Black Girl Wellness Fest powered by Black Girl Vitamin

Experience Chicago’s two‑day Black Girl Wellness Fest, where movement, culture, education, and community meet.

Grab Early Bird tickets for the Fitness Party, Wellness Festival, or the full Weekend Bundle while they last.

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

A Festival of

Health & Wellness

Two days of fitness, wellness education, shopping, mocktails, movement, and real conversations designed for women ready to feel better, live better, and build healthier routines.

bgWF on WGN Spotlight Chicago

Wellness, Movement & Community

This event brings wellness to life in a way that feels energizing, elevated, and accessible. From dance-forward fitness classes and live DJ moments to doctor-led panels, breakout sessions, and a curated Wellness Market, the wellness festival is designed to help attendees move, learn, and reconnect with themselves in real life.

Day 1

Friday evening kicks off with a limited-capacity fitness celebration featuring two curated movement sessions, a live DJ, elevated mocktails, and a high-energy community atmosphere. Attendees will choose 2 classes from 6 curated fitness sessions, including:

Banded Glutes & Juke Squats
Hip Hop Trampoline
Mat Pilates
3 more classes to be announced

Visit the Medase Mocktail Bar serving elevated alcohol-free cocktails throughout the evening for your refreshment.

VIP Experience: Includes access to a complimentary branded BGV Gift – all for you!

Choose from multiple fitness experiences
Move with local instructors and wellness leaders
Enjoy DJ-led energy between sessions
Sip elevated alcohol-free mocktails by Medase
Capture photo moments with your girls
Win BGV giveaways and wellness prizes

Day 1

Fitness Classes

Glutes & Squats

Instructor:

Amber

Amberobics

A lower-body burn with big energy. This class brings together strength, rhythm, and confidence-building movement designed to activate your glutes, challenge your legs, and keep the room moving from start to finish.

Hip Hop Trampoline

Instructor

Ariel Kinnard

Chicago Trampoline Fitness

Bounce, sweat, and move to the beat in this high-energy trampoline fitness experience. This class blends cardio, rhythm, and full-body movement for a workout that feels fun, fresh, and unforgettable.

R&B Slow Flow Yoga

Instructor:

Bry Flagg

Vinyasa Vibes Yoga Studio

A soulful yoga flow set to R&B sounds, created to help you stretch, breathe, release tension, and reconnect with your body. This class offers a slower, intentional movement experience for attendees looking to soften, reset, and restore.

Barre Fitness + Dance

Instructor:

Anietra LaBranche

Inferno Barre and Dance Studio

A sculpting, dance-inspired barre class that blends strength, balance, rhythm, and controlled movement. Expect a full-body experience that tones, challenges, and keeps the energy high.

Bodyweight Strength

Instructor:

Saundra Swain

Kompound Fitness

No machines. No excuses. This bodyweight workout uses accessible strength moves to help you build endurance, control, and confidence using your own body as the equipment.

Day 2

Saturday expands into a full day of wellness programming with expert-led conversations, breakout sessions, immersive activations, a curated vendor marketplace, and spaces designed for movement, education, recovery, and connection.

Shop 50+ Wellness Brands
9 Breakout Sessions
Experience the Wellness Stage

Hear from celebrity speakers, health experts, and Black Girl Vitamin subject matter experts in conversations designed to educate and inspire.

Move at the MOVE Stage

Join local fitness instructors for quick, accessible routines you can take with you anywhere.

Jump with Chicago’s Own 40+ Double Dutch Club

From 12 PM – 2 PM, jump in with the 40+ Double Dutch Club for movement, nostalgia, and pure joy.

Sip at the Medase Mocktail Bar

Enjoy the Medase Mocktail Bar on Saturday with refreshing alcohol-free cocktails designed to keep the vibe elevated.

Val Warner

ABC7 Chicago

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Abena Boamah-Acheampong

CEO and Founder
Hanahana Beauty

Dr. Bryanne N Standifer-Barrett, MD

Black Girl Vitamin

Dr. Amanda Long

Founder
Black Women in Color

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Lynn St. Victor- Luckett MSN, APRN, FNP-BC

Family Nurse Practitioner
Founder
Shaperz Elite Wellness and Aesthetics

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Dani D

V-103

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Bree Specific

WGCI

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Dr. Hareder McDowell

Confidence Coach

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Chef Jocelyn Harris

The Healthy Swap

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Natalie Birdsong

Celebrity Hair Mogul
Owner of B Haute Beauty

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Pamiya Opoku

The WalkingHour

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Dr. Contessa Metcalfe

Family Physician

Tacara Renee'

Celebrity Stylist
Renee Ramore by Tacara Renee'

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Aris Singleton

CEO
TGIN

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Dr. Ifreke Denteh

Pharmacist | Wellness Educator

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Featured

Breakout Sessions

My Body Is Changing. Now What?

A real conversation about the body changes women experience with age, stress, hormones, weight, energy, and metabolism, and what we can do to better support our bodies through every season.

The Fibroid Talk We Deserve

Fibroids disproportionately impact Black women, and this session creates space for education, early detection, advocacy, and real stories. Learn what to ask, what to watch for, and how to advocate for your body with confidence.

pH, Pleasure & Power: Let’s Talk

A stigma-free conversation about sexual health, vaginal wellness, libido, confidence, and the physical and emotional shifts women experience. This session is about knowledge, ownership, and feeling empowered in your body.

Hot Girl Nutrition

Healthy eating without shame, restriction, or diet culture. This session explores how food impacts energy, hormones, skin, mood, and overall wellness — with simple ways to nourish your body and still enjoy your life.

Build Your Personal Vitamin Plan

Instructor:

Anietra LaBranche

Inferno Barre and Dance Studio

Black Girl Vitamin leads an educational session helping women understand what their bodies may be missing — from Vitamin D and iron to B12, collagen, and daily wellness support.

Beauty From the Inside Out

A full-body beauty conversation exploring the connection between gut health, skin, hair, nutrients, preventative care, and feeling good from the inside out.

Move All Day at the MOVE Stage

The MOVE Stage keeps the energy going all day long with local fitness instructors, live demos, quick routines, and movement moments you can take with you anywhere.

Stop by between sessions, jump into a demo, learn something new, or catch the vibe. From dance and strength to trampoline, yoga, and functional movement, the MOVE Stage is designed to make fitness feel accessible, joyful, and fun.

Featured MOVE Stage Instructors Include:

Kye McCord
Ariel Kinnard of Chicago Trampoline Fitness
Saundra Swain of Raw Joy Juicery and Kompound Fitness
Marissa McDonald
Regina Sams
Bryahndi Flagg-Ogwen
Erica Marie

Join Us in

Chicago

Whether you’re coming to move, reset, learn, or discover new wellness tools, Black Girl Wellness Fest is your invitation to experience wellness in a way that feels real, joyful, and connected.

Val Warner

Val Warner is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, television host, and one of Chicago’s most recognizable media personalities. In 2026, she continues to anchor WLS-TV ABC 7 Chicago Eyewitness News in the mornings and co-host the station’s popular lifestyle and entertainment programming, connecting with viewers through her authenticity, warmth, and deep connection to the city she proudly calls home.

Known for her engaging interview style and vibrant personality, Val has become a trusted voice in Chicago media. Over the years, she has interviewed an impressive range of influential figures, including Robin Roberts, Barbara Walters, Chance the Rapper, Common, Jane Lynch, Anthony Anderson, Barry Manilow, David Muir, and Michelle Obama. Her credibility and strong community relationships have also led to several exclusive interviews on stories that deeply impacted Chicago.

Val’s work has contributed to multiple Chicago Emmy Award-winning specials focused on important social issues, including bullying prevention, breast cancer awareness, and violence prevention initiatives. She has also earned recognition for her role in ABC 7’s holiday and community programming, including COUNTDOWN CHICAGO, the Chicago Lights Festival, and the Bud Billiken Parade.

Beyond broadcasting, Val is passionate about community service and mentoring. She actively supports organizations throughout the Chicago area, including Make-A-Wish Foundation, Chicago Bulls Charities, and South Suburban Family Shelter. Her dedication to giving back has earned her numerous honors throughout her career.

In recent years, Val has also inspired audiences through her personal fitness and wellness journey. Openly sharing her commitment to healthier living, she has embraced fitness, nutrition, and self-care as important parts of her lifestyle. Her transparency about balancing career, motherhood, and personal wellness has resonated with many viewers and continues to motivate others pursuing their own health goals.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Val earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from University of California San Diego. Although her family roots trace back to Chicago, she officially made the city her home after relocating there in 2005. Today, Val remains devoted to her family, her community, and the viewers who have supported her throughout her celebrated career.

Dr. Amanda Long

Dr. Amanda Long is a licensed clinical psychologist, speaker, and the founder of True Space Counseling and Psychological Services, a thriving private practice dedicated to supporting women of color in doing the real work of healing.

With over a decade of experience in mental health, Dr. Long is known for her honest, culturally grounded approach to conversations around anxiety, burnout, trauma, grief, and the pressure to always be “strong.” Her work challenges high-achieving women to move beyond survival mode and into lives that actually feel aligned, sustainable, and whole.

She is also the founder of Black Women in Color (BWIC), a wellness community that prioritizes self-care through intentionally crafted events and safe, culturally affirming spaces. Through BWIC, Dr. Long creates opportunities for Black women to slow down, build meaningful connections, and unlearn the patterns that keep them stuck in overdrive.

Whether she’s leading a workshop, hosting a conversation, or speaking on stage, Dr. Long brings a mix of clinical expertise, real-life application, and relatable truth that resonates. Her goal is simple: to help women stop performing strength and start experiencing it in a way that feels real.

Outside of her work, Dr. Long enjoys being a wife, a mother, hosting at home, and traveling. She is currently expanding her impact through speaking and her upcoming eBook, The Strong Black Woman Refined.

Lynn St. Victor-Luckett

Meet Lynn St. Victor-Luckett, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, MLD-C, founder and clinical provider of Shaperz Elite Wellness and Aesthetics in Chicago. With nearly 30 years of nursing experience, Lynn has built a reputation for combining clinical expertise with compassionate, culturally informed care that helps women feel healthier, more confident, and fully seen.

Her practice offers total wellness and aesthetic care, specializing in medical weight loss, hormone replacement therapy, peptide therapy, body contouring, medical aesthetics, laser hair removal, waxing, and culturally and clinically competent facials and skincare treatments designed with melanin-rich skin in mind. Her work is rooted in serving women who have historically been overlooked in both wellness and beauty spaces. She is also the creator of Black Girl Tox™, an initiative dedicated to educating women of color about safe, evidence-based aesthetic care tailored for diverse skin tones and facial features.

Known for her approachable personality and educational style, Lynn believes wellness should feel empowering, realistic, and accessible. Her work focuses not only on appearance, but on helping women address fatigue, confidence, metabolism, aging, stress, and overall quality of life through individualized care.

In addition to patient care, Lynn is passionate about mentorship, education, and helping other healthcare professionals build successful independent practices through consulting and training opportunities. She serves on the board of directors for Daughters of Haiti Chicago and is an active member of the Illinois Obesity Society (IOS), Haitian American Nurses Association (HANA), and Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nurses (ISAPN). She also supports nonprofit organizations focused on mentoring and creating opportunities for inner-city and at-risk youth.

Lynn brings a refreshing perspective that blends science, self-care, culture, and real conversation, reminding women that prioritizing themselves is not vanity. It is wellness.

Dani D

Dani D, a proud Chicagoland native and national radio personality with iHeartMedia. Known for her warm, family-like connection with listeners, Dani inspires audiences through her segment, “The Motivational Wrap Up!” Passionate about self-care, sisterhood, and wellness, she also dedicates her time to mentoring and uplifting her community both on and off the air. #YouMyGirlDaniD

Bree Specific

Lovingly known as “Chicago’s Radio Girl,” Bree Specific brings confidence, perspective, and personality to the airwaves as an on-air talent at iHeartMedia’s 107.5 WGCI. Born and raised on Chicago’s West Side and a proud SIUC graduate, she continues to make a powerful impact across the city’s creative scene.

From collaborating with major brands like the Chicago Bears, Lululemon, and Jordan Brand, to hosting stadium events, delivering insightful commentary with What’s The Word Media, and interviewing both local and international talent—Bree’s voice extends far beyond the mic.

As noted by Rolling Out Magazine, “Bree Specific is an influential and vibrant voice in Chicago’s music and entertainment industry.” She was also recognized as an inaugural IT Girl 100 honoree by XO Necole in partnership with Hyundai, further cementing her impact as a rising force in media and culture.

Passionate about purpose, Bree also works alongside True Star Media, mentoring teens in digital media and marketing while pouring back into the community that raised her.

The Bree Specific brand is rooted in positivity, authenticity, and freedom—encouraging everyone to feel good, be themselves, and step fully into who they are.

Dr. Hareder McDowell

Dr. Hareder McDowell, PhD (“Dr. Mac”), is a cultural educator and community psychologist who is transforming the conversation around intimacy, communication, and confidence for women, particularly Black women. She translates her research on how communication influences sexual relationships, emotional safety, and self-assurance from academic settings into practical, real-life applications. Dr. Mac’s work empowers women to communicate boldly, experience deeper love, and live life to the fullest.

She is the author of Black Women, Sex, and the Lies Our Mothers Told Us, a TEDx speaker, and a trusted collaborator with universities and institutions nationwide.

Chef Jocelyn Harris

Chef Jocelyn Harris is a pastry chef, culinary educator, wellness advocate, and cultural storyteller whose work centers on helping people reconnect with nourishment beyond perfection. As the founder of The Healthy Swap™ Lifestyle and Nourished Beyond the Plate™, she creates spaces where food, wellness, culture, and community come together in ways that feel practical, honest, and deeply rooted in real life.

With a background spanning pastry arts, bakery ownership, culinary education, and community-based teaching, Chef Jocelyn is known for blending food education with meaningful conversations about wellness, resilience, culture, and self-care. Her work encourages people to move away from survival habits and toward intentional nourishment — physically, emotionally, and culturally.

Much of Chef Jocelyn’s work is inspired by the belief that food tells stories. Through workshops, speaking engagements, live culinary demonstrations, and digital storytelling, she explores the connections between ancestral foodways, everyday wellness, mindset, and community healing. She is especially passionate about honoring the legacy of Black culinary traditions while helping people build healthier, more sustainable relationships with food without shame or perfectionism.

As a stroke and ruptured brain aneurysm survivor, Chef Jocelyn brings lived experience to conversations surrounding recovery, fatigue, stress, wellness, and self-stewardship. Her perspective allows her to connect with audiences in ways that feel both educational and deeply human — reminding people that wellness is not about performing perfection, but about learning how to care for ourselves with intention, grace, and consistency.

Her work is rooted in one central philosophy: Food. Wellness. Community.

Natalie Birdsong

Natalie Birdsong is the Founder and CEO of Hair By Natalie B., a luxury beauty brand dedicated to transforming the relationship between hair, confidence, and care. With more than 15 years in the beauty industry, she has become a respected celebrity hairstylist, salon owner, keynote speaker, and best-selling author known for merging advanced styling techniques with education-driven solutions that eliminate hair insecurity at its root. Natalie’s work has been featured in Black Enterprise and Ebony, and her artistry has appeared in editorial publications, on the New York Fashion Week 2025 Hair Design Team, and on celebrity talent across major entertainment networks including Netflix, Peacock, and VH1.

Pamiya Opoku

Pamiya Opoku is a Chicago based wellness advocate, speaker, HR consultant, and founder of The WalkingHour, a community centered wellness movement rooted in healing, intentional movement, and connection. Through community walks, wellness experiences, and conversations centered around mental and physical well being, she creates spaces that encourage people to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and move forward with purpose.

After losing more than 100 pounds naturally, Pamiya transformed her personal wellness journey into a platform that empowers others, especially Black women, to prioritize their health, joy, and overall well being in sustainable and meaningful ways.

With a background in HR, operations, and community engagement, Pamiya blends wellness, storytelling, and people centered leadership to create experiences that inspire reflection, movement, intentional living, and authentic community.

She is also the author of Good. Better. Becoming., a guided walking journal centered around self awareness, healing, alignment, and personal growth.

approach to purposeful progress. As a cancer survivor living with a brain tumor, a pacemaker, and one kidney, Terran knows firsthand that her success is no accident. It is the result of radical resilience and relentless intention.

In addition to thriving while managing chronic illness, Terran is also an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutritionist who walks the walk every single day. Through her trademarked R.I.G.H.T. | 540® framework, she helps people move through life with clarity, discipline, and purpose because she has already proven it works from the inside out.

Terran is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Tacara Renee'

Tacara Renee’ is a celebrated celebrity hairstylist, entrepreneur, and founder of Renee Ramore by Tacara Renee’ — a professional, Black-owned haircare line rooted in science-backed formulations and natural ingredients designed to promote extreme hair growth and long-term hair health.

With over 20 years of expertise and a clientele spanning celebrities and notable figures, Tacara has earned her reputation as a leading authority in healthy hair, hair wellness, and lifestyle. Her precision, artistry, and deep understanding of hair science have made her one of the most sought-after stylists in her field — known not only for stunning results, but for educating and empowering women to prioritize the health of their hair from the inside out.

Her passion for healthy hair and intentional living led her to spend years researching and developing a product line that delivers salon-quality performance without compromise — free of harsh chemicals, designed to hydrate, strengthen, and actively promote growth while preserving the hair’s natural oils.

Tacara named her brand after her own middle name and her grandmother — a tribute to legacy, purpose, and the women who came before her. Through Renee Ramore, she is on a mission to elevate women’s lives — championing a healthy hair and wellness lifestyle that empowers every woman to look, feel, and live her absolute best.

Be Bold. Be Beautiful. Be You.

Aris Singleton

Born in Detroit, MI, Aris Singleton has always been driven by a passion for excellence and a commitment to making a meaningful difference. A West Bloomfield High School graduate, she began her collegiate journey at Michigan State University before earning her BA in Finance from Texas Southern University. Most recently, Aris returned to her roots at Michigan State University, where she completed her MBA in 2026, further solidifying her academic foundation and commitment to lifelong growth.

As a proud Black millennial woman, Aris embraces her cultural identity gracefully, guided by her Christian (non-denominational) faith. Outside her professional pursuits, she enjoys various hobbies, including learning French, cooking, playing video games, traveling, reading, and following football. Her favorite travel destinations include the vibrant landscapes of South Africa, the romantic allure of Paris, and the serene beauty of Jackson Hole.

Aris is currently the dynamic CEO of Thank God It’s Natural (tgin®), a leading textured hair care brand available at major retailers such as Target, Walmart, Ulta Beauty, Sally Beauty, Walgreens, and CVS, as well as numerous international outlets and online platforms.

Her journey with tgin® began in July 2009, during its early stages, where she gained hands-on experience in business operations. After completing her education, Aris rejoined tgin® in 2017 as a rotational employee, working closely with her aunt and the late founder, Chris-Tia Donaldson. This mentorship and collaboration shaped her understanding of the textured hair care industry and instilled a profound commitment to excellence.

Under Aris’s visionary leadership, tgin® has grown from a small business into a globally recognized brand, achieving multi-million-dollar success. As one of the youngest CEOs in the beauty industry, she has become a trailblazer and role model, celebrated for her innovative approach and collaborative spirit.

Her remarkable achievements have earned her widespread recognition. Aris is a proud recipient of the prestigious Marie Claire Award, a testament to her influence and impact in the beauty industry and beyond. She also earned membership in the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), Chicago chapter, joining an elite community of business executives. Beyond her professional milestones, Aris’s unwavering commitment to social impact sets her apart. Through the tgin® Foundation, she continues Chris-Tia Donaldson’s legacy of empowering women entrepreneurs and advocating for those undergoing breast cancer treatment. The foundation focuses on addressing health disparities affecting Black women and supporting survivors facing financial hardships during their treatment journey.

Aris’s leadership is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to uplift and inspire others. She is dedicated to creating opportunities for women-led businesses in the beauty industry while advocating for greater equity and representation. Expanding her reach even further, Aris is set to launch her highly anticipated podcast, CEO Unfiltered, in the fall of 2026. The podcast promises to offer an honest, behind-the-scenes look at entrepreneurship and leadership, reflecting the authenticity and boldness that define everything she does.

At home, Aris cherishes quality time with her beloved Schnoodle, Sir Bentley, whose lively and affectionate nature brings balance and joy to her busy life.

Dr. Ifreke Denteh

Dr. Ifreke Denteh is a pharmacist, wellness educator, and content creator passionate about making wellness information more culturally relevant, accessible, and actionable for Black communities globally. Through her platform, WellnessbutBlack, she explores the intersection of food, movement, skin health, culture, and holistic wellness from a Black millennial perspective. She is also the co-founder of KA Skin, a holistic skincare brand focused on empowering individuals through culturally rooted, science-backed approaches to skin health and overall well-being. Throughout her career, Dr. Denteh has prioritized bridging the gap between evidence-based wellness and the lived experiences of everyday people across the diaspora.