Dr. Azuré Smith-Swan, LCSW, CFSW, or "Dr. Ré", is a multifaceted, holistic therapist on a mission to revolutionize and decolonize mental health care for BIPOC Gen Z and Millennials. As the founder of The Réal Heal Collective, she takes therapy beyond just talking, seamlessly integrating traditional talk therapy with financial social work, yoga, breathwork, sound healing, and other mind-body practices.

Charles Chambers is a lifetime traveler, Brand Developer, and founder of Set Trippin Outdoor Adventures, a nature-based recovery initiative that supports Black men in reclaiming peace through mindfulness, movement, and intentional discomfort. With over 25 years in branding and multimedia storytelling, Charles blends creativity with lived experience to inspire healing through adventure and community. His work centers vulnerability, presence, and radical self-care as tools for resilience. Through Set Trippin and CEC Imaging, Charles builds platforms that turn pain into purpose— and help others do the same.

Dr. Bryan Sackey, a D.C. Metropolitan native, completed his undergraduate training at the University of Maryland College Park and received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Howard University. During that time, Dr. Sackey established the Pharmacy Initiative Leaders program (PILs), which has since transformed into a nation-wide non-profit organization dedicated to providing premier resources for pharmacy enthusiasts in underserved communities.

Kevin R. Scott, a native Detroiter and decorated combat-era Marine Corps Veteran, served during Operation Just Cause (Panama) and Operation Desert Storm. A graduate of St. Mary’s of Redford High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) and a Master of Science from North Carolina Central University. Dr. Scott completed his Doctorate of Education  at Liberty University and serves as the Lead VJO Peer Specialist at the Detroit John D. Dingell VA Hospital.

Laurnie Wilson is a sought-after multidisciplinary hypnotherapist, yoga instructor, and transformational guide, known for her profound work with women, BIPOC, and queer communities. Her unique approach blends the art of subconscious reprogramming with somatic healing, empowering her clients to unlock their deepest potential and embrace their innate worth.

Dr. Danice L. Brown is a licensed psychologist and Professor of Counseling Psychology at Towson University. She is committed to advancing mental health and wellness within Black communities. Her work blends academic scholarship, clinical expertise, and social advocacy to address the intersections of race, gender, and mental health.

Obella Obbo is a DEI specialist, licensed therapist, and creative artist who loves to talk about identity, cultivate growth environments, and strategize on how to turn compassion into action. In addition to a master’s in counseling psychology from Loyola University of Maryland, Obella comes with a multidimensional background; personal and professional experiences - which meet at the intersection of multiculturalism, education, social justice, mental health, and wellness - have rigorously prepared him to be a resource in the work of inclusion and belonging.

Dr. Kelly Wallace is a native of Prince George's County Maryland. He obtained his doctorate in Couples & Family Therapy from Drexel University. He holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bowie State University. He also holds a Postgraduate Certificate from Northcentral University in Family Therapy.

Melissa Dumaz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, best-selling author, and holistic wellness practitioner with over two decades of experience helping Black Women reclaim their power, prioritize their mental health, and heal from trauma. As the founder of Holistic Healing with Mel, Melissa empowers high-achieving, ambitious Black Women to release perfectionism, navigate generational wounds, and reconnect with their whole selves; mind, body, and spirit. 

Brittany Buchanan is the visionary behind Black Muva Convos, a groundbreaking social enterprise dedicated to revolutionizing motherhood for Black women. Through bold storytelling, healing-centered events, and community-driven experiences, Brittany is rewriting the narrative and empowering black mothers to shed outdated expectations, prioritize their healing, and reclaim their full, unapologetic selves. Her goal is to change the idea that in order to be a good mom, mothers have to continue to be strong black women all the time.

Dr. Cecily Batiste-Dawson is a trauma therapist, EMDR Consultant, and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor with over a decade of experience supporting individuals impacted by complex and race-based trauma. She is the founder and Clinical Director of Experience Life Counseling Services in Texas, where she provides trauma-focused care, supervises early-career clinicians, and offers EMDR consultation through a culturally responsive lens.

Dominique Hollis, MSW, LSWAIC is a clinical social worker and trauma-conscious yoga teacher (200 CYT) based in Philadelphia, PA. They earned their MSW at the University of Michigan with a programmatic focus on the Interpersonal Development of Children and Families; and a certification in Child Welfare. Dominique has since worked in Community-Based Mental Health and Grief and Trauma Therapy. Dominique owns and operates Inner Sovereignty Counseling PLLC, a virtual clinical practice based in Seattle Washington. Through their practice, they provide somatic and cognitive conscious therapy to individuals experiencing prolonged and complicated grief related to the loss of loved ones, community, and identity. 

​​A recognized psychotherapist in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, this author and behavior scientist is a champion of mental health and wellness. With a focus on cultivating socio-emotional well-being in organizations, families, and individuals, Dr. Jones has spent the last two decades working across the globe advocating for wellness. Dr. Camille Jones is a standout corporate cultural transformation advisor who advocates for workplace wellness via Employee Assistance Programming and Organizational Health Services.

Celene Craig is a dynamic health communication strategist, content creator, and public health practitioner with a mission to amplify Black women’s voices at the intersection of wellness, media, and identity. With dual master’s degrees in Public Health and Biotechnology, Celene brings a culturally informed and science-driven lens to storytelling—merging her background in health equity with a passion for shaping digital narratives. As a content creator, Celene has built an engaged audience by sharing her journey toward medical school, lifestyle and mental wellness practices, and the reality behind balancing ambition with authenticity. Her work empowers communities to set digital boundaries, reclaim their stories, and pursue joy—even in the midst of pressure and performance culture.

T-Kea Blackman, MPS, CPRS, RPS, is a nationally recognized and multi-award-winning peer recovery specialist, social entrepreneur, speaker, and author. As a suicide attempt survivor, she has turned her lived experience into a powerful force for change, inspiring hope and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. She is the founder of the Mental Health Empowerment Agency, a consulting firm dedicated to strengthening organizational and community wellness through transformative training, workshops, and strategic communications. She also serves as the co-founder and executive director of Black People Die By Suicide Too, a nonprofit committed to suicide prevention within the Black community.

Brialle Ringer is a wellness educator, embodiment coach, and breathwork alchemist devoted to helping change makers lead with greater ease and joy. Brialle is deeply passionate about making wellness accessible and created The Black Women’s Healing Haven in 2020 to support Black women going vegan and healing holistically during the pandemic, serving 600 women from around the world.

Philip Wilkerson III has nearly a decade of experience in higher education, focusing on financial aid, admissions, and career counseling. A proud graduate of James Madison University (B.A., History, 2008) and George Mason University (M.Ed., Counseling, 2012), Philip discovered his passion for career development while taking a graduate course in career counseling. Since then, he has dedicated his career to guiding students in their professional journeys.

Dominic George is a transformative leadership strategist, real estate developer, and founder of Vision Leadership for Life, a coaching enterprise that equips high-achieving Black men to lead with purpose, peace, and power. As a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur and social impact builder, Dominic centers his work on breaking generational cycles and reshaping narratives around Black male leadership, mental wellness, and self-worth. At the 6th Annual Black Mental Wellness Conference, Dominic brings a bold voice to the Brother to Brother panel, inviting honest dialogue and collective healing for those who carry the weight of leadership while pursuing freedom.

Morgan Breon holds four degrees from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor—Dual Masters in Social Work and Education Policy, and Dual Bachelors in Psychology and English. She is a Certified Relationship Coach in the Gibson Integrated Attachment Theory. In 2017, Morgan decided to incorporate her gift for acting and playwriting into her “healing work,” and founded heal.be.live., LLC.

Dr. Pearis Jean is an assistant professor of psychology at Towson University and a licensed psychologist in the state of Maryland. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hampton University. Dr. Jean received her master’s degree in psychology and PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Florida. She also completed an APA-accredited doctoral internship in health service psychology at the American University Center for Well-Being Programs and Psychological Services. Dr. Jean is also a certified Sawubona Healing Circle leader with the Association of Black Psychologists.

Kirk brings a wealth of experience and a diverse, holistic approach to therapy, focusing on empowering his clients. Mr. James received his B.A. in Family Consumer Science from Grambling State University and his M.S. from Mercy University in Mental Health Counseling. Currently working at Pinnacle Treatment Center, The LGBT Life Center & Riverside Behavioral Hospital, Kirk specializes in clinical counseling for a variety of clients.

Rev. Dr. Dawnn M. Pirani Brumfield is a clinical psychotherapist, ordained pastor, and mental health advocate whose life and work sit at the intersection of faith, healing, and justice. A highly respected leader in both sacred and secular spaces, she brings over two decades of experience supporting individuals and communities navigating trauma, identity, and mental wellness.

Dr. Georgia Powell is a dedicated healthcare consultant, mental health prevention instructor, and wellness coach with over 25 years of experience advancing mental wellness, health equity, and community-based care. As the Founder and CEO of Powell Mental Health, Powell Consulting Services, and Powell Health Real Estate, she has led numerous initiatives focused on improving health outcomes for vulnerable and underserved populations, including adults, older adults, and families managing chronic health conditions and mental health challenges.

Crystal Joseph is a licensed therapist for Black mental health counseling in Maryland and Virginia, holding space for those on the cancer continuum and living in immunocompromised bodies. She has sixteen years of clinical experience in serving the Culture, royalty, and other high-profile individuals. Crystal is touted as a Clinical Fairy Godmother (Approved Clinical Supervisor) training the next generation of therapists with a board recognized internship and residency program, a Private Practice Maven (PsycYourMind) and Storyteller (Author).

Dr. Shareefah N. Al’Uqdah is a licensed clinical psychologist, Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology at Howard University, and the Founder & CEO of Your Neighborhood Clinic—a nonprofit committed to healing every hood through culturally responsive, affordable mental health services. With over two decades of experience addressing the unique mental health needs of Black communities, Dr. Al’Uqdah has dedicated her life to advancing culturally grounded healing spaces for Black women and families.

Ariana J. Rivens (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist and Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) Psychology Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Rivens earned her PhD at the University of Virginia and completed her predoctoral clinical internship at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Her research program seeks to understand the interpersonal, institutional, and structural factors that facilitate and impede Black adolescent and young adult (AYA) engagement in healthcare.

Dr. Alicia Hodge is a licensed clinical psychologist, speaker, and founder of The Shift, a wellness brand dedicated to helping high-achieving women overcome anxiety, burnout, and perfectionism. She earned her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hartford and holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University. Dr. Alicia specializes in providing culturally responsive care that supports the emotional well-being of professionals and entrepreneurs—especially Black women navigating high-pressure roles and societal expectations.

Ka'Bria Drummond is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in South Carolina, specializing in therapy for children, adolescents, and young adult females. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Charleston Southern University. Ka'Bria is the owner of a private practice, Grace to Grow Counseling, where she provides therapy rooted in compassion, cultural sensitivity, and lived experience.

Justin Little is a mental health expert, advocate, podcast host & National speaker- certified in Psychological First Aid from John Hopkins University. His podcast, “The Mental Wealth Podcast” has been heard in 50 + countries and focuses on modern mental health conversations. He currently serves on the board of directors for nonprofit “Lee Thompson Young Foundation” which focuses on suicide prevention and mental health education in schools. Justin works full time with nonprofit Black Men Heal as their Manager of Social Media & Content.  Finally, Justin is proud to be sponsored by BetterHelp, an online platform to provide mental health services directly to those who need it.

Krystal Reddick-Pollard brings a powerful blend of lived experience and professional expertise to the discussion on mental health challenges and triumphs. Living with bipolar disorder has made self-care not just a concept for her, but a cornerstone of her well-being and the driving force behind her work. Sharing her story openly and courageously, Krystal's writing on mental health was featured on prominent platforms such as The Root, The Mighty, Huffington Post, and the International Bipolar Foundation. Moreover, Krystal founded Total Life Care Coaching to empower helping professionals and women through sustainable self-care practices. Her company tagline, "More than surviving, self-care for thriving," captures her core belief.