Kickstart Health & Wellness Expo:
Food For Thought
September 6, 2025 at Capital Turnaround @ Navy Yard | 9 AM - 5 PM
September 6, 2025
Capital Turnaround @ Navy Yard
9 AM - 5 PM
Featuring Notable Guests
Carla Hall
Carla Hall first gained popularity when she competed on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and “Top Chef: All Stars,” sharing her philosophy of always cooking with love. She is a trained chef who has worked in several professional restaurant kitchens in and around the Washington, D.C. area, and she believes food connects us all—a belief she aims to express through her work, her cooking, and her daily interactions with others.
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Carla spent seven years co-hosting ABC’s Emmy-winning, popular lifestyle series “The Chew,” and she is currently featured as the host of “Chasing Flavors” on Max and appears on the Food Network as a judge on competition shows such as “Harry Potter: The Wizards of Baking” and the “Summer, Holiday and Halloween Baking Championships.” Her latest cookbook, _Carla Hall’s Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration_, was published in 2018, making numerous “Best Cookbook” lists nationwide and earning an NAACP Image Awards nomination. Carla is also being honored by Les Dames d’Escoffier as Grande Dame, a lifetime achievement award and honorary title recognizing her extraordinary contributions to food, beverage, and hospitality. She has published a children’s book, _Carla and the Christmas Cornbread_ (2021), a heartfelt story inspired by her childhood growing up in Nashville, TN, and her second children’s book, _Carla and the Tin Can Cake_, will be released in October 2025.
Harold Leffall
Harold Leffall aka “The Juice Guy” is a father, cancer survivor, healthy lifestyle influencer and entrepreneur with over 2 million social media followers. He has been featured on the News and in magazines, and authored seven books. He is also the Founder/CEO of Good Living Now, a health supplement company based in Charlotte, NC and the host of The Good Living Now Podcast.
Javant Benton
Javant Benton is a content creator, self-taught cook, and healthy lifestyle advocate whose journey began over 15 years ago. Faced with personal health challenges, he discovered the transformative power of nutrition and reclaimed his health. After years of self-study and research, he now inspires and empowers a thriving community of over 1 million followers on his social media platforms by sharing health insights and flavorful recipes that help others on their own health journeys.
Jamie & Erana Tyler
Erana and Jamie Tyler are entrepreneurs and reality TV stars on OWN’s Love & Marriage: DC. Erana leads ventures in credit repair, real estate, and fashion. Jamie, a retired MPD detective, runs a premier events company and a mental health foundation. Together, they blend business, advocacy, and entertainment to inspire and uplift their community.
Phil Weeden
Certified personal trainer, former bodybuilder and fitness enthusiast, Phil originally got into fitness to transform his own body and soon discovered a passion for helping others reach their health and wellness goals. He is the creator and founder of the smash hit cardio step aerobic class, Xtreme Hip Hop with Phil, as well as Xtreme Burn and the X30 Challenge.
Ashley Darby
Ashley Boalch-Darby is an American television personality and singer. She gained notability after winning Miss District of Columbia in 2011 and has been a main cast member The Real Housewives of Potomac since the show’s inception in January 2016.
Showcase Your Business
Connect with a vibrant, wellness-focused audience ready to discover new products, services, and brands that align with healthy, intentional living. Questions? Email kickstart@bghf.org.
Sponsor Kickstart
As a sponsor, you’ll gain valuable exposure, connect with a mission-driven audience, and show your commitment to health, equity, and community uplift. Questions? Email kickstart@bghf.org.
Schedule
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Event Registration
If you’re registered for our conference pick up your conference badge and schedule at our event registration table. All ticket holders should check-in at the registration table to get their schedule, welcome bag, free food voucher, and free raffle ticket.
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Carla Hall | Harold Leffall | Jamie & Erana Tyler | Phil Weeden
BGH Live! Talk Show
Don’t miss BGH Live—our dynamic opening session—featuring Harold Leffall, a father, cancer survivor, healthy lifestyle influencer, and entrepreneur known as “The Juice Guy,” and Love & Marriage: DC stars Erana and Jamie Tyler. These influential voices are bringing real talk, lived experiences, and lessons you didn’t even know you needed.
Carla Hall Bio
Carla Hall first won over audiences when she competed on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and “Top Chef: All Stars” and shared her philosophy to always cook with love. She is a trained chef who has worked in several professional restaurant kitchens in and around the Washington, D.C. area and believes food connects us all, a belief she strives to convey through her work, her cooking, and in her daily interactions with others.
Carla spent 7 years co-hosting ABC’s Emmy award winning, popular lifestyle series “The Chew”, and is currently featured as the Host of “Chasing Flavors” on Max, and on the Food Network as a judge on competition shows such as “Harry Potter: The Wizards of Baking” and the “Summer, Holiday and Halloween Baking Championships”. Her latest cookbook, Carla Hall’s Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration, was published in 2018, landing on annual “Best Cookbook” lists across the country and receiving an NAACP Image Awards nomination. Carla is also currently being honored by Les Dames d’Escoffier as Grande Dame, a lifetime achievement award and honorary title given to members in recognition of extraordinary contributions within the fields of food, beverage and hospitality. She has published a children’s book, Carla and the Christmas Cornbread (2021), a heartwarming tale loosely based on Hall’s childhood growing up in Nashville, TN and her second children’s book Carla and the Tin Can Cake will be available October 2025.
Harold Leffall Bio
Harold Leffall aka “The Juice Guy” is a father, cancer survivor, healthy lifestyle influencer and entrepreneur with over 2 million social media followers. He became known as the “Viral Juicer” after Kourtney Kardashian shared one of his videos on her Instagram page. He has been featured on the News Rising Show, Good Day Charlotte, Good Morning Chattanooga, Positively Charlotte, Black Enterprise, Best Self Atlanta and Entrepreneur magazines and authored seven books: Brother CEO, Living from Within, I AM ENOUGH, Juicing 101, Juicing for Health, Eating to Live and Get Ya Salad On. He is also the Founder/CEO of Good Living Now, a health supplement company based in Charlotte, NC and the host of The Good Living Now Podcast.
Phil Weeden Bio
Phil was raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up playing sports and was a natural athlete, but he chose a different path.
He stumbled onto his love of fitness by accident when he started his own fitness journey to transform his own body and to combat his depression. Phil became a certified personal trainer in 2008 at Cater 2 U Fitness Center and later entered the world of bodybuilding in 2009-2011.
Phil’s love for fitness continued to grow, as well as his trials and tribulations.
In March 2013, Phil stepped out on faith and opened his own gym, Naturally Gifted Fitness Center located in Cleveland Heights, OH. This is where the idea for Xtreme Hip Hop was born. Members of the gym wanted a step class, but he couldn’t keep a step instructor. Phil decided to embark on the journey of teaching the step class himself, but his first order of business was to find music that motivated him to move, and that’s exactly what he did.
Phil’s step class was a hit. As word traveled and popularity for the class grew, Phil received numerous requests to bring his class everywhere. In 2014 Phil began traveling the U.S. doing masterclasses to the nation and Xtreme Hip Hop with Phil became an official movement.
Along his fitness journey, Phil discovered his passion is helping others reach their health and wellness goals and that’s the love and dedication that he continues to share with the world through fitness and his Xtreme brand.
The Tyler's Bios
Jamie and Erana Tyler are a dynamic power couple whose multifaceted careers span business, entertainment, and community service. They are celebrated reality TV stars on the highly popular Oprah Winfrey Network show Love & Marriage: DC, which ranks as the No. 2 show on the network. With their significant presence on national television and a substantial following on social media, Jamie and Erana have captivated audiences with their engaging personalities and stylish appearances. Married for 29 years, they continue to impress with their sophisticated sense of style and dedication to making a positive impact in their community and beyond. He and Erana have been married for 28 years and have three children: Brittany, Jamie IV, and Jayson.
Erana Tyler
Erana Tyler is a celebrated television actress and a successful entrepreneur. As the CEO of J&E Consultants, she has revolutionized credit repair with private assessments, expert negotiations, and strict adherence to consumer credit laws. At J&E Builders, she leads a prominent real estate investment firm specializing in fix-and-flip projects and wholesale transactions. Her fashion venture, Ivision Boutique, offers a wide range of women’s apparel, from everyday wear to evening glamour. Erana also hosts monthly Luxury Shopping Events to spotlight small business owners.
Erana’s acting credits include notable roles in television dramas such as Double Cross (WETV, ALLBLK) and Trophy Wife (BET, Lifetime). She currently engages viewers as a cast member on the OWN Network’s reality series Love and Marriage: DC.
Jamie Tyler
Jamie Tyler, a reality star on Love & Marriage: DC, complements Erana’s success with his career as a public figure and event coordinator. Co-founding J&J Entertainment Group LLC in 2009, Jamie has established the company as a leading organizer of high-profile social events in the Washington, DC area. In 2024, he launched The Jamie Tyler Foundation to raise awareness and support for mental health issues. The foundation offers resources, support groups, educational events, and clinical training to address mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety.
Jamie’s distinguished career includes a 25-year tenure as a Detective Grade 2 with the Metropolitan Police Department, retiring in 2022.
Javant Benton Bio
Javant Benton is a content creator, self-taught cook, and healthy lifestyle advocate whose journey began over 15 years ago. Faced with personal health challenges, he discovered the transformative power of nutrition and reclaimed his health. After years of self-study and research, he now inspires and empowers a thriving community of over 1 million followers on his social media platforms by sharing health insights and flavorful recipes that help others on their own health journeys. Earlier this year, he expanded his impact by launching the Healthy Vegan Lifestyle App—a comprehensive tool that supports people by implementing what he calls “the four pillars of health”: nutritious diet, regular exercise, healthy sleep habits, and a positive mindset. You can find him on YouTube and Instagram as @healthyvegeaneating
- 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Celebrity Meet & Greet
First come first served Celebrity meet, greet and photo op with celebrity guests.
- 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
- Charmaine Brown
Mood & Meals: How Nutrition Affects Mental Health
This workshop introduces the growing field of nutritional psychiatry, helping participants understand how what they eat can directly affect their mood, anxiety, focus, and stress levels. The session breaks down the roles of omega-3s, B vitamins, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory foods, with sample meal ideas and accessible tips.
Charmaine Bio
Charmaine Browne is a Public Health Nutritionist, Research Scientist and Online Wellness Influencer sharing healthy juices, smoothies, and health & wellness content to educate her online community of 400,000 people on nutrition and healthy food choices to prevent disease. Charmaine received her masters degree in Global Public Health Nutrition from the University of Westminster in London, UK where she lived for 4 years. She has also lived in Paris, France where she studied French language and the US Virgin Islands. She is a native New Yorker of Black British and Jamaican descent currently residing in Queens, NY and loves to create content, host events, travel, cook, read, visit exhibitions, and try new restaurants in the city.
- 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Food, Faith & Feelings – A Holistic Approach to Wellness
This session explores how emotional, spiritual, and nutritional wellness intertwine by discussing how faith, cultural identity, and community support healing, and how food can be a source of connection and restoration.
James Tate
James Tate’s personal journey to lose and keep off weight resulted in him establishing Beyond W8 Loss Total Wellness Center LLC, a Christ-led Holistic wellness center focused on “Total Fat Loss” (Mental, Spiritual, Emotional, Physical) and improving overall health. He uses his experience as a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Nutrition Therapist, Clinical Weight Loss Practitioner, and Sports & Exercise Nutritional Advisor to help people reach their wellness goals. Tate has also been certified as a health minister through Wesley Seminary and a congregational wellness advocate through Living Compass.
Growing up in Washington, D.C., Tate was always a big child, a big teenager and a big adult. Tate’s lowest high school weight was 275 pounds. In 2010, he weighed 415 pounds which forced him to begin his wellness journey. By January 2011, he had shed 200+ pounds naturally, without any surgery, shots, pills or fad diets.
Tate founded Wellthy Entertainment, a media company whose aim is to create content that helps children & their families to become Rich in Love, Rich in Health, Rich in Knowledge and most importantly, Rich in Christ. Tate has helped create multiple award winning children’s books. He has created a program called H.E.A.R.T which stand for Helping Everyone Achieve a Robust Transformation. He is also the creator of the Beyond W8 Loss YouTube channel where he hosts a weekly show called Lettuce Pray.
Tate is considered a Wellness Activist due to his work in creating legislation that impacts food systems. Tate was a key member in the creation, promotion and passing of The Healthy Kids Meal Bill of Prince George’s County Maryland which ensures that all children will have healthier options in fast food establishments.
James Tate is a dynamic public speaker and teacher. Tate created the Holy & Healthy Ministry which motivates, educates and encourages Christians around the world to live a holy & healthy life through nutrition education and The Word of God. He has helped church leaders across the country create wellness programs for their members and the communities that they serve. Tate is the Director of health & wellness support ministries at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden where John K. Jenkins Sr. is the Pastor.
Tate is a devoted husband and father of 3 children.
- 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
- Phil Weeden
Xtreme Hip Hop Step w/ Phil Weeden
This energizing session blends basic cardio, stretching, and bodyweight strength movements to get hearts pumping and bodies moving. Designed for all fitness levels, modifications are available. The focus is on building energy, confidence, and motivation to move regularly.
Phil Bio
Phil was raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up playing sports and was a natural athlete, but he chose a different path.
He stumbled onto his love of fitness by accident when he started his own fitness journey to transform his own body and to combat his depression. Phil became a certified personal trainer in 2008 at Cater 2 U Fitness Center and later entered the world of bodybuilding in 2009-2011.
Phil’s love for fitness continued to grow, as well as his trials and tribulations.
In March 2013, Phil stepped out on faith and opened his own gym, Naturally Gifted Fitness Center located in Cleveland Heights, OH. This is where the idea for Xtreme Hip Hop was born. Members of the gym wanted a step class, but he couldn’t keep a step instructor. Phil decided to embark on the journey of teaching the step class himself, but his first order of business was to find music that motivated him to move, and that’s exactly what he did.
Phil’s step class was a hit. As word traveled and popularity for the class grew, Phil received numerous requests to bring his class everywhere. In 2014 Phil began traveling the U.S. doing masterclasses to the nation and Xtreme Hip Hop with Phil became an official movement.
Along his fitness journey, Phil discovered his passion is helping others reach their health and wellness goals and that’s the love and dedication that he continues to share with the world through fitness and his Xtreme brand.
- 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM
Nourish & Network
Take a break to refuel with a delicious lunch and make the most of your time by exploring our curated vendor booths. It’s the perfect moment to recharge, connect, and discover products and services that support your wellness journey.
- 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
- Kimani Anku | Alexis Daniel
Lunch & Learn: Farm to Table - The Role We Play in Agriculture
This panel explores the powerful concept of food as medicine, focusing on how we can heal our bodies through intentional eating, greater awareness of what’s in our food, and reconnecting with food at its source. We’ll discuss practical steps for reading food labels, understanding ingredient sourcing, and making more informed food choices. Panelists will also highlight the importance of growing your own food—even in small spaces—and the broader impact of supporting small-hold Black farmers.
Kimani Anku Bio
KIMANI Anku is a proud DMV native who discovered his passion for gardening and growing his own food over a decade ago through unconventional paths. After navigating seasons of transformation, he emerged stronger—turning that passion into Gardening and Beats, a thriving garden coaching service that empowers others to grow their own food.
When he’s not coaching, you’ll find him leading youth programs, tackling food insecurity across Prince George’s County and DC area, or working on his farm in Maryland. Now, he’s leveling up with an educational hub focused on teaching sustainable agriculture fusing it with art and music and feeding the community. For Kimani, food isn’t just nourishment—it’s medicine, healing, and liberation. IG: @gardeningandbeats | gardeningandbeats.com
Alexis Daniel Bio
Alexis “Lex” Daniel is a passionate home gardener, educator, and content creator with over a decade of experience in container and small-space gardening. Since transforming her property into a thriving food garden in 2019, Lex has cultivated everything from nutrient-dense vegetables to fragrant herbs using a variety of methods, including in-ground gardening, raised beds, no-dig and more. Her journey is rooted in the belief that gardening builds not only food security but also joy, resilience, and community. She uses her harvests to cook and store healthy, seasonal meals and to create medicinal teas and tinctures that support wellness naturally. Through her platform Lex in the Garden, she shares practical tips, seasonal inspiration, and personal lessons to empower others to grow their own food—no matter their space or skill level.
Serenity Rain Bio
Serenity Rain is a licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist and Mom of three with experience in empowering individuals, couples and families to overcome challenges, improve their mental health, and achieve greater holistic well-being. She is a native Washingtonian with a Masters in Social Work from Howard University. In her private practice, she incorporates the mind-gut connection and the healing power of nature, where she helps people cultivate self-care by reconnecting with the earth and the food we eat. As a mental health and nutrition clinical specialist, she champions the idea of food as medicine, believing that nourishing our bodies directly impacts our mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall vitality. She believes that understanding what’s in our food, where our food comes from and embracing mindful eating can be a transformative step towards healing.
James Tate Bio
James Tate’s personal journey to lose and keep off weight resulted in him establishing Beyond W8 Loss Total Wellness Center LLC, a Christ-led Holistic wellness center focused on “Total Fat Loss” (Mental, Spiritual, Emotional, Physical) and improving overall health. He uses his experience as a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Nutrition Therapist, Clinical Weight Loss Practitioner, and Sports & Exercise Nutritional Advisor to help people reach their wellness goals. Tate has also been certified as a health minister through Wesley Seminary and a congregational wellness advocate through Living Compass.
Growing up in Washington, D.C., Tate was always a big child, a big teenager and a big adult. Tate’s lowest high school weight was 275 pounds. In 2010, he weighed 415 pounds which forced him to begin his wellness journey. By January 2011, he had shed 200+ pounds naturally, without any surgery, shots, pills or fad diets.
Tate founded Wellthy Entertainment, a media company whose aim is to create content that helps children & their families to become Rich in Love, Rich in Health, Rich in Knowledge and most importantly, Rich in Christ. Tate has helped create multiple award winning children’s books. He has created a program called H.E.A.R.T which stand for Helping Everyone Achieve a Robust Transformation. He is also the creator of the Beyond W8 Loss YouTube channel where he hosts a weekly show called Lettuce Pray.
Tate is considered a Wellness Activist due to his work in creating legislation that impacts food systems. Tate was a key member in the creation, promotion and passing of The Healthy Kids Meal Bill of Prince George’s County Maryland which ensures that all children will have healthier options in fast food establishments.
James Tate is a dynamic public speaker and teacher. Tate created the Holy & Healthy Ministry which motivates, educates and encourages Christians around the world to live a holy & healthy life through nutrition education and The Word of God. He has helped church leaders across the country create wellness programs for their members and the communities that they serve. Tate is the Director of health & wellness support ministries at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden where John K. Jenkins Sr. is the Pastor.
Tate is a devoted husband and father of 3 children.
- 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
- Harold Leffall
Anti-Inflammatory Eating for Everyone
Inflammation is at the root of many health problems—from chronic pain to depression. This session demystifies what inflammation is and how participants can use whole, affordable foods (like berries, leafy greens, and spices) to fight it. Includes a live spice-blending demonstration.
Harold Bio
Harold Leffall aka “The Juice Guy” is a father, cancer survivor, healthy lifestyle influencer and entrepreneur with over 2 million social media followers. He became known as the “Viral Juicer” after Kourtney Kardashian shared one of his videos on her Instagram page. He has been featured on the News Rising Show, Good Day Charlotte, Good Morning Chattanooga, Positively Charlotte, Black Enterprise, Best Self Atlanta and Entrepreneur magazines and authored seven books: Brother CEO, Living from Within, I AM ENOUGH, Juicing 101, Juicing for Health, Eating to Live and Get Ya Salad On. He is also the Founder/CEO of Good Living Now, a health supplement company based in Charlotte, NC and the host of The Good Living Now Podcast.
- 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
- S. Alise Moore
Breaking the Burnout Cycle: Mental Health & Nutrition Support
Designed for caregivers, busy parents, and professionals, this workshop addresses how nutrition and self-care can help manage stress, reduce burnout, and regulate emotions. Topics include stress-eating, emotional triggers, and healthy food swaps for energy and calm.
S. Alise Bio
S. Alise Moore is a licensed therapist and recording artist. She received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Howard University, and embarked on a dual career path in mental health and music. Growing up in a ministry family she navigated the intersection of faith, music and personal growth. Beyond the counseling arena, Alise finds solace in artistic expression, touring alongside Grammy award-winning artists and creating music of her own. Her journey is marked by a commitment to serve the local and global church, leaders and creatives fueled by a burning passion to bridge the gap between the spiritual and the psychological.
- 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
- Ashley Darby
Zen Vibes: Yoga for Mind-Body Harmony
This gentle, all-levels yoga session focuses on stretching, breathwork, and mindfulness to release tension and reconnect participants with their bodies. Led by a certified instructor with experience in trauma-informed yoga, the session is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and deeply restorative.
Ashley Bio
Ashley Darby is a vibrant television personality, entrepreneur, and former beauty queen best known for her role on The Real Housewives of Potomac. A former Miss District of Columbia and competed in the Miss America pageant the following year, Ashley is also a certified yoga instructor and wellness advocate. She has dabbled in music, releasing tracks like “Coffee and Love” and more recently performing her single “Healing and Thriving” at wellness events like GnA Fusion. In 2025, she expanded her reality résumé by starring in Love Hotel, a Bravo dating show, where she navigates love in a new phase of life. Today, Ashley continues to evolve—balancing motherhood with creative ventures in music, wellness, and television—while remaining a dynamic voice in the Bravo universe.
- 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
The Gut-Brain Connection: How Digestive Health Affects Mood & More
Learn how gut health impacts everything from mood and immunity to digestion and brain clarity. Topics include prebiotics, probiotics, and how to recognize signs of imbalance.
Javant Benton
Javant Benton is a content creator, self-taught cook, and healthy lifestyle advocate whose journey began over 15 years ago. Faced with personal health challenges, he discovered the transformative power of nutrition and reclaimed his health. After years of self-study and research, he now inspires and empowers a thriving community of over 1 million followers on his social media platforms by sharing health insights and flavorful recipes that help others on their own health journeys. Earlier this year, he expanded his impact by launching the Healthy Vegan Lifestyle App—a comprehensive tool that supports people by implementing what he calls “the four pillars of health”: nutritious diet, regular exercise, healthy sleep habits, and a positive mindset. You can find him on YouTube and Instagram as @healthyvegeaneating
- 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
- Coach Lou/Lourdine Jean Franćois
Empowered Healing: Holistic Practices for Stress, Trauma, and Wellness
Demonstrate breathwork, gentle movement, and sound healing to release stress and promote healing within daily life to support the gut-brain connection including breathwork techniques for reducing stress and gentle movement and sound healing practices.
Coach Lou Bio
Ms. Lourdine Jean Franćois, LCPC, is a Licensed Holistic Therapist, transformative healer, and guide who harnesses the power of holistic practices to nurture the inner strength of women and guide them toward their power. With over 15 years of dedicated experience, she’s inspired and supported hundreds of women in unlocking their innate potential and navigating life’s journey with grace and authenticity.
Originally hailing from the vibrant streets of Jersey City, NJ, Ms. Jean-Franćois proudly embraces her roots as a firstgeneration Haitian-American. For the past 24 years, Maryland has been her home, where she has cultivated her practice and touched countless lives with her wisdom.
Trained in psychology, Ms. Jean-Franćois earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Morgan State University in 2005 and her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Frostburg State University in 2008. As the visionary CEO and founder of FLOW With Coach Lou, she has birthed the POWA Circle, a sacred space for women to reclaim their authentic power and embrace abundance. Her signature, Flow Method | Embody Your Power and Create the Joyful Life You Deserve, was birthed from her commitment to empowering women from all walks of life. Additionally, she is the co-founder and co-owner of Better Days Counseling, LLC, a sanctuary for mental health and healing in Greenbelt, MD.
For Ms. Jean-Franćois, empowering women is not merely a profession but a sacred calling, a divine inspiration to uplift and elevate. Her holistic therapy and coaching practice integrates mental, emotional, energetic, and spiritual principles and practices, honoring ancient wisdom and indigenous traditions.
In a world that often challenges women’s strength and resilience, Ms. Lourdine Jean Franćois is a beacon of hope and empowerment. Her unwavering dedication to fostering personal growth and self-discovery illuminates the path for those seeking to embrace their true selves. Through her holistic approach, she creates not only a space for healing but also a community where women can connect, share their journeys, and celebrate their victories together. As she continues to inspire and transform lives, Ms. Jean-Franćois remains committed to her mission: to nurture the powerful, joyful lives every woman deserves, ensuring that they feel seen, valued, and empowered on their unique journeys.
- 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Forever Flat: Core-Sculpting Workouts for Every Age & Stage
Think it’s too late to get a flat stomach? Think again. Forever Flat is a high-energy, results-driven fitness workshop designed to help you flatten and tone your midsection—no matter your age or fitness level. This engaging session blends smart core training, full-body fat-burning moves, and posture-enhancing techniques that work together to reveal a stronger, leaner midsection. Whether you’re 25 or 65, this workshop teaches you how to train smarter, not harder.
Kendra Blacket-Dibinga
Kendra Blackett-Dibinga is a wellness entrepreneur, yoga educator, and creator of FLEX’T and DRIP’T—signature movement systems that blend strength, mobility, and recovery. She is the founder of BikramYogaWorks | DRIP’T Studios, a multi-location wellness brand rooted in community care and innovation. A former track athlete turned healer, Kendra transformed her own recovery journey into a mission to make wellness accessible, culturally relevant, and powerful. She leads retreats, trainings, and wellness programs that help people reclaim their bodies and reset their lives.
Special Thanks
To Our Sponsor
Ticket Pricing
$50
General Admission w/o Lunch
$85
General Admission w/ Lunch
Why You Should Attend
The 6th Annual Kickstart Health & Wellness Expo isn’t just an event—it’s a full-body experience.
From high-energy workouts and expert-led workshops, lunch, and powerful networking opportunities, this is your one-stop shop for mind, body, and soul transformation. Come hungry for knowledge, community, and inspiration—leave full of power, purpose, and wellness tools to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kickstart?
The Bringing Good Health Foundation’s Kickstart Event is a transformative gathering aimed at empowering and promoting holistic health among women. This event will feature insightful discussions, workshops, and activities tailored to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
When and where is the event?
The event is on September 6, 2025 from 9 AM to 5 PM at the Capital Turnaround, 770 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003.
How can I get to the venue via metro?
The nearest metro stations to Capital Turnaround are:
- Navy Yard-Ballpark Station (Green Line) – Approximately a 15-minute walk from the venue.
- Eastern Market Station (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines) – Approximately a 20-minute walk from the venue.
Are there any nearby hotels for accommodation?
Yes, there are several hotels nearby including the Courtyard Washington, Capitol Hill/Navy Yard.
Is parking available near the venue?
Limited street parking may be available in the vicinity of Capital Turnaround. There are parking garages in the area as well.
Will lunch be provided during the event?
Yes, lunch will be provided for all attendees with General Admission tickets. Dietary preferences and restrictions will be accommodated to the best of our ability. Please inform us in advance if you have any specific dietary requirements. Lunch is NOT included with limited admission tickets.
Is the event accessible for individuals with disabilities?
Yes, the venue is accessible for individuals with disabilities. If you require any specific accommodations, please contact us in advance, and we will ensure your needs are met.
Can I bring my children to the event?
While we appreciate family participation, this event is specifically designed for adult attendees. Childcare services will not be provided onsite.
Will there be networking opportunities at the event?
Yes, there will be designated networking sessions and opportunities for attendees to connect with each other throughout the day.
How can I get more information?
For any further inquiries or assistance, please visit Capital Turnaround’s website or contact kickstart@bghf.org. We look forward to welcoming you to the Bringing Good Health Foundation’s Kickstart Event!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kickstart?
The Bringing Good Health Foundation’s Kickstart Event is a transformative gathering aimed at empowering and promoting holistic health among Black women. This event will feature insightful discussions, workshops, and activities tailored to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
When and where is the event?
The event is on September 6, 2025 from 9 AM to 5 PM at the Capital Turnaround, 770 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003.
How can I get to the venue via metro?
The nearest metro stations to Capital Turnaround are:
- Navy Yard-Ballpark Station (Green Line) – Approximately a 15-minute walk from the venue.
- Eastern Market Station (Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines) – Approximately a 20-minute walk from the venue.
Are there any nearby hotels for accommodation?
Yes, there are several hotels nearby including the Courtyard Washington, Capitol Hill/Navy Yard.
Is parking available near the venue?
Limited street parking may be available in the vicinity of Capital Turnaround. Parking is available right across from the venue on M Street, between 6th and 7th, for $20
Will lunch be provided during the event?
Yes, lunch will be provided for all attendees with General Admission tickets. Dietary preferences and restrictions will be accommodated to the best of our ability. Please inform us in advance if you have any specific dietary requirements. Lunch is NOT included with limited admission tickets.
Is the event accessible for individuals with disabilities?
Yes, the venue is accessible for individuals with disabilities. If you require any specific accommodations, please contact us in advance, and we will ensure your needs are met.
Can I bring my children to the event?
While we appreciate family participation, this event is specifically designed for adult attendees. Childcare services will not be provided onsite.
Will there be networking opportunities at the event?
Yes, there will be designated networking sessions and opportunities for attendees to connect with each other throughout the day.
How can I get more information?
For any further inquiries or assistance, please visit Capital Turnaround’s website or contact kickstart@bghf.org. We look forward to welcoming you to the Bringing Good Health Foundation’s Kickstart Event!
CONTACT US
Interested in attending, sponsoring, or vending at the Kickstart Health & Wellness Expo? Contact us today for more info—we’d love to connect and help you get involved! Send us an email to kickstart@bghf.org.