BLACK
WOMEN’S
HEALTH
FORUM
2026
Tuesday, June 23
9am-3pm
MARRIOTT CITY CENTER
OAKLAND, CA
TICKETS
Early Bird: $25*
Pre-Event: $40
Day of Event: $60
*Must be purchased by April 15.
BUY TICKETS TODAY
The State of Black Women’s Health
Black women’s health is in crisis. Structural racism, economic inequity, and gaps in healthcare put Black women at higher risk for chronic illness, poor maternal outcomes, and shorter life expectancy.
25%
Of Black women in California report their health as “fair” or “poor.”
20%
Live in poverty, face housing insecurity, or struggle with food insufficiency.
10%
Say they experience “severe” mental distress.
Changing the Narrative
BWHF does more than build awareness; this event is about connection, healing, and action.
The forum brings Black women together with trusted voices to share knowledge, build community, and develop the tools needed to navigate and challenge inequities in healthcare.
In doing so, it strengthens both individual well-being and collective power.
What to Expect at BWHF 2026
Powerful Conversations on Health & Economic Reality
Explore how financial stress, caregiving, and systemic inequities shape health outcomes for Black women.
Expert Voices & Lived Experiences
Hear from economists, healthcare providers, advocates, and Black women navigating these challenges in real time.
Practical Resources & Real Support
Walk away with tools, connections, and information to support your health, finances, and well-being.
Community & Connection
Build relationships, share experiences, and be in space with others who understand.
Featured topic
The Health Cost of Economic Crisis: When Black Women Can’t Afford to Be Well
Economic stress isn’t just financial; it’s a health issue. For Black women, the weight of caregiving, wage gaps, and systemic barriers creates a ripple effect that impacts physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
BWHF 2026 will create space to name those realities and move toward solutions, together.
more details coming soon
We’re actively confirming speakers and finalizing the full program.
Sign up for updates as we continue to build a powerful and relevant experience for 2026.
past speakers
MICHELLE BROWDER
Artist & Activist
2025
DEMISHA BURNS, PhD, MSW
Consultant & Community Advocate
2025
MICHELLE O. CLARK, MD, DLFPA
Medical Director, Justice Services Division, Felton Institute
2025
TANESHA DUNCAN, MSc
Founder & CEO, Orchid Capital Collective
2024
VANESSA GRUBBS, MD
Director of Adult Medicine, Baywell Health
2025
CHERYL GRILLS, PhD
Clinical Psychologist & Full Professor, Loyola Marymount University
2025
NADA O. HANAFI, MPH, MSc
Founder, MedTech Strategy Advisors
2024
KANIKA HARRIS, MD
Director of Maternal & Child Health, BWHI
2024
BRANDI HOWARD, MSW
President & CEO, East Bay Community Foundation
2024
DANTIA HUDSON, MPH
Program Director, Alameda County Health Coach Program
2024
STACEY HUNT, MD
President, Sinkler-Miller Medical Association
2024, 2025
LINDA JONES
Doula & Executive Director, Black Women Birthing Justice
2025
MARILYN JONES, EdD
Executive Director, Because Black is Still Beautiful
2025
MARLEE-I MYSTIC
Co-Executive Director, SisterWeb
2024
CRYSTAL PIRTLE TYLER, PhD, MPH
CEO, Illinois Public Health Institute
2024
MELANIE SHELBY
Founder & CEO, Enelama
2025
CANDACE THOMPSON, MD, MCS
Medical Director, Office of Cancer Health Equity, Stanford University
2024
NAILAH A. THOMPSON, DO
Primary Care Physician, Kaiser Permanente
2025
DEBORAH WAFER, RN, NP, PA
Executive Director, US Virology, Gilead Sciences
2025
DONNA WHITE CAREY, MD
Chief Medical Officer, Alameda Alliance for Health
2024, 2025
CARLA WICKS, MD
Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Kaiser Permanente
2025
AMANDA WILLIAMS, MD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer, March of Dimes
2024, 2025
NEFFERTICE JOY WILLIAMS
Founder, Beauty & Healing Inc
2025
JYESHA WREN, CNM
Founding Director & Midwife, Beloved Birth Black Centering
2025
GAIL WYATT, PhD
Endowed Chair in Psychiatry & Distinguished Professor, UCLA
2025
CARING FOR MYSELF IS NOT SELF-INDULGENCE,
IT IS SELF-PRESERVATION
-AUDRE LORDE
What People Say about BWHF
The speakers were exceptional. Every topic was on point with the important challenges Black women face.
Attendee
I will be at the next Black Women’s Health Forum with every friend, coworker, and family member I can get to join me!
Attendee
It did my heart good to attend such a beautiful event.
Attendee
What an incredible space for community, dialogue, and healing.
VP, Samuel Merritt University
It was a fantastic event! Even better than last year! The resource area, the panel speakers, and after party were all amazing!
2025 Speaker
Everything came together beautifully, culminating in a truly uplifting and transformative day.
2025 Speaker
2025 gallery
FAQs
As the Black Women’s Health Forum has grown, so has the level of investment required to create a meaningful experience.
Ticket revenue helps us sustain and improve the forum while continuing to center the needs and experiences of Black women. We remain committed to accessibility and are offering discounted early bird tickets to support broader participation.
Yes. We offer tiered pricing to make the event as accessible as possible:
- Early Bird (through April 15): $25
- Standard (through June 22): $40
- Day Of: $60
We encourage purchasing early to secure the lowest rate.
Your ticket includes:
- Full access to all sessions and programming
- Light breakfast and plated lunch
- Access to the resource fair
- Free access to after party
- Opportunities to connect with speakers, organizations, and other attendees
- Complimentary swag
No, all ticket sales are final and may not be transferred or refunded.
A limited number of tickets are reserved for those experiencing financial hardship.
If attending this event would be meaningful for you but cost is a concern, please contact us at events@jeweldconsulting.com. We review requests on a case-by-case basis.
This forum is centered on Black women across all ages and life stages. It is also open to:
- Healthcare providers
- Advocates and policymakers
- Community organizations
- Anyone committed to advancing health equity
We are currently finalizing speakers and program details.
Yes. Sessions will include opportunities for audience Q&A, and the event is designed to encourage participation, dialogue, and shared learning.
Tickets
EARLY BIRD: $25
PRE-EVENT: $40
DAY OF EVENT: $60
Early Bird tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
SPONSORS
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Black Women’s Health Forum is an event by Jeweld Consulting, a Black, woman-owned business from Oakland, CA.