American Red Cross in partnership / Room N230a
with Northwestern Memorial Healthcare
Stop by anytime during the BWe weekend to have your blood drawn and tested for Multiple Sclerosis by the American Red Cross!
Northwestern Medicine is anchored by Northwestern Memorial
Hospital, with eight specialties ranked in the top 10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, 2025 – 2026.

12:00pm-1:30pm

Room: N226
Is Your Inner Child Guiding Your Relationships?
Haven’t found your person yet? Join this insightful seminar about the ways in which our inner child manifests itself in relationships and learn how to heal the wounds we carry into relationships as an adult!
Speaker: Love McPherson

Room N227
Black Women in Entertainment
Powered by J-Morg Entertainment
Join J-Morg Entertainment at the Black Women’s Expo for an inspiring conversation celebrating the brilliance, resilience, and impact of Black women in entertainment.
Featuring Kendra Chapman-Davis, executive producer and writer of the Power Universe; Michelle Hayes, talent agent and owner of Hayes Talent Agency; Catrice Armstrong, publicist and owner of PR Werks; and Reneeka Rae, tour manager and Member Events Manager at Soho House Chicago. Together, they’ll share their personal journeys, career insights, and the lessons that have shaped their success while empowering the next generation of women in the industry.

Moderated by media maven Portia King, this dynamic discussion will offer candid conversations, practical wisdom, and inspiration for aspiring creatives, entrepreneurs, entertainment professionals alike. Whether you’re pursuing a career in entertainment, building your own brand, or looking to elevate your professional journey, this panel will leave you informed, inspired, and empowered.

Room N228
The Change Before the Change: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Peri-Menopause
Sponsored by Black Girl Vitamins
Peri-menopause is a natural transition, but for many women, the symptoms can feel anything but normal. From mood changes and sleep disruptions to weight fluctuations, brain fog, and hot flashes, this stage of life often begins years before menopause itself. Join us for an empowering conversation that breaks down the facts, dispels common myths, and provides practical tools to help you better understand and support your body during this hormonal shift. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms now or preparing for what’s ahead, you’ll leave with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to navigate peri-menopause with clarity and take charge of your wellness journey.

Speakers: Dr. Christy Russell; Lynn St. Victor- Luckett MSN, APRN,
FNP-BC; Dr. Ifreke King

Moderator: Jessica Nosike, Black Girl Vitamins, Head of Events and Socials
12:00pm-1:30pm

Room N230b
Where’s Daddy? The Ahmaud Arbery Story
Hear from the father of Ahmaud Arbery as he shares the journey of honoring his son’s life through healing cherished memories, life lessons, and heartfelt reflections while navigating grief, faith. Whether you are a parent, mentor, educator, or community leader, this powerful story offers encouragement, inspiration, and lessons that will remain with you long after the final page.
Speaker: Marcus Arbery Sr., Author

Pay the Cost to be the Boss Room N231
Hear from experienced entrepreneurs as they share what it truly takes to own a business. We’re talking about all the hard
decisions, late nights, and surprise challenges that make up the life of a BOSS.

Speakers: Elle Davis MSW, Founder, The Elevate Group LLC; Dr. Jackie Jackson, Author, Kilwins Owner, Shawnie Jones, Chicago Eats Market Place Owner

Moderator: Dionna Johnson-Sallis

2:00pm-3:30pm

Room N228
Wealth, Business & Economic Empowerment Panel 
Sponsored by: Midland Wealth
Management
This two-part workshop will educate you on financial planning for yourself and your business: Financial planning encompasses more than just your assets, investments, and net worth. It involves understanding your financial aspirations, intentions, and motivations. It’s about recognizing your worries, expectations, and objectives. Achieving your financial goals starts with understanding where you stand today and how to get where you want to be tomorrow.
The Wealth, Business & Economic Empowerment Panel will discuss resources for your small business including business credit, financial statements, credit scores and more.

Speakers: Cornell D. Lurry Sr., Director of Community Economic Development- Midland States Bank; Javier Placencia, Sr. Small Business Relationship Manager – Midland States Bank; Deshawn Peterson, CFP®, Associate Wealth Advisor – Midland Wealth Management

Moderator: Martesha Brown, Market President – Midland States Bank

Room N230b
Mental Health 911: Black Women’s 
Healthcare Crisis Room
We are breaking under the weight of institutional racism, inadequate care, and indifference, and the costs are deadly. We are twice as likely to experience major depression, and nearly 40% of new Black mothers report some degree of maternal mental conditions. We are being killed by our significant others. Our children are killing themselves, and us. Depression, domestic violence, suicide, chronic health conditions and more are the manifestations of mental instability we grapple with daily, and often without support.

This panel convenes an emergency triage team to identify resources that can help us move toward a state of mental wellness. Hear from mental health professionals, policymakers, and spiritual leaders as we tackle the environmental and societal causes feeding this mental dis-ease, and present options for self-care and accessing critical services that enable us to thrive despite these trying times.

Speakers: Dr. Willie Mae Jackson, forensic psychiatrist and HSI Medical Director; Maya Gavin-Winters, MA, LCPC | PhD Candidate (Menopause & Mental Health), CEO Me On; Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, 4th Senate District, Member, Senate Committee on Health and Human Services; Rev. Dr. Janette C. Wilson-Howard, Esq., Senior Advisor and National Executive Director of PUSH for Excellence and Pastor of Maple Park United Methodist

Moderator: Dr. LaDonna Raeh, Co-Host, WVON, Founder, Raeh Digital

Room N231
What Are Black Women Choosing Now? 
Peace, Power, Purpose & the Future We Want Black women are no longer focused on proving their value. We are becoming intentional about where our energy goes — and who deserves access to us. Across generations, Black women are redefining success, relationships, entrepreneurship, wellness, identity, leadership, and what truly matters. Join an inspiring cross-generational conversation on how Black women are choosing to live, love, lead, build, protect their peace, and shape the future on their own terms.

Speakers: Amy Hilliard, Coach/Marketing Executive/Author/Podcast Host; Dr. Kendra Outler, Anesthesiologist; Leah Phillips, Track Star; Angelica Jones, Account Supervisor, Advertising Agency

Moderator: Pepper Miller – Cultural Insights Strategist & Trust
Steward

4:00pm-5:30pm

Room N226
Ask the Doctors: Women’s Wellness Unfiltered 
Join the conversation designed to give Black women direct
access to various healthcare professionals for an honest discussion about hormone balance, nutrition, preventative care, practical wellness solutions, and the full spectrum of women’s health.

Speakers: Dr. Debbie Stroman, Healthy2Connections; Cook County Health Ambassador, Brandi Stroud MSN, RN, Owner & Nurse Injector, Alive & Well Hydration; Pacific College of Health and Science

Room N228
Black Women and Property Ownership Stacking Smarter & Unlocking Generational Wealth
Presented by: Neighborhood Housing Services Chicago
Homeownership is more than owning a place to live—it’s one of the most powerful tools for building wealth, creating financial stability, and establishing a lasting legacy. Join the women leaders of Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) Chicago for an empowering and candid conversation designed specifically for Black women who are ready to take control of their financial future. Whether you’re dreaming of buying your first home, considering an investment property, or looking for strategies to build and preserve wealth for future generations, this dynamic panel will provide practical insights, real-world advice, and actionable steps to help you move forward with confidence.

Speakers: Shavon Hale, Development Manager, Property Preservation, NHS Redevelopment Corporation (NHSRC); Janice Crawford, Chief Credit Officer, Neighborhood Lending Services, an affiliate of NHS Chicago; Danielle Matthews, Director of Homeownership Services, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago; Danielle Stanley, Associate Director of Public Policy, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago

Room N231
Command That Room: Kidney Party 
Your Voice Matters learn to decrease fear of public speaking then step up to the mic and leave a Memorable Impact! Message to Movement become Unforgettable!

Speakers: Dr Peggy Riggins, Founder & CEO; Demesheun Lee, Healing Sistas Oasis; Dr. Yakima Palmer, Yaks Wellness; Tateauna Fleming, Vybe n Vitality; Michelle Cartman, Awesome In Me

*Schedule subject to change without notice.