SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
WELCOME
HILTON CHICAGO
720 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60605
Conference guest parking is $70 for self parking and $85 for valet parking
A mini refrigerator and coffee maker are available in your hotel room.
Meals provided will be Thursday night (light hor’dourves), Friday lunch, Friday dinner and Saturday dinner All other meals/snacks are at your own expense
Join and follow us on social media all weekend!
Make sure to add #SWYS24 to all your pictures and tag Black Girls RUN! Have a special picture to share - send to swys@blackgirlsrun.com.
Facebook @blackgirlsrun @sweatwithyoursole IG @officialblackgirlsrun @sweatwithyoursole
Have feedback/comments about this weekend's conference? Email swys@blackgirlsrun com and be on the lookout for the post conference survey! #SWYS24
Uber costs are approximately $39 one way (MDW to hotel) and $51 one way (ORD to hotel). Midway is approximately 11 miles from the host hotel and O’hare is approximately 18 miles from the hotel
Hotel check-in is at 3pm and check-out is at 11am
A business center, indoor pool and fitness center on-site. Restaurants onsite include Kitty o’Sheas, Herb n ’ Kitchen and 720 South Bar & Grill
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024MAP
Click here for the Hilton Chicago virtual tour.
BGR! Hotel Floors/Room Locations
Lower Lobby (LL) - Salon B and Salon C
1st Floor - Lobby - 8th Street Entrance and Michigan
Avenue Entrance
2nd Floor - Boulevard AB, International North and South Ballrooms
3rd Floor - Marquette, Waldorf, Astoria
8th Floor - Pool, Lake Ontario, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Michigan
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024 Jay Ell C. Alexander, CEO/Owner WELCOME
Welcome Black Girls RUN! Nation!
Welcome to the 2024 Sweat with Your Sole National Conference and Race Weekend in the beautiful city of Chicago, IL! I am so excited about the three days ahead and I am ready to make new memories and experiences with each of you We have a jam packed and fun weekend planned for you From dynamic workshops, speakers, trainers, vendors to our shakeout run and BGR! Boutique – every minute of this weekend was curated with our Black Girls RUN! members in mind Get ready to let your hair down and have a great time We want you to leave this conference feeling excited, invigorated and motivated to go and knock out those health and fitness goals of yours!
All this weekend, I HAVE just three goals for you – meet a new person, challenge yourself and have fun!
Finally, I am so honored to serve as the CEO/Owner since 2018 of this amazing organization Over the last 15 years, we have changed the face of the running and fitness industry and painted the country (and beyond!) black and pink We have created change, made our mark and we continue to grow this space for Black women! Congrats to all of you on a job well done as the work continues to grow this MOVEment
A final thank you to our #SWYS24 dynamic team, Ambassadors, run coordinators, volunteers and everyone who had a hand in making this weekend so special
I appreciate each of you Please enjoy this weekend!
Continue to ‘Preserve the Sexy’,
ConferenceTeam
PhewShotsPhotography/BreonCorbett/CaresPatterson
DEEJAY007/JeffWidgeon
BrandyPageSkin
#SWYS24Village
ChrisAlexander
ChrisAlexander,Jr
JayceeAlexander
Dr EmogeneJohnsonVaughn
TheresaMcBride
GloriaBailey
GeorgeBailey
#SWYS24 Crew
Alexis Gordon
Dr Damali Thomas
Krystle Saulsberry
Corey Brown
Sheronda Wilford
Kelli Thornton
Gencie Crowell
Carmencita Lewis
Cassandra Gray
Tanjulla Tyson Wearren
Octavia Hike
Gizelle Hike
Candice Toney
Ingrid Trotman
Buffy Holmes
Jasmine Parker
Darius Brown
Jeremy Trotman
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
Sheronda Wilford/President, BGR! Foundation
Greetings!
I want to welcome all of you to the Windy City for the 2024 Black Girls RUN! Sweat with Your Sole National Conference! Chicago is a vibrant, exciting city and whether this is your first BGR! Conference or your fifth, we hope you will take advantage of everything this weekend has to offer.
This year, we have made significant strides in expanding our outreach into the community. BGR! was selected to be a charity partner for the 2024 Boston Marathon held in April and the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon taking place on Sunday, October 13, 2024. Members selected were gifted a BGR! charity bib and increasing awareness of our mission through their training and fundraising efforts. We also continue to connect with members through our annual eRace Racism Virtual Challenge now in its fourth year. These initiatives help elevate our outreach and respond to the needs of our members and the community at large We hope you will join us in supporting these endeavors, as your participation and support is crucial to our success
We also invite you to learn more about the work we ' re doing to support our members Explore our website, sign up for our newsletter, connect with us on social media, encourage a friend to attend a local or national BGR meet up, or set up a recurring donation to the foundation Your engagement helps us to continue our work effectively and make an even greater impact in our community
On behalf of the Board and our staff, I want to thank our members, sponsors, supporters, donors, and community partners for your unwavering support and dedication which is instrumental in advancing our mission and vision of inspiring all women to create and sustain a healthier, active lifestyle
Sincerely,
Sheronda Wilford President, BGR! Foundation
Black Girls RUN! Foundation Board of Directors
Candice Toney, Vice President
Cassandra Gray, Treasurer
Buffy Holmes, Communications Committee
Corey Brown, Fundraising Committee
Krystle Bell Saulsberry, Grant Writer
Alexis Gordon, Development Coordinator
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
DAY 1
DAY 1 Thursday, September 5, 2024
BGR! Registration: 4:00 p.m. - 8 p.m. (Lobby - 8th Street Entrance)
Preserve the Sexy Market: 5:00 p m - 8:00 p m (International South)
#SWYS24 Because BGR! Likes to Party: - 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (International South)
BGR! Boutique: 5:00 p m - 8:00 p m (International South)
DAY 2 Friday, September 6, 2024
BGR! Shakeout Group Photo: 6:00 a.m. (Hilton Chicago Lobby - Michigan Ave.)
#SWYS24 Sunrise Shakeout Run: 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. (Hilton Chicago Lobby) - Michigan Ave.)
#SWYS24 Registration & Customer Service: 6:30 a m - 4:00 p m (Lobby - 8th Street)
BGR! Boutique: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (International South)
Preserve the Sexy Market: 8:00 a m - 4:00 p m (International South)
#SWYS24 Opening Session: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (International North)
9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Sessions
EmpowerHer Stride: Unveiling the Impact of Movement and Women’s Mental Health by Devonderia Sanchez (Huron)
MelaninMoves Total Body by Tiffany Templeton (Erie)
Trap Cardio: Take Up Space, Sis! by Ashley Redwood (Salon B)
Navigating the Waves of Natural Wellness with Global Wisdom by Penny McPherson (Astoria)
Move with Dee by Dee Ford (Marquette)
Mental Health by Devonderia Sanchez (Lake Huron)
Dancin’ with Mary by Mary Castle Enyard (Boulevard AB)
Managing your STATS by Felicia Houston (Lake Ontario)
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Sessions
Dancin’ with Mary 2 by Mary Castle-Enyard (Lake Michigan)
Strides Beyond the Finish Line - Redefining Your Pace in Menopause by Sharee McCants (Astoria)
EmpowerHER: Unleash Your Strength, Ignite Your Soul! by Te’Retta Hall (Marquette)
Tempo by Andrea & Lindsay Downs (Boulevard AB)
Dance Your Pounds Off by Dwight Holt (International North)
How to Crush Your Next Race Goal by Tia Pettygrue (Lake Ontario)
Revitalize Your Radiance: The Whole Body Blueprint for Lasting Wellness by Maggie Bell (Lake Huron)
Bounce + Bands by Rhesa Allen Weatherspoon (Salon B)
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
DAY 2 SESSIONS
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch (International North)
Friday, September 6, 2024
*Boxed Lunches: A choice of Chicken Salad Sandwich, Club Sandwich or Roasted Portobello Sandwich with Pasta Salad, Fruit and Cookie
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Sessions
B A R (Basic Abdominal Routine) by DaShaun Johnson (Marquette)
M&M’S “MEND your mental, MOVE your body, STIR your soul” by Shavonne Munir (Lake Huron)
Pelvic Floor & Fitness What Your Mama Didn’t Teach You by Dr Justine Roper (Lake Michigan)
Dance Your Pounds Off by Dwight Holt (International North)
How to Crush your next Race Goal! by Tia Pettygrue (Lake Ontario)
LivFit Afrobeats & AfroPraise by Olivia Frempong (Boulevard AB)
Bounce + Bands by Rhesa Weatherspoon (Salon B)
Eat for Your Sole: Nutrition to Fuel Your Body for Your Best Run by Jacqueline Hale (Astoria)
2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Sessions
Imposter Syndrome: Claiming a New Narrative by Patricia Taylor (Astoria)
M&M’S “MEND your mental, MOVE your body, STIR your soul” by Shavonne Munir (Lake Huron)
Bitty Beast Box’n (Cardio Kickboxing) Plus Abs by Mary Younger (Boulevard AB)
Revitalize Your Radiance: The Whole Body Blueprint for Lasting Wellness by Maggie Bell (Lake Ontario)
B A R (Basic Abdominal Routine) by DaShaun Johnson (International North)
Pelvic Floor & Fitness What Your Mama Didn’t Teach You by Dr Justine Roper (Lake Michigan)
Stretch and Flex in Water to Sooth Your Muscles by Dr. Emogene Johnson Vaughn & Melinda Dubose (Pool)
Runner’s Flow by Felicia Hall (Marquette)
Xtreme Hip Hop Step with Catina by Catina Redd (Salon B)
6:0
MD, Dr
Music by DEEJAY007/Photobooth
Welcome/Greetings - Host, Jessica Menardy
Greetings - Eden Mabry (BGR! South Atlanta) and Veronica Brevard (BGR! Dallas), Sole Sista Ambassadors
Special Welcome - Dave and Natalie Babner, Ohio Health Capital City Marathon
Blessing over Food - Corey Brown, BGR!South Florida
Dinner Served (Plated) - Servers will ask if you prefer a vegetarian option
*Field Greens Salad, Meat Lasagna, Lemon Tart & Dulce de Leche Creme Brulee
Introduction of moderator/panel - Jessica Menardy
Chat & Chew Discussion
Questions from Audience + Closing
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
DAY 3 SESSIONS
Saturday, September 7, 2024
BGR! Group Photo: 6:30 a.m. (Please meet across the street at race start area in Grant Park.)
#SWYS24 Registration & Customer Service: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Lobby - 8th Street)
BGR! Boutique: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (International South)
Preserve the Sexy Market: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (International South)
Fleet Feet Recovery Area: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (International South)
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Sessions
CBD (Cycling Body Dose) by Tiffany Blakemore (Boulevard)
40+ Double Dutch Crew by 40+ Double Dutch Crew (Salon C)
Non-Performative Yoga by The IYA Wellness House (Waldorf)
Runner’s Post Run Stretch by Felicia Hall (Salon B)
Stretch + Flex in Water to Soothe Your Muscles by Dr Emogene Johnson Vaughn (Pool)
12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Sessions
CBD (Cycling Body Dose) by Tiffany Blakemore (Boulevard)
Runner’s Post Run Stretch by Felicia Hall (Salon B)
40+ Double Dutch Crew by 40+ Double Dutch Crew (Salon C)
Non-Performative Yoga by The IYA Wellness House (Waldorf)
6:00 p.m.
The Pink & Black Gala: Celebrating 15 Years of BGR! (International North) Doors Open at 5:30 p m
Music by DEEJAY007/Photobooth
Welcome/Greetings - Host, Patrice Whitfield
Welcome from Chicago Ambassadors - Gencie Crowell, Kelli Thornton, Carmen Lewis
Welcome from BGR! Foundation Board - Sheronda Wilford, President
Special Greetings - Tes Marshall (The Race, Atlanta, GA)
Greetings - Joy Allen-Alitmare, Saucony Chief Marketing Officer
Blessing over food - Te’Retta Hall, BGR! Memphis
Dinner Served - Server will ask if you prefer the vegetarian option. *Spinach Salad, Pan Seared Chicken, parmesan risotto, grilled vegetables, herb champagne reduction, Chocolate Blueberry Bar
Introduction of keynote and moderator - Patrice Whitfield
Q&A with Sherri Shepherd - Moderator, Jay Ell Alexander, BGR! CEO/Owner
Photos with Sherri (lobby area) - Tables will be called by #SWYS24 Crew 2024 Ambassador/Run Coordinator/Superlative Awards - Candice Toney (Former BGR! Cleveland Ambassador and BGR! Foundation Board Member) and Dr. Damali Thomas, BGR! Delaware
Closing
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE
THE PINK & BLACK GALA
Saturday, September 7, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
Whether on stage or screen, Sherri Shepherd’s magnetic personality and hilarious sense of humor never fails to delight audiences Sherri can currently be seen as the host of her own talk show, Sherri, airing daily on Fox She can also be seen starring in the film The Way Out, released in 2022 Sherri can be seen on the HBO Max series The Sex Lives Of College Girls Sherri starred in the Netflix series Mr Iglesias for 2 seasons where she played the role of ‘Principal Paula Madison’ opposite Gabriel Iglesias She also starred in and produced the ABC pilot Black Don't Crack created Regina Hicks and to be produced by Viola Davis and Larry Wilmore
Sherri was previously co-host of The View for 600 episodes During her time on this series, she and her cohosts won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host, were featured in Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in World,” and ranked as #11 on Forbes’ “30 of the Most Influential Women in Media ”
Sherri also starred in Tom Shadyac’s Brian Banks, opposite Aldis Hodge and Greg Kinnear, where she played the mother of the hottest high school football prospect in the country, whose amazing career gets derailed by a false felony accusation from a classmate Sherri can also be seen in Season 2 of NBC’s sitcom, Trial & Error, opposite Kristin Chenoweth and Nicholas D’Agosto.
Previously, Sherri appeared in the Broadway play, Cinderella She has also been featured on How I Met Your Mother, Man With A Plan, The Soul Man, K C Undercover, Rosewood and 30 Rock She has also executive produced and starred in her own sitcom, Sherri, on Lifetime She received rave reviews in her lead dramatic role for the Lifetime movie Abducted: The Carlina White Story, co-starred alongside Katherine Heigl in Lionsgate’s One For The Money, and appeared in Precious and Top Five
Sherri has also gained notoriety for her stand-up comedy acts across the United States
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE
2024
Dr. Olivia Affuso/Friday Night Moderator
Meet Your Speakers
Dr Olivia Affuso is the Director of Strategic Leadership Initiatives for the Council on Black Health and a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine Prior to the Council, Dr Affuso was a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Her research focuses on the prevention of obesity and chronic disease through physical activity Dr. Affuso’s current research projects include the examination of potential mechanisms of group engagement on sustainable physical activity among Black women and the development of physical activity interventions targeting the social environments of women Dr Affuso obtained her PhD in Nutrition Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences at the University of Miami Outside of work, Dr Affuso is an ultrarunner and coach, and the Chief Wellness Officer of the Black Magic Trail Sisters, a virtual social support group promoting women ’ s wellness through consistent, daily movement
Abiola Akanni/Non-Performative Yoga
Hi, my name is Abiola Akanni I’m the Nigerian-American Yoga Educator & Founder of iya® I‘ve been privileged to share a decade of yoga education experience at annual yoga retreats, workshops, & wellness events within my personal brand, as well as an Alo Moves Coach In addition, I've created virtual & in-person yoga programs for major institutions, including Boeing where I worked for 3 years offering yoga & mindfulness programs I've built wellness programs & initiatives for the Institute of Functional Medicine, Nike Yoga, Stanford, Microsoft, Hulu, Nordstrom Corporate, Google, Wyndham Corporate & Strong Fitness Magazine & more!
Maggie Bell/Revitalize Your Radiance: The Whole Body Blueprint for Lasting Wellness
Maggie Bell is a Registered Dietitian and Registered Nurse with over 12 years of experience working for state agencies and private institutions She graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a Bachelors Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2011 and completed her Dietetic Internship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2012 She earned her Masters Degree in Nutrition from the University of Central Arkansas in 2013 Maggie started working as a Registered Dietitian in 2013 and two years in, realized she had a desire to help more people and increase her health knowledge She went back to school in 2015 at Baptist Health and earned her degree in Nursing She worked in the Intensive Care Unit the majority of her nursing career In 2020, she started her business-Maggie Bell Nutrition and Wellness, where she helps individuals lose weight and balance their blood sugar by teaching them the fundamentals of nutrition and holding them accountable Maggie is very passionate about helping others and has dedicated her life to helping people see that they CAN lose weight, get off of pharmaceutical medications, reverse their chronic diseases, and heal their body naturally
Tiffany Blakemore/CBD (Cycling Body Dose)
Tiffany Blakemore, passionately known as "Vitamin T," is the energetic visionary and owner of Vitamin T Fitness, LLC – a Fitness Training and Motivational venture focused on the WHOLE person -- Mind, Body and Spirit It's been just over 10 years since Blakemore weighed in at over 300lbs "I had to save myself, from myself," recalls Blakemore "The pity party was over, and I took my body back one day at a time " Tiffany made the life-saving, life-changing decision to drop bad habits, drop more than 150 pounds and rally others to embrace a life of fulfillment and fitness As her passion gradually became her purpose, Blakemore began to share her weight loss journey to inspire others to embark on their own paths to fitness. Obtaining her certification as a NASM personal trainer and cycling instructor further validated Tiffany's commitment to a healthy lifestyle with an emphasis on self-care Her energetic instruction had fitness enthusiasts from all over Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana flocking to her classes She placed 7th in the Ms Health and Fitness competition, hosts fitness events throughout the midwest, hosts summer beach workout classes, 5K hosts, and travels to teach throughout the states Through her popular accountability program and affirmation-filled classes, Tiffany guides hundreds to their own personal destinations of mental and physical wellness In November 2023, Blakemore added boutique studio owner to her list of accomplishments Vitamin T Cycling and Fitness studio is based in Merrillville, IN and offers an inviting bouquet of instruction and services including stationary cycling, weight training, bootcamp cardio, trampoline, meal planning, personal training and more It is also affectionately known as the home of "Trap House Cardio " Through her own experience overcoming obstacles, Blakemore has morphed into a motivational trainer who helps clients see that "fitness begins in the mind " She always speaks positive affirmations into her clientele and is simply a realist who understands that in any journey, one may encounter detours, road closures, highs and lows "But once you make it to that destination," says Blakemore "You look back and are extremely thankful for the experience " Vitamin T wants all who cross her path to remember that "A dose of fitness a day, helps keep the pounds away "
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
Meet Your Speakers
Mary Castle-Enyard/Dancin’ with Mary
I am better known as Dancing' Mary! I am a Certified International Consortium Line Dance Instructor I have over ten years of experience in teaching line dancing to beginners and improvers participants I instructed classes within several healthcare settings such as Humana Neighborhood Centers, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Door Neighborhood Center, Oak Street Health Center and Advocate Health Center. I also provide classes within the Park District and community institutions I have truly been blessed to take my teaching on the road well I have taught in various states: Texas, Alabama, on a International Cruise, North Carolina I am also a Fitness Instructor , I jump and teach Double Dutch and well as I am a runner and a Run Coordinator
Andrea & Lindsay Downs/Tempo
Andrea Downs, Downs Fitness Founder and Owner, Certified Personal Trainer Andrea has been a certified personal trainer and group instructor since 2013 Living an active lifestyle has been a cornerstone of Drea’s life since she started playing basketball when she was only 2 years old. She continued playing throughout high school, college and overseas in Australia. Drea started personal training and teaching group classes at health clubs In 2017, she opened her own business, teaching group classes at community centers and doing personal training sessions in her garage As her client list grew, the Downs Fitness Studio was born Together with her partner Lindsay, they serve a community of over 1,000 local and virtual members Andrea specializes in weight loss, increasing endurance, functional training/corrective exercise, senior fitness, cardiovascular conditioning, balance training, improving overall health and wellness and sports conditioning and is certified in nutrition Andrea believes that every human can create a sustainably healthy life She has the highest expectations for every member of the Fit Fam and preaches that positive motivation and community support is essential to success Andrea is a mother to two beautiful girls and has been married to Lindsay Downs since 2017 Lindsay Downs, Downs Fitness Founder and Owner, Certified Personal Trainer Lindsay has been a certified personal trainer since 2016 Her love for health and fitness blossomed when she first met Drea at a local gym She lost 59 pounds in 90 days and realized that she wanted to help other people reach their goals Lindsay and Drea worked together to build Downs Fitness from the ground up They wanted to create an environment for health and fitness that was all-inclusive, allowing people of all ages, size, fitness levels, genders and backgrounds to enter and feel loved and welcome Having lived through her own frustrations with diet and exercise, Lindsay wanted to give people ALL of the tools that they needed to see real, sustainable results During classes, she focuses on providing modifications for every exercise, ensuring all individuals can participate Lindsay believes the right nourishment and exercise can transform both our physical and mental health and is devoted to helping as many people as she can Lindsay is a mother to two beautiful girls and has been married to Andrea Downs since 2017
Melinda Dubose/Stretch and Flex in Water to Soothe Your Muscles
Hi my name is Melinda DuBose I am currently a middle school math teacher in Homewood, Illinois My love for teaching and swimming prepared me to be the director of the ‘Learn To Swim’ program at the South Holland community center I have been a swimming instructor and lifeguard for over 23 years with a life long passion for inspiring people to learn the art of swimming I look at swimming as a life skill that anyone can learn to use for leisure, survival, or save lives
40+ Double Dutch Crew
The 40+ Double Dutch Club is a group of women ages 40 to over 80 years old of various shapes, sizes, races, skill levels and backgrounds 40+ DDC provides an opportunity for these women to enjoy an exciting, affordable way to improve their physical, mental and spiritual health by interacting with other women, reliving positive childhood memories and creating new ones while jumping double Dutch, hula hooping, playing hopscotch, Chinese rope and jacks! God has used what many thought was “just” a Double Dutch Club to form a worldwide SISTERHOOD of friendship, fitness, fun and fellowship!
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE
2024
Dee Ford/Move with Dee
Meet Your Speakers
Dee comes from a life full of sports! From basketball, volleyball, track & field, and softball, you can bet that Dee was involved in SOMETHING all year round Dee accepted a scholarship to attend a private university located in Ohio where she became a nationalcaliber long jumper; she also set the indoor long jump collegiate record at the university in 2012 After earning her Master’s of Science degree, Dee felt the need to get back into fitness In 2016, Dee weighed in at a whopping 191 pounds At that time, with being an athlete for so long, Dee felt that it was time to hire a personal trainer Over the years, Dee has achieved many fitness goals; she even competed in a team CrossFit competition and WON! Whoop! In 2018, Dee was inspired to obtain a license to teach Zumba She did so and began teaching Zumba a couple times throughout the week This is when the Move With Dee MOVEment began In 2020, Dee was inspired to develop her own choreographed dance fitness routines, while keeping the fun of dancing to different rhythms This is when Move With Dee Dance Fitness became official! However, Dee did not stop there She obtained a certification for personal training and group fitness to continue to MOVE the world, client by client 3 months into entrepreneurship, on 3/4/2021, she completely ruptured her Achilles. Despite her injury, she continued to teach classes and train her clients consistently. Just 7 months later, she competed and placed top 3 in her first bodybuilding competition She went on to compete in her second bodybuilding competition in April 2022 and placed first in five categories Dee recently entered her 3rd year of entrepreneurship as a a full-time certified personal trainer She has taken the Move With Dee MOVEment to a host of cities across the U S and eventually hopes to travel internationally to instruct
Olivia Frempong/LivFit Afrobeats & AfroPraise
Olivia Frempong is a woman on a purpose driven mission She is a licensed group fitness instructor, personal trainer and certified run coach with a passion for helping people achieve health and fitness goals, so that they can fulfill God's purpose within their lives. Olivia, who is a wife and mom of 3, started her fitness journey after suffering a pregnancy loss, followed by the birth of her 3 children including a set of twins, back to back, which then caused her to get an early diagnosis of high blood pressure She was determined to combat this by improving her health and did it by applying faith Her journey started with running, when she joined BLACK GIRLS RUN in 2013 She started a chapter in upstate New York in 2016 and has served as the sole Ambassador for over 8 years Her passion for running has allowed her to complete 6 Marathons and counting, 4 of which are World Majors and a run streak of over 6 years. She became a licensed Zumba and Group Fitness instructor in 2015. She also became licensed as a Fitness Teacher Gospel Preacher through Revelation Wellness as Faith in Fitness has always the perfect duo and secret sauce in her journey In an effort to get more people up and moving and to get them active, she founded her fitness company and ministry, LIVFIT 413 LLC in 2019, where she motivates and encourages people to get and stay active and improve their quality of life, no matter where they are in their journeys, whether it be through African Dance, Afrobeat and Zumba Fitness, running or strength training. Originally hailing from Ghana, West Africa, Olivia's ultimate love for dance, culture, praise and community was the catalyst of the birth of LivFit Afrobeats and AfroPraise, which is a fusion of amazing cardio and strength classes to get the heart pumping
Dr. Sylvia Gonsahn-Bollie, MD/Friday Night Panelist
Dr Sylvia Gonsahn-Bollie, MD, DABOM, a graduate of Wesleyan College and the George Washington University School of Medicine, stands at the forefront of integrative obesity care. As the founder of Embrace You Weight & Wellness, she addresses disparities in personalized obesity care through innovative solutions Her personal journey from weight struggles in 2015 to sustaining a wellness lifestyle showcases her commitment Currently serving as the Executive Director, Clinical Research Physician in Obesity at Eli Lilly, Dr Bollie is a leader in the field Her book, "Embrace You: Your Guide to Transforming Weight Loss Misconceptions Into Lifelong Wellness," was Healthline com ' s "Best Weight Loss Book of 2021-2023" Actively advocating on obesity care disparities in the Black community, she speaks regularly in conferences and webinars. Featured in Forbes, Scientific America, and Livestrong com, she serves on committees, was elected to the Obesity Medicine Association Board of Trustees in 2022, and co-founded the Overcoming Obesity Club on Clubhouse Dr Bollie extends her impact to community initiatives and received the Black Physician Healthcare Network Wellness Initiative grant in 2022 In Liberia, she and her husband founded the Institute of Basic Technology, emphasizing STEM education Driven by a passion for holistic wellness, diversity, and community, Dr Sylvia Gonsahn-Bollie is a medical professional and advocate inspiring positive change. Connect with her on social media @EmbraceYouMD for updates on her impactful work All views expressed during presentations are her own and do not reflect her employer, Eli Lilly
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE
Meet Your Speakers
Felicia Hall/Runner’s Post Run Stretch
Dr Felicia Hall is an educator, runner, health/fitness advocate and motivator at heart She is a Certified Athletic Trainer, Yoga Practitioner, Educator and researcher But hey really without all the letters, names and fluff; She is a small-town girl who loves God, family and helping others become the best version of themselves. Dr. Felicia has dedicated over 20 years to helping professional, collegiate and high school athletes and adults physically heal It was the love of helping others heal that she found herself utilizing her own tools After suffering from a major injury, Dr Felicia Hall realize the importance of bridging the gap between mental and physical health She took that passion and has help countless others heal through her Yoga School and also her yoga studio which open on February 3rd, 2024 She continues to spread her love of running through the dopest running crew Black Girls Run and helping others heal inside out through the practice of yoga
Te’Retta Hall/EmpowerHER: Unleash Your Strength, Ignite Your Soul!
Te’Retta L Hall is a dedicated and certified trainer, entrepreneur, and ordained Elder, who is passionate about transforming lives With a strong foundation in fitness training and a commitment to promoting health, she has earned certifications that reflect expertise and a deep understanding of overall wellness and healthy living Te'Retta holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Wesleyan University in Business Management, a Bachelor of Theology degree from Andersonville Theological Seminary, and a Master of Arts degree in Conflict Resolution from Bethel University Her educational training allows her to bring a spiritual dimension to wellness, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and soul This unique combination of roles allows her to guide individuals not only in achieving their fitness goals but also in cultivating a balanced and harmonious lifestyle In addition to her above degrees, Te'Retta holds certifications that enhance the ""call"" on her life: ISSA Elite Trainer (Certified Personal Trainer, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Sports Nutritionist), RRCA Certified Running Coach, and CPR/AED Certified It is through hard work, dedication, and many sacrifices that she exemplifies her mantra “#getMEright” In 2015, Te'Retta birthed The Total Concept where she leverages her skills to create innovative approaches to health & wellness that include but are not limited to, boot camps & workouts, retreats, girl talks, and meal prep webinars She provides strategies for achieving total wellness regardless of physical limitations, age, or location Your goals are her mission! Active in community initiatives, Te’Retta Hall extends her passion beyond the gym and pavement She serves as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Chris Hope Foundation, a Co-Ambassador for the Memphis Chapter of Black Girls RUN!, a Board Member of L O V E T A G S , Physical & Mental Health Committee Chair for the Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., member of Operation MEMPHIS, 10-Year St. Jude Hero, and 2Year St Jude Heroes Ambassador Te’Retta has completed countless half-marathons and marathons She recently added the Berlin Marathon (2023) to her quest to complete the 6 World Major Marathons and will participate in the London 2024 Marathon Te'Retta resides in Memphis, TN, and has two adult sons and one grandson
Dwight Holt/Dance Your Pounds Off
Dwight Holt Jr , Nashville native, Started Dance Your Pounds Off 4 years ago after an interesting encounter with, the Queen of Comedy and Academy-Award winning actress, Mo’Nique in Atlanta,Ga After being asked to train the actress through dance, there was no stopping him After just a month of training Mo’Nique, Dwight’s emails and social media sites went crazy Receiving hundreds and hundreds of emails and messages from individuals all around the world, stating how watching the duo workout online has encouraged them to get off of the couch after years of being ashamed and not feeling like they could, sparked a fire in Dwight After receiving these messages, Dwight instantly felt he had truly found his calling He was changing lives and doing what he loved while doing so. So, Dwight then turned Dance Your Pounds Off into a LLC, got certified, and has not turned back since In 2016, after a terrible accident, Dwight quit his full time banking job on the spot and went full out Dance Your Pounds Off Dwight states, growing up, his family always predicted becoming a pastor was his calling and he feels he didn’t stray away He says he changes just as many lives on the floor as he would in the pulpit When asked why he named it “Dance Your Pounds Off”, he says because that’s exactly what we are doing, dancing our pounds off Pounds was and is not all about physical pounds either, sometimes the smallest people carry the heaviest weight Pounds is anything holding you down, we dance it off Features include The Real Daytime, Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Preachers, Essence Magazine, TMZ, Ellen Show, TheShadeRoom, Watch what happens live with Andy, and countless other publications
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
Kayla Jeter/Friday Night Panelist
Meet Your Speakers
Kayla Jeter is a Chicago-based athlete and lululemon ambassador, community consultant, and wellness coach helping professional clients and community members design sustainable healthier lifestyles as a trained behavior change coach and certified functional strength coach. She's her expertise has been featured on SHAPE magazine, well + good, ESSENCE, and SELF. For almost a decade, Kayla has leveraged digital content as a coaching tool, community connector, and validator of shared human experiences on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest reaching over 110,000 followers worldwide Kayla is on a mission to disrupt + diversify homogenous spaces in sports and the wellness industry and in doing so, expand possibilities for BIPOC runners to see themselves not only surviving but thriving in these spaces Through her annual virtual 100MilesofSummer challenge, she empowers over 260,000 humans of all ages and fitness levels to commit to better health through movement by logging 100 miles walking, jogging, running or rolling starting May 1st to August 31st for the last six years Kayla is a Cleveland, Ohio native who was exposed to different communities and cultures while playing volleyball at the University of Tennessee, professionally in Finland, and coaching at the University of Cincinnati After the loss of her father to a sudden heart attack in 2016 and the slow decline of her mother to cancer in 2019, Kayla made it her mission to help others understand the necessity of everyday self-care and stress management Kayla is a 3x World Marathon Major finisher (all in 2023) and will be running her first ultramarathon in March 2024 with lululemon; FURTHER the lululemon FURTHER feat is a 6-day race focused on supporting + elevating women in ultramarathon running.
DaShaun Johnson/B.A.R. (Basic Abdominal Routine)
DaShaun Johnson is an expert health and fitness professional who has used his innovative Body Sculpting Programs to transform the physiques of people all over the world DaShaun’s passion for fitness began over 15 years ago when he landed a job at LA fitness in his hometown of Decatur, GA It was then that he realized he was destined be a trainer who would change people’s lives for the better through fitness and nutrition After much hard work and dedication, he was presented with his first big opportunity to be a sponsored Nike Training Club (NTC) instructor He then went on to work with celebrities to include:
Jamie Foxx, American actor, comedian, and singer Hosea Chanchez, also credited as Hosea, American actor best known for his recurring role on For Your Love and the quarterback football player Malik Wright on the CW/BET sitcom The Game Brandy Norwood, better known by her mononym Brandy, is an American singer, songwriter, actress and model Rapper Jeezy American rapper
He’s also been featured in Rolling out and Essence magazine where he was acknowledged as one of the “16 Black Fitness Enthusiasts to follow on Instagram ” Additionally, he has partnered with organizations such as the Pentagon, United States Airforce (USAF), Black Health Matters, Black Girls Run (BGR), Delta Sigma Theta National Convention, Essence Festival and many more to help individuals reach their fitness goals
Dr. Emogene Johnson Vaughn/Stretch and Flex in Water to Soothe Your Muscles
Dr. Emogene Johnson Vaughn is a retired health education professor from Norfolk State University where she taught traditional and online personal health courses For many years, she also taught physical fitness courses to include tennis, swimming, and water aerobics
Sharee McCants/Strides Beyond the Finish Line Redefining Your Place in Menopause
Hey! My name is Sharee D McCants I'm not just a menopause coach; I'm a bridge between two worlds Hailing from the Prescription Benefits Management arena, I've demystified formulary programs and prescription benefit designs for Medicare Part D I’ve since pivoted that experience and knowledge for over 10 years now, to igniting audiences at health & wellness events, retreats, and even on yoga mats, educating women to embrace and redefine their menopausal well-being My toolbox? Overflowing with goodies! I'm a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, STRONG Nation® and CIRCL Mobility® instructor Basically, I speak the language of movement, and I'm here to help you find your groove, whether it's flowing, improving your strength and mobility, or conquering the mental shifts of this transitional time But wait, there's more! I recently unlocked the secrets of sleep, stress management, and recovery (level 1, baby!), adding even more magic to my already potent potion of menopause wellness! A few more gems about me: I am a native from Cleveland, Ohio A mom of Gen Z’er and a lover of Jay Z and Beyoncé (in that order) I love to dance to old school hip-hop and my favorite movie is Sparkle (the 1976 version).
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
Meet Your Speakers
Penny McPherson/Navigating the Waves of Natural Wellness with Global Wisdom
Penny McPherson, aka Plant Based Penny, helps people move from problems to progress with plant-based solutions She is back in the U S after a two-year wellness immersion adventure in Central and South America She's all about the holistic life, diving into natural healing across three continents and seven countries. With a successful career in global banking, Penny holds a business administration degree from High Point University, a Toastmasters International Competent Communicator Certification, and a Leadership Metro Richmond graduation badge She even sought out additional natural health education at Costa Rica's Refugio Medical Missionary School and Hidden Gardens Wellness Center and learned some cooking tricks at Southern Kitchen’s Cooking School Penny spreads the word on plant-based healing, embracing a holistic lifestyle, and educating on plants as medicine through her weekly live broadcasts – The War on Wellness You can catch her on YouTube as Plant Based Penny and follow her on Instagram or Facebook @PlantBasedPennyLife She also honors traditional wellness practices from our grandmothers You might have caught her on Mitchell Productions, the I Am This Woman broadcast, Comcast TV, Freedom Locs Podcast, Christian Traveler’s Podcast, Black Expats Living Abroad, and more Now living abundantly in Rural Virginia with her husband Paul, Penny's eco-conscious lifestyle involves gardening and recycling She's eyeing a year-round garden, a homestead retreat, and some furry friends in her future Her go-to Bible verse is James 1:5, and her personal mantra? "God made me, and He can’t make mistakes I can do, I can learn, I can succeed "
Jessica Menardy/ Friday Night Host
Jessica Duré Menardy is a full time Project Manager in the financial sector She cherishes her role as a mother to a vibrant five year old and a devoted wife Passionate about empowering women from diverse backgrounds to embark on their fitness journeys, Jessica is also a group fitness instructor She ensures each individual feels acknowledged and supported in her rowing and cycling classes Jessica has also embarked on an ambitious challenge, to run half marathons in every state Though she's made her home in California, she will always be a New Yorker, “East coast is the best coast”
Shavonne Munir/M&M’s
“MEND your mental, MOVE your
body, STIR
your soul”
Shavonne Munir is a Philadelphia native, a loving wife and a boy mom with a BS in Kinesiology (sports medicine) from The Pennsylvania State University She also received her Masters in Holistic medicine, all while managing the Fitness and Recreation department at the Salvation Army Kroc Center for 11+ years Loving to learn, she is now a ADMI Medical School 2025 candidate at Boise State University She has been dancing for 29 years and is professionally trained in ballet, modern, jazz and african dance (Umfundalai) She has received most of her early training at the New Freedom Theatre, in Philadelphia, and has traveled locally, nationally and internationally through dance and fitness opportunities She has since trained and performed with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Eleone Dance Theatre, and Kariamu & Company She was blessed to be a principal dancer of Grace Dance Theater for over 11 years Being an established dance instructor and fitness specialist around the city of Philadelphia, she loves nothing more than combining her love for dance, fitness, wellness and children into an educational, fun, and active forum Munir has been afforded the opportunity to work with various organizations, educating and teaching about fitness, holistic health and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. As a fitness children’s book author, Munir enjoys the opportunity to talk with young people, and adults alike, to spread her “Fitness is Fun” message This led her to form FCG Training and Wellness LLc , in which she does just that She is a proud member of Beta Delta Zeta Grad Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, by way of the Mighty Mu Eta Chapter (PennState University) She prides herself on giving self grace, forward mobility and grit “Little girls with dreams become women with vision!”
Tia Pettygrue/How to Crush your next Race Goal!
I've been providing Run Coaching since 2011 Certified by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), Level 1 in 2013 and Level 2 in 2022 Certified by United States of America Track & Field (USATF) Level 1 in 2013 I've coached from 5k to 100 Mile Ultramarathon I've served as National Coach for Black Girls RUN! since 2017 and have coached over 1,000 women in BGR from 5k to the Marathon distance I'm a Coach Mentor for Team Game Changers, which provides Coach sponsorship and mentoring for Women of Color Coaches Have been a mentor with them for 3 years and served on the selection committee I was selected to Coach local families to run their first 5k as part of a Superbowl Initiative and the Black Heritage Festival in Tampa in 2021 Over the past 15 years, have run 11 Marathons, over 160 Half Marathons and countless other races I've completed a Triathlon and Figure Competition Qualified to run the 2024 Boston Marathon at age 54
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
Meet Your Speakers
Ava Purkiss/Friday Night Panelist
Dr Ava Purkiss is a historian and assistant professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Michigan, and holds a courtesy appointment in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Michigan Medicine. She is the author of Fit Citizens: A History of Black Women’s Exercise from Post-Reconstruction to Postwar America (University of North Carolina Press, 2023) Dr Purkiss specializes in Black Women’s History and her scholarship and teaching lie at the intersection of race, gender, health, and the body Her research has been supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the American Council of Learned Societies, and the Mellon Foundation
Ashley Redwood/Trap Cardio: Take Up Space, Sis!
I have a B A English (Journalism), a MBA in Accounting, I received my Group Fitness Instructor Certification from ACE (American Council on Exercise) in 2022 I received a YouTube Silver Play Button in 2021 for having 100k subscribers, I won a $50k grant from Black Girl Ventures' in 2022 and $10k grant in 2023 from Jack Daniels -- both were business pitch competitions In 2021, I launched the Trap Tube, a video platform for my fitness videos I have been published in Black Enterprise, the Grio, Reimagine Main Street and other publications In 2023, I was invited to apply for Shark Tank I have hosted 2 international fitness retreats and have toured nationwide I have raised money for breast cancer, domestic violence and diabetes awareness efforts.
Devonderia Sanchez/EmpowerHer Stride: Unveiling the Impact of Movement and Women’s Mental Health
The EmpowerHer Stride presentation commences with the personal narrative of Devonderia Sanchez, a Licensed Mental Health Therapist who navigated her own mental health and weight loss journey, ultimately discovering inner transformation This story serves as a vulnerable introduction, laying the foundation for a comprehensive discussion on the critical importance of normalizing mental health, particularly among women Drawing from her experiences, Devonderia Sanchez sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges confronted by professional woman She delves into the intersection of mental health and personal well-being, unraveling the intricate dynamics of roles women play that demands resilience while frequently neglecting the mental health aspects.The presentation seamlessly transitions into a detailed exploration of statistics directly impacting women, with a significant focus on women of color By presenting these statistics, participants will gain awareness about the distinctive mental health challenges faced by this demographic, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive approach within the community of African American women Furthermore, the session unfolds with a dedicated emphasis on self-love and care practices, recognizing the paramount importance of holistic well-being Participants will acquire practical insights into tailored strategies for professional women to integrate into their lives during and after work hours The objective is to foster a culture of self-love and resilience both in the workplace and home, creating an environment where mental health is prioritized and destigmatized Noteworthy is the advocacy for exercise as an expression of self-love rather than punishment Encouraging participants to view physical activity as a form of self-care, the session aims to transform the narrative around movement, promoting a positive and empowering relationship with one ' s overall self This will be an enlightening journey, where personal narratives, impactful statistics, and empowering strategies converge to champion the normalization of mental health and holistic well-being among women
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
Meet Your Speakers
Dr. Justine Roper/Pelvic Floor & Fitness: What Your Mama Didn’t Teach You
Dr Justine Roper is a distinguished figure in healthcare and wellness With extensive expertise in pelvic floor physical therapy nd fitness coaching, she's empowered countless individuals, addressing pelvic disorders and breaking the silence around hem Dr Roper is not only a published author and a passionate speaker on mental health and women ' s health but also an dvocate for diversity and inclusion in education and workplaces As a University of Florida and Howard University alumna, she understands the importance of diversity and education in the workplace She has developed diversity and inclusion coursework for educational platforms, universities, and organizations As a fitness and wellness coach, she offers dynamic classes covering nutrition and fitness, aiming to enhance her clients' overall well-being She takes pride in founding Pensacola's first pelvic floor physical therapy clinic, In Her Physique Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Wellness.
Patricia Taylor/Imposter Syndrome: Claiming a New Narrative
Ms Patricia L Taylor is a Licensed Psychotherapist, a Certified Telehealth Provider, a Trauma Specialist, Mental Health Keynote Speaker & Author holding dual licensure in the states of Wisconsin and Arizona Ms Taylor received her Master of Science degree in Counseling from Capella University-MN and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin Patricia has worked with a wide variety of outpatient and inpatient populations in Wisconsin and the Greater Milwaukee Area including at St Francis Hospital as a Behavioral Health Liaison; at Community Memorial Hospital as a Mental Health Technician; as an Independent Clinical Contractor at various mental health clinics throughout the state of Wisconsin. As a mental health consultant at Mercy Housing, Inc , a national affordable housing organization, Ms Taylor developed a behavioral health and wellness program for women residents In 2016, Ms Taylor founded P Taylor Consulting, a mental health consulting agency that offers customers mind body wellness products and services As a facilitator at the agency, Ms Taylor conducts employee wellness trainings and seminars on mental health and trauma for first responders, teachers, and other groups Ms Taylor has made invaluable contributions to public and private business sectors with her work on vicarious trauma, trauma informed environments, and employee wellness Ms Taylor has worked with The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, The U S Department of Forestry-Eastern Region, various school districts, police departments and communities of color Recognizing that there is a high prevalence of stigma when it comes to employee mental health, Ms Taylor has made it her mission to partner with various business sectors to provide support and viable solutions to addressing employee mental health and trauma During the pandemic, she published a self-help guide entitled, Little Book Of Affirmations: Claim Your Narrative Over Trauma to help first responders and others navigate Ms Taylor also works with faith-based organizations, aging adult communities, and women ’ s organizations to support their mental health needs. Ms. Taylor is a motivated leader in behaviorally based professional development models with over 15 years of combined employment and training in the areas of program management, program design, quality improvement, employee retention and supervision
Tiffany Templeton/MelaninMoves Total Body
Capturing the essence of health and wellness, emphasizing both energy and movement, while specifically addressing the pain points Black women face while improving their health, the upcoming fitness workshop "MelaninMoves Total Body" is sure to leave participants feeling motivated and energized! Led by Coach Tiff, MelaninMoves Total Body is a dynamic fitness class designed to empower Black women through comprehensive physical training It focuses on building strength, enhancing flexibility, and boosting cardiovascular health, all tailored to the unique physiological needs of Black women Understanding the challenges of finding culturally sensitive and effective fitness guidance, this segment of Sweat With Your Sole offers not just a workout, but a celebration of strength and resilience reflected in the community From high-energy movement, strength training and mobility, participants will engage in a workout that promotes physical wellness and mental upliftment
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
Rhesa Allen Weatherspoon/Bounce + Bands
Meet Your Speakers
I am a certified/licensed fitness & wellness expert for approximately 15 years. I believe to ensure that all participants who see me will receive use of proper form when exercising and often encourage them to perform a workout that would exceed what they would do alone I am experienced for all levels of fitness training I commit and stand by my participants/clients for great results and wonderful progress Fitness and health are a huge part of my life and I enjoy providing the best knowledge to each individual “I live and work for servicing in the Fitness and Health Industry" Education: Norfolk State University Associates Degree in Early Child Care Development; Commonwealth College Associates Degree in Medical Assistance; University of Phoenix Associates Degree in Human Resource Services Management; Strayer University Bachelors in Financing; Columbia College Bachelors in Sports Science & Kinesiology Certification/Licensed: International Sports Science Associates (ISSA) – Master Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Exercise Therapy, Massage Therapy, Dietitian Nutrition and Fitness & Wellness Advocate, and Medical Assistance Experience: 1 Full- Scholarship Basketball/Track, Marathon Runner for 8 years; 16 years in the Fitness Industry; Running Group – Sistas Do Run (Coach), Bikini/Figure Competitor for 1 ½ year, Mentor – Fitness Warrior (Sports Backers), Powerlifting Coach for 7 years, and a 5th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo Specialize: Endurance Training, Muscle Toning, Weightlifting, Conditioning & Strength Training, Weight Loss and Agility Training My Moto: “You have one body, one life and one chance to live at it so why not give your body what it deserves ” I am a business owner for a health and fitness company called “RAW Affects, LLC”. I genuinely have the love for this industry, and I continue to educate myself further throughout this career People should want to love themselves more and by giving the most important thing that is required to themselves which is eating healthy and exercising daily This has become my passion in my everyday course and I Believe, Commit, Succeed to be Fit "Challenge yourself every day to do better and be better Remember, growth starts with a decision to move beyond your present circumstances ”
Patrice Whitfield/Saturday Night Host
Patrice Whitfield a native of Dallas, TX, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois Her passion for supporting athletes started during her time at Baylor University as a student manager for the women ’ s basketball team where the team won a national championship and several Big 12 championships This experience ignited a pursuit in both performance and wellness A graduate of Chicago’s Adler University, she specializes in Sport and Health Psychology to integrate mental health and sports Currently, Patrice is a psychotherapist at Nurture Therapy and the Director of Mental Health and Performance for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky Through her clinical work and as a member of the Gatorade Women’s Advisory Board, she aims to uplift women, their performance, and their overall wellbeing in and out of sports
Mary Younger/Bitty Beast Box’n (Cardio Kickboxing) Plus Abs
A personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Mary Younger discovered her passion for exercise and fitness while studying for her Marketing Degree at Bradley University She went on to earn a Master’s of Business Administration and a Master’s of Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management Mary earned her Primary Group Exercise and Personal Training certifications from AFAA (Athletics and Fitness Association of America) and is a certified Zumba® and Flirty Girl Fitness® instructor She is very versatile and creative in teaching Step, Kickboxing, Zumba®, Boot Camp, Hip Hop and other class formats Mary’s strong work ethic, and her vast background and experiences give solid testimony to her ability to work successfully with small businesses, groups and individuals as clients Mary’s fitness career includes such organizations as the YMCA, Powerhouse Gym, Women’s Workout World, Bally Total Fitness and LA Fitness, Yoga Six, 360MBS, as well as, one-on-one and corporate client projects She demonstrates and contributes 110% dedication to each individual; inspiring men, women, young adults and seniors to live healthy, active and rich lives “Fit is being the healthiest (best) YOU that you can be; whether you ’ re a size 6 or 14 Looking great is just the icing on the cake Aquarifit teaches that fit comes in all shapes and sizes, and is a lifetime commitment ”
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
Felicia Houston/Managing your STATS
Meet Your Speakers
Felicia Houston is an esteemed mental health professional with over 20 years of experience in the field She holds a BA in Psychology and a MA in Human Development Counseling from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Mental Health Consultant, and Consumer Wellness Advocate (CWA), Felicia passionately believes in the importance of self-care for personal growth and resilience Through her dynamic workshops and presentations, she educates audiences on mental health, wellness, and stress management, inspiring and empowering individuals to prioritize their well-being Felicia received one of the 2023 Women of Excellence Awards and she recently received the 2023 Woman in Mental Wellness Award in Chicago
Jackqueline Hale/Eat for your Sole: Nutrition to Fuel Your Body for Your Best Run
Jacqueline Hale’s passion regarding nutrition and fitness is not new. For years, she struggled with her weight. She could not seem to figure out the secret to taking it off and keeping it off Through trial and error, Jackie found a solution and worked hard to shed 100 pounds Even though she was successful, she couldn’t shake the thought that there had to be a better way Someone needed to share a clear, proven method with the masses and why couldn’t it be her? Using that frustration as fuel, Jackie Yvonne Nutrition, LLC was born Jackie’s company is for those who are tired of feeling lost on their weight loss and fitness journey and are desperate for answers She is the perfect guide toward a healthier you She has walked the walk She has struggled giving up sweets She has studied science and put herself and others to the test Jackie is an educator by trade, so she is perfectly suited to deliver knowledge to others She led a successful, 20 year career with the Pittsburgh Public Schools and was a distinguished leader of Pittsburgh South Hills Middle school until 2019 In April of 2019, at the age of 43, she retired from education, to focus full-time on her business and she has never looked back Making the decision to leave a blossoming career in education, to become an entrepreneur, took courage, tears, and “the faith of a mustard seed,” but in her regular, candid conversations with God, she knew that everything would be fine She uses her skills and knowledge in nutrition and change management to help women improve their relationship with food so that they can meet their desired health and wellness goals Jackie is an IFPA Sports Nutrition Specialist and was featured on KDKA Pittsburgh Today Live and Living757 , as a nutritional expert. She is a wellness presenter for the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ) and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) She was signed by Docherty Talent Agency, as a model for print advertisement and television In her spare time, she is a Profession Bodybuilder in the IFBB Pro League In addition to her many goals for Jackie Yvonne Nutrition, Jackie wishes to disrupt the notion that self-care is selfish People from all walks of life will benefit from taking better care of themselves, through fitness and nutrition, so that they can feel their best and thrive
Catina Redd/Xtreme Hip Hop Step with Catina
Catina Redd, a native of North Carolina, is a dynamic and passionate Xtreme hip-hop step instructor who has a deep love for fitness and helping others achieve their goals With her infectious energy and commitment to healthy living, she has become a trusted figure in the fitness community Catina's journey into the fitness world began when she realized the positive impact it had on her own life Determined to share her passion and knowledge, she pursued certifications in Xtreme Step and became a certified step instructor Combining her love for step and running with her expertise in fitness, Catina decided that the Xtreme brand was a one-of-a-kind program that seamlessly blends heart-pumping dance routines with high-intensity step exercises. As an Xtreme hip-hop step instructor, Catina's classes are characterized by their high energy, creativity, and inclusivity She creates a supportive and motivating environment where people of all fitness levels can thrive and feel comfortable pushing their boundaries Her infectious enthusiasm and ability to break down complex moves into simple steps make her classes accessible to beginners while still challenging more experienced participants Beyond her role as an instructor, Catina is an avid runner and is very active in the Dopes Running Group, Black Girls Run She has been a member of BGR – Winston Salem since 2008 and has served as Ambassador, Run coordinator, and event planner and actively promotes the benefits of running as a way to improve cardiovascular fitness and mental well-being She frequently participates in BGR Meetups and races and uses her own experiences to inspire others to lace up their running shoes and join her on the track Catina is not only dedicated to helping her students achieve their fitness goals but also to empowering them to lead healthier lives outside the studio She provides personalized guidance, offering advice on nutrition, goal setting, and overall wellbeing She believes that fitness is not just about physical transformation but also about fostering self-confidence and developing a positive mindset. Catina's unwavering dedication and commitment to helping others on their fitness journey have made her a beloved figure in the fitness community Through her Xtreme hip-hop step classes, running endeavors, and motivational support, she continues to inspire and empower people to live their healthiest and most vibrant lives
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
Run Mag Mile 5k/10k & Taste of Chicago
Packet pickup at the conference is only for conference attendees Please bring your ID to pick up your packet
No transportation is needed for the race The race start and finish line is immediately across the street in Grant Park
Taste of Chicago
The Taste opens on Friday evening, and is right across from our host hotel in Grant Park https://www chicago gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp info/taste of chicago10 html
The Taste has a wide selection of Chicago restaurants and food trucks to satisfy any appetite Each vendor sells full size portions, as well as “taste” portions So you can go and sample, or indulge There is a variety of entertainment on multiple stages, with the main stage located at Buckingham Fountain CeeLo is performing on Friday night! But get some rest for race morning!
The Taste is FREE to enter Your only expenses are food & beverage
Race Morning (Saturday, September 7):
Of note, while on Friday attendees can enter the park from Ida B Wells, across from your hotel, on race morning they will need to enter the park from Michigan Ave and Jackson Street
The BGR! tent will be located in the grove at Columbus and Jackson, near the Goose Island Stage The tent is open to all BGR! members
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
#SWYS24 Official Sponsors
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
Chicago Black Owned Establishments
CoffeeShops
***MomentumCoffeeMillenniumPark 11NMichiganAvenue
***Sip&Savor/SouthLoop 31ERooseveltRd.
***ChicagoFrenchPressatRooseveltCollections 1021S DelanoCt
Dining
BronzevilleWinery(American)-DinnerWednesday–Saturday/Brunch-Sunday 4420SCottageGroveAve
Norman’sBistro(AmericanCreole)DinnerWednesday –Sunday(Dancing) 1001E43rdStreet
14ParishRestaurant&RhumBar(Caribbean)Brunch, Lunch&Dinner 1644E53rdStreet
Chicago’sHomeofChicken&Waffles 3947S KingDr
***WindyCityRibs&Whiskey 67EastCermakRoad
***SweetMapleCaféBreakfast 1339W.TaylorStreet
***Kathryn’sSoulLunch/Dinner 131NClintonStreet
***JusticeofthePies 65ChicagoRiverwalk
Attractions/ThingstoDo DuSableBlackHistoryMuseum 740E56thPlace
***TasteofChicago–LocatedinGrantPark(Across theStreetfromtheChicagoHilton)
***TheBean–Greatphotoopportunity(Locatedin MillenniumPark)–GrabcoffeefromSip&Savor ***BuckinghamFountain-LocatedinGrantPark
***Adler Planetarium - 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
**Shedd Aquarium – 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
***Field Museum – 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive Museum of Science & Industry 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr
***Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave
·Checkout Flyover Chicago
***Chicago Riverwalk – Dining/Music/Boat Cruises/Bus Hop-on HopOff Tours & More
***Food Truck Friday: 12:00pm to 8:00pm 150 W Roosevelt Road
***Willis Tower Sky Deck and Ledge 233 S Wacker Drive
***Starbucks Roastery Chicago (World’s Largest Starbucks) 646 Michigan Ave
***Chicago Summer Dance at Taste of Chicago in Grant Park (at Buckingham Fountain) – Free
Friday, September 6, 11:45am-3:45pm
· 11:45pm – Salsa / Laura Flores (La Mecca Dance)
· 12:45pm – Hustle / Nino DiGiulio (May I Have This Dance)
· 1:45pm – Flamenco / Amanda Ramirez
· 2:45pm – Footwork / Mike D (Creation Global)
Saturday, September 7, 1-4pm
1pm – Bachata / Latin Rhythms
2pm – Bhangra / Ajanta Chakraborty (Bollywood & Culture Groove)
· 3pm – Afrobeats / Imania Detry (Ayodele Druman Dance)
· 4pm – Hip Hop / Nathalie (Urbanity Dance Chicago)
Sunday, September 8, 12-4pm
· 11:45am – Line Dance / Vero Sagredo (Steadfast Dance Center)
· 12:45pm – KPOP / Chemical X
· 1:45pm – Regional Mexicano / Ballet Folklorico de Chicago 2:45pm – House / Vero Sagredo (Steadfast Dance Center)
***Businesses that are near or in the downtown
SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
#SWYS24 Inkind Swag Bag Sponsors
4Imprint
Black Girl Sunscreen
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DaShaun Johnson
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Ultima
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SWEATWITHYOURSOLE 2024
The IYA Well
Ohio Health Capital City Half Marathon
Venture Endurance Events
Fleet Fleet Chicago
Superfeet
Shokz
Therabody
The Race Saucony
LivFit Waistbands
FitSafe
Plant Based Penny Life
Natural & Fit Designs
The Guru of Abs
Z'Natural Soaps
SHOTS Fired The Book
Pat Lewis Designs LLC
Exposed The Podcast Foundation
P Taylor Consulting
