Chicago Medicine
Women across generations continue to be the foundation of our families, communities, and workplaces, often while navigating barriers to care and well-being. This timely and necessary seminar, presented through the lens of health equity, brings together a team of therapists, healthcare professionals, and wellness advocates to explore the unique mental and physical health challenges impacting Black women at every stage of life. Grounded in the mission of UChicago Medicine’s Urban Health Initiative to advance health equity and community well-being, this session will offer practical strategies to recognize burnout, manage stress, and improve health outcomes. Attendees will gain tools to prioritize their total health and advocate for care that empowers them. Join us for a transformative conversation centered on you and your health across generations.
Speakers: UChicago Medicine Staff & Community Partners – Therapists, Healthcare professionals, & Wellness Advocates

3:00pm – 4:30pm
Room N230b
What Your Mother Didn’t Tell You
Despite being as the blueprint for modern gynecology, we don’t always talk about the unique health challenges and experiences we endure. Hear from doctors, health advocates and medical professionals as they discuss the realities of Black women’s health. From PCOS to perimenopause, they’re answering the questions and sharing information your mother didn’t!

3:00pm – 4:30pm
Room N231
Leading the Way Forward
Hear from community leaders from various Chicago as they discuss what it takes to build a strong community, the power of working together, persevering in the face of adversity, and how churches can be a guiding light.
Speakers: Pastor Mark Henton, Pastor John Hannah, Reverand
Michael Louis Pfleger, and more!