Contributors

Adele OuYang

Adele OuYang is a trauma-informed Somatic Healing Practitioner, Conscious Parenting Coach, Yoga Teacher, and Nervous System Educator helping people heal trauma through the body — not just the mind. After overcoming her own emotional abuse, divorce, and identity loss, she guides others to regulate their nervous systems, reparent their inner child, and rebuild self-worth from the inside out.

Alexandra Garrett

Alexandra Garrett, founder and curator of The Afternoon Edit, is a dynamic beauty and style blogger known for her trendsetting aesthetic and innovative approach to fashion. With a passion for curating chic looks and embracing unique style, she inspires readers to express their individuality. Drawing on years of industry experience, Alexandra effortlessly blends classic elegance with modern flair. Her insightful commentary and creative vision have made her a trusted source in the fashion community, empowering followers to redefine style with confidence each day globally.

Aliaa Remtilla, PhD

Aliaa Remtilla, PhD is a Harvard-trained anthropologist, executive coach and startup founder. She’s conducted research in over 20 countries, led nonprofit programs across three continents and raised $1M+ as co-founder of a VC-backed tech company. Today, she works with high-achieving professionals at a crossroads – helping them move through fear, find clarity and build lives and careers that actually fit.

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Ardenna Downing

Ardenna Downing is a graduate of Virginia Tech and The Illinois School of Professional Psychology and has been a therapist for 15 years. She is a Professional Counselor licensed in California and Texas and an EMDR certified and Brainspotting therapist who enjoys incorporating the arts as a pathway to healing. She is the owner and founder of Callery Counseling PLLC, which services individuals and groups. She is the author of a 40 day journal for those in their forties entitled "Forty for Forties: Transform and Reflect on your Life's Journey." Additional information about Ardenna is provided on her website at www.callerycounseling.com

Ariel Travis

Ariel Travis is a pediatric medical speech-language pathologist, international speaker and creator of Wander Lounge podcast. Wander Lounge podcast empowers women to travel the world with confidence; inspired by her travels to 27 countries. You can connect with her through her website wanderloungepodcast.com or through her socials @wander_lounge.

Ashley P. Stroud, LMSW

Ashley P. Stroud, LMSW, is an associate therapist, national board-certified health and wellness coach, and certified community resource specialist. She is dedicated to improving how healthcare professionals and consumers navigate complex healthcare systems through advocacy, resource provision, health coaching, and case management. She also enjoys cuddling with her fur baby, Fendi Lou Nixon, hiking, listening to audiobooks, and line dancing.

Brittany Christina

Brittany Christina, founder of Brittany Christina Home, is a creative entrepreneur and designer who transforms homes into intentional sanctuaries rooted in art, healing, and purpose. She creates furniture, artwork, and home goods that reflect identity, restoration, and the power of designing from alignment.

Cheryl Overton

Cheryl Overton is an Emmy Award-winning brand marketer and founder of Cheryl Overton Communications, a firm that helps brands achieve success and cultural relevance through strategic and creative approaches. With a career spanning PR, brand storytelling, and cultural marketing, Cheryl has led groundbreaking work for big names like Dove, NIVEA, Starbucks, American Express, and the American Heart Association. Her work is hallmarked by authenticity and results, making her a trusted voice in purpose-driven branding. Cheryl is also the creator of GRWN™, a strategic toolkit that taps into the buying power and influence of over 50 consumers. Cheryl has been recognized as an industry Icon and Person of the Year by The Advertising Club, an Innovator by both PR News and PRovoke Media and a Woman of Distinction by PR Week. She’s also passionate about non-profit board service, where she advocates for equity, youth development, and women’s voices. When she’s not working, Cheryl is a fashion-loving, passport-stamping creative who lives by the #caftansandcocktails credo, is fueled by books, collects art and knows a good accessory can spark meaningful conversation. Whether she’s hosting salon-style chats or packing for her next adventure, Cheryl shows up with point of view, polish, and purpose — and a bold lip, too!

Cindy Kumar

Cindy Kumar is a CPA and Fractional CFO advising scaling founders on profit strategy, cash flow discipline, and long-term financial leverage. With nearly a decade in traditional firms before launching her own practice, she brings both institutional insight and real-time entrepreneurial experience to her work. Her writing explores how money, power, and culture intersect for modern women building wealth.

Cynthia Agyeman-Anane

Cynthia Agyeman-Anane is a Licensed Clinical Therapist in the states of MD, DC & GA. Cynthia is the CEO & Founder of Conversations Create Change LLC™, a group therapy practice that services individuals, families and couples. Cynthia is a Gottman Method Level III and AEDP Level II Therapist specializing in interpersonal and relational issues. Cynthia uses her relatable and fun online platform Talk All About It to share mental health resources and information. Cynthia is an entrepreneur, mother and wife who loves to watch reality TV, write, read and travel.

Domenique Harrison, MPH, LMFT, LPCC

Domenique Harrison, MPH, LMFT, LPCC, is a licensed Psychotherapist and Founder of The Racial Equity Therapist. She works with BIPOC millennials and couples at the intersection of race and relationships and believes that to be well individually, we must be well in our relationships. To learn more about Domenique, follow her on Instagram or visit her website at https://theracialequitytherapist.com/.

Dr. Andrea Colón, NMD

Dr. Andrea Colón, NMD, is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and founder of Revive Wellness in Newport Beach. She specializes in hormone optimization, menopause care, gut health, IV and peptide therapy, and personalized wellness plans that address fatigue, inflammation, and chronic health issues at the root. With advanced expertise in peri-menopause and menopause, she created the Menopause Mastery Program to help women navigate this life stage with confidence and vitality. She also offers Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) to ease symptoms and restore hormonal balance. Dr. Colón’s mission is to empower patients to feel vibrant at every stage of life through holistic, medically informed care tailored to their unique needs.

Dr. Kiki Ramsey

Dr. Kiki Ramsey is a leading Positive Psychologist, ICF Master Certified Executive Leadership Coach, and founder of the Positive Psychology Coaching and Diversity Institute (PPCaDI), a leadership development firm that specializes in diversity and leadership coaching and training. With a strong background in business, DEI, and positive psychology, Dr. Kiki brings a unique perspective to her work as she helps leaders and organizations create more inclusive and happy work cultures that foster belonging for all. Dr. Kiki also is a Positive Psychology and Coaching professor at Life University.

Dr. Neha Lalani

Dr. Lalani is a Triple board-certified endocrinologist with 7 years of clinical experience. I am the CEO and founder of Bluebonnet Diabetes & Endocrinology, where we focus on providing comprehensive, personalized care to each patient.

Dr. Phyllis Pobee

Dr. Phyllis Pobee is a triple-board-certified genetic weight loss physician specializing in personalized health strategies for women. As the founder of GeneLean360°, she empowers BIPOC women to achieve vibrant health and confidence by addressing their unique genetic makeup and health challenges. https://drphyllispobee.com/

Dr. Rebecca Hubbard

Dr. Rebecca Hubbard is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified Kemetic Yoga instructor, former student-athlete and recovering perfectionist. She has been on her wellness journey since she was a teenager and uses her personal experience and professional training to co-create spaces for healing and growth in her Chicago-based private practice. She educates about self-care through her newsletter, “Turn Self-Care Into Your Superpower”, online courses and workshops.

Dr. Shanéa Thomas, LICSW, CSE

Dr. Shanéa Thomas, LICSW, CSE, is a TEDx Speaker, award-winning sexuality educator, and proud Howard University alum with over 20 years of clinical social work experience in the D.C. area. Named AASECT’s 2024 Sexuality Educator of the Year, she’s facilitated 120+ workshops on DEI, grief, mental health, and LGBTQIA+ topics. Through Thomas Consulting and Therapeutic Services, she equips professionals to create empathetic, accountable, and inclusive spaces—what she calls “The Thomas Standard.” A Certified Compassionate Bereavement Care Provider, Dr. Thomas continues her clinical practice, using grief and legacy as guiding lenses for healing and transformative systemic change.

Erika Brooks

Erika is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in the state of Virginia. She has a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been fortunate enough to have used her professional skills as Crisis clinician for a local community services board, an intensive in-home therapist, and an outpatient therapist. In these roles, she developed a great appreciation for all ages and clinical needs. Erika is the owner of Enlightenment Counseling Services, LLC and co-author in the book collaboration, PEARLS: Wisdom and advice from emerging women leaders. Erika can be reached at brookslpc@yahoo.com.

Erin Nikole Gums

Erin Nikole Gums is a Future Self Embodiment Coach, breathwork guide and CEO of Tap into your Wellspring, a platform for women looking to connect with the lives and careers they deserve—on their own terms. She is a certified coach with a BA from Harvard and MBA from Berkeley residing in Los Angeles, CA.

Eva Vega

Eva Vega is a certified personal trainer, yoga and barre instructor, health coach, and wellness leader with 20 years of experience helping others build strength, balance, and confidence through movement. As Senior Program Director at the YMCA of Western North Carolina, she blends functional fitness, mindful practices, and motivational coaching to inspire people to get stronger on the outside — and even stronger on the inside.

Glenny Rosario

Glenny Rosario is a Certified Life Coach, author, and host of the Manifesting Mamas podcast. She helps women evolve with confidence, clarity, and self-love through coaching, affirmations, and mindset work. Her signature program, the Healthy Self-Confidence Masterclass, empowers women to embrace change at every age.

Janine O’Brien, Psy.D.

Janine O’Brien, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, coach, and content creator based in New York. Her work centers on helping women break free from cultural scripts, heal from old patterns and attachment wounds, and build relationships rooted in authenticity and self-trust.

Jasmine Renae Ray

Jasmine Renae Ray is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, CFP Board Ambassador and the founder of Bamboo Financial Partners. She combines her background in social work and financial planning to empower entrepreneurs, individuals and families toward holistic wealth. Jasmine is the first Black female CFP® professional in the state of Oklahoma.

Jemelia Shotwell

Jemelia Shotwell is a Certified Life Coach, Energy Practitioner, Sound Therapist and a second year Masters student in Mental Health Counseling. Her aims and intentions are to help others heal from the past, align with the present and surface profound clarity to build an empowering future. As the founder of “The Sacred Healing Well”, the “Inner Journey Healing Retreats” and “Queen Talk With Jemelia”, she has an extensive background involving energy healing, inner activations and transformational coaching. Her personal mission is to help her clients combat their battles (both internal and external) to cultivate a life filled with balance, happiness and fulfillment.

Joy Ewing, MA, LMFT

Joy Ewing, MA, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder of Joy Life Counseling in Aurora, Colorado. She is the first Black therapist in Colorado certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a testament to her leadership and commitment to culturally responsive care. Joy specializes in working with Black women, guiding them through trauma recovery and identity reclamation in a safe, affirming space. Her practice supports individuals, couples and families—especially those from marginalized communities—while working to break the stigma of mental health in communities of color. She integrates EFT, EMDR, Gottman Method (Levels I & II), and LENS Neurofeedback to support clients facing trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions and relational challenges. She’s especially passionate about helping Black and multicultural couples deepen their emotional connection through EFT. Joy holds a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from Prairie View A&M University and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Regis University, where she received the Leadership of Excellence Award.

Judith Brewer

Judy is African American mixed with Native American born in Indiana. She is a licensed Notary Signing Agent in the State of Indiana and the owner of Avid Force LLC that specializes in the notarization of Home Loan Modifications, Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC), and Home Refinances. As an accomplished literary author and illustrator, Judy has published 11 children’s books for ages four to eight years old. Two of the 11 books are in Spanish. Each book has a message for children’s growth, i.e., the importance of listening to parents, having the right friends, and realizing that life is not always perfect. Her first language is English, but she also knows some Spanish and some American Sign Language (ASL). Judy is Christian wife, mother, grandmother, step grandmother, step-great grandmother, evangelist, praise dance coach, inspirational reader, church choir member, and avid animal lover.

Kandace Kyere, MSW/LSW

Kandace Kyere, MSW, LSW, is a social worker, workshop facilitator, and mental health coach dedicated to supporting the emotional and mental wellbeing of Black teens and young adults navigating predominantly white schools and institutions. She is the founder of Hello Kandace, LLC, a coaching practice centered on mind-body healing, rest, and culturally affirming strategies for emotional wellness. Kandace nurtures her own wellbeing through poetry, yoga, meditation, African dance classes, engaging with Black art, boundary-setting, & healing communities.

Katrina Overby

Dr. Katrina Marie Overby is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication at RIT, specializing in communication, race, gender and identity through a Black feminist perspective. Her research focuses on Black social and digital media, digital discourse about and by Black women and Black women’s epistemologies. She recently founded and led the Sister Scholars Connect: Black Women Faculty Writing Retreat in upstate New York. In Spring 2024, she served as the keynote speaker for the 8th annual Gamma Iota Boule Foundation luncheon and recognition program in Rochester, New York. Finally, Dr. Overby recently published her essay The Familiar Feels Like Family: A Black Feminists’ Approach to Placemaking and Gathering for Black Women in the Academy in Volume 1 Issue 1 of Gatherings journal.

Lisa Rigoli

Lisa Rigoli, founder of Element of Change, is on a mission to help organizations stabilize and thrive during times of transition. With 15+ years of HR and leadership experience, Lisa combines practical expertise with a deeply human approach, ensuring leaders feel equipped and supported through every phase of transformation. Driven by her belief that resilience isn’t built in crisis but before it, Lisa emphasizes the importance of establishing a solid foundation of trust and communication that supports leaders and teams alike, even in uncertain times. Lisa lives in Boca Raton, Florida, with her husband and two daughters, bringing her commitment to community and connection into both her personal and professional life.

Lyndille Mae Cabaluna

Lyndille Mae Cabaluna is a registered nurse who has traveled to nearly 50 countries with a deep heart for missions. Through serving communities across Asia and Northern Africa, she was inspired to co-found Divine Footprints Organization, Inc., a nonprofit committed to reaching vulnerable populations and leaving lasting footprints of God’s love.

Lynn Lewis

Lynn Lewis, a Certified Grief Educator, is the Visionary and Chief Empathy Officer for Destined To Thrive Grief Coaching, a speaker and an author. She supports adults who are ready to move forward with living meaningful, impactful and purposeful lives despite having experienced the loss of a loved one. For more information go to www.destinedtothrivegriefcoaching.com

Lynn Maxwell

Lynn Maxwell is the founder and owner of XLM Health Life Fitness, LLC, based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Specializing in Health Coaching, Nutrition Coaching, and Personal Training, Lynn combines holistic approaches to empower individuals and corporations on their wellness journeys. With a passion for promoting physical, mental, and nutritional well-being, she is committed to helping clients achieve sustainable health and fitness goals through personalized coaching and support.

Lynnette Price

Before venturing into the world of mental wellness 10 years ago, Lynnette honed her skills in marketing, working with some of the most prominent brands in the industry. This background not only cultivated her strategic thinking but also ignited a desire to use her marketing skills for a more profound purpose, improving the overall lives of women. She now blends strategy, storytelling and a little bit of science to shape the vision behind Hope+Wellth.

Marcus Norris

Marcus Norris is a writer from Indianapolis, Indiana. Having written about music for over six years, Marcus has been well-versed in talking about the intersection of music and mental health. His own website, musiqtherapy.wpcomstaging.com has several reviews of amazing artists, and also includes quick tips on how to improve your mental health. When he’s not writing, Marcus is usually working out, playing video games, or having fun with his Beagle, Titus!

Maria Estante

Maria Rheba Estante is a Psychotherapist at Open Mind Health who specializes in the treatment of OCD and PTSD. She is licensed in CA, HI, IN, MA, NV, and VA. Her diverse background includes lived experiences between two continents and three countries.

Maya Rufino, LCSW

Maya Rufino, LCSW is a therapist and business owner in California. Maya specializes in helping people-pleasers and perfectionists set boundaries and engage in self-care, with a focus on BIPOC women.

Nicole Garner Scott

Nicole Garner Scott is a financial representative based in Atlanta. Nicole takes a unique approach in her practice by helping people achieve financial security through holistic integrative planning. By connecting pieces of her client’s financial puzzle and determining if they are working together in a coordinated strategy, she helps create their ideal financial picture and map out their legacy. With over a decade of experience in entrepreneurship, she believes there is more opportunity to serve by helping mitigate losses through structuring a well designed plan. To learn more about Nicole Garner Scott, you can visit http://nicolegarner.nm.com.

Queen

Nakoley Renville, known by the penname Queen, is a writer devoted to exploring the emotional landscapes that shape women’s lives. Her work encourages readers to cultivate self-trust, live with intention, and build relationships rooted in authenticity.

Rae Karim

Rae Karim is a certified grief coach and founder of Good Grief Now!™, an international, full-service grief support organization, equipping grievers with tools to navigate grief in healthy, successful ways and bringing awareness to grief supporters on how to be effective and efficient in their efforts. For more information, visit www.goodgriefnow.org.

Rene Mondy, LPC

Rene Mondy, LPC is a therapist and founder of Dear John The Box, helping women turn heartbreak into healing. Featured in HuffPost, Essence and AARP, she brings 20+ years of wisdom to redefining resilience, singlehood, and self-love.

Requel Jasmine

Requel Jasmine is the author of Pray Differently, a devotional and prayer journal that offers both hope and a directive to pray using a scripture-based model for deeper, more intentional prayer. As a Christian leader and facilitator of Interceding Sisters—a weekly prayer group dedicated to empowering women through intercession—she shares wisdom from her own faith journey to help others strengthen theirs. Through her blog series The Voyage to Her, Requel documents her path through womanhood and authorship, inspiring women to embrace their gifts, healing, and faith. Her published works have appeared on platforms such as Medium and Spoken Black Girl, where she writes to uplift, encourage, and connect with women navigating their own spiritual journeys. Rooted in her Chicagoland upbringing, Requel’s work blend’s themes of faith, healing, and empowerment, reflecting her passion for helping others thrive in purpose and prayer.

Rhayna Berryhill

Rhayna Berryhill is a delighted recent graduate from Howard University where she received her bachelors in psychology and a minor in Spanish. Overtime, as she learned more about psychological wellness, she began to look forward to serving the world around her. Caring for herself and others by extension has been a priority in her life for years.

Rlynda

Rlynda is a stylist, fashion blogger, makeup artist and mom. Her approach is rooted in the individual -YOU. Blending artistry and customization, she takes the time to understand your unique features, style and personality ensuring that after working with her, you have a look that feels authentically you.

Sammesha Dominquez

Sammesha Dominguez is a book influencer and content creator behind the social media page Lit_Vibrations where she amplifies Black authors, Black stories and encourages readers to read Black books all year round. Follow her on Instagram for updates on the latest book releases, recommendations and book reviews.

Serena Poon

Serena Poon is a celebrity chef, certified nutritionist, and founder of Serena Loves, a holistic wellness brand dedicated to integrative nourishment and longevity. Known for her signature Culinary Alchemy® method, she blends culinary arts, nutritional science, and mindful healing practices to support vibrant health from a whole-person perspective. Serena’s work empowers individuals to elevate their daily rituals, optimize their well-being, and approach nourishment with intention and clarity.

Sheena Yap Chan

Sheena Yap Chan is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster renowned for her expertise in elevating leadership and self-confidence through media. She is the founder and host of the acclaimed podcast, The Tao of Self-Confidence, where she interviews women about their journeys to self-confidence. Her debut book, The Tao of Self-Confidence: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within, is a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller. Her work has been featured on prominent platforms such as MindValley, FOX, NBC News, and the Manila Times. Sheena is dedicated to closing the gender confidence gap through her training and programs, aiming to elevate women into leadership roles across all industries. She has delivered impactful speeches for organizations like Live Nation, NASA, and UKG, sharing her insights on self-confidence and leadership.

Sherita Gaskins-Tillett, MD

Sherita Gaskins-Tillett, MD is a board-certified Ob/Gyn, personal development coach, speaker, and retreat host committed to helping high achieving women slow down, get clear, and build lives rooted in wellness, purpose, and community. Through her company, Boss Lady Dream Builders, she creates spaces where women can rest, dream boldly, and emerge equipped and empowered to reach their next level.

Tammy Davis

Tammy, owner and operator of Dish With Tam Events, is a native of Indianapolis, IN. She is a passionate and skilled personal chef with over six years of professional experience crafting customized, healthy and delicious meals for individuals and families. She specializes in diverse cuisines, including soul food and health conscious meals with a focus on using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Tammy is known for creating tailored meal plans that meet dietary preferences and restrictions, providing an elevated dining experience in the comfort of your home. You can reach Tammy at dish.with.tam@gmail.com.

Trilanda Colbert

Yovanna Madhère, LMSW, LGSW

Yovanna Madhère, LMSW, LGSW is not just a therapist. She is a reintention specialist for women who are ready to come home to themselves. As the founder of YovannaRocks Personal Development Services, LLC and creator of The R.O.C.K.S. Method, she helps women and families turn stress into self-trust, burnout into balance, and survival into purpose. Her approach bridges science and soul, reminding us that healing is not about fixing yourself. It is about remembering who you were before the world told you to perform.