MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2026 · 8AM – 4PM PDT
The California Endowment, 1000 Alameda St., Los Angeles CA
Black Women for Wellness Hosts 2nd Annual Beauty Justice Conference
“Beyond the Beauty Aisle: From consumer choices to community change—justice begins with us”
Date & Time: April 20, 2026 | 8 am to 4 pm
Location: The California Endowment, 1000 Alameda St., Los Angeles CA
The 2nd Annual Beauty Justice Conference explores how beauty, health, and politics intersect in the lives of Black women and communities of color. Our theme acknowledges the harmful legacies written on our bodies through toxic products, unjust policies, and oppressive beauty standards, while envisioning a liberated future where beauty is defined on our own terms, rooted in health, culture, and justice.
Together, we gather to imagine, strategize, and create futures that are as radiant as they are just.
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Countdown to Conference
Apply to Be a Presenter
We invite beauty justice scientists, entrepreneurs, advocates, and artists, to apply to present at the 2026 Beauty Justice Conference. See a list of session descriptions and apply below.
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Our Beauty Justice conference is funded through sponsorship. By becoming a sponsor you directly impact our programs, workshops, and conference logistics, helping us provide safer beauty options, wellness resources, and educational programming to our participants.
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Agenda
8:00AM - 9:00AM Breakfast and Networking
Start the day off right with a delicious breakfast and some intentional connection. This hour is designed for attendees to meet one another, build relationships, and engage with panelists, professionals, and community members in the Beauty Justice space. We’ll have fun Beauty Justice conversation cards available to spark interesting and lighthearted discussions as we prepare to kick off the conference.
On the menu: Eggs, Vegan Bacon, and Cheese on an English muffin; Vegan Sausage, Vegan Mozzarella, and Tomato Basil Spread on an English muffin; coffee and tea.
9:00AM - 9:10AM Gathering Address
Join us as we officially open the 2nd Annual Beauty Justice Conference with a very special welcome from Janette Robinson-Flint, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Black Women for Wellness, and Arnedra Jordan, Director of Programs for Black Women for Wellness. Let’s start the day together in unity and purpose. We will share the vision behind this conference and reflect on why Beauty Justice is so important for Black women and girls.
9:10AM - 9:15AM Poetry Reading
Through poetry, we create space for reflection and healing, through on the lived experiences of Black women and girls. This poetic moment invites us ground ourselves in the deeper meaning of Beauty Justice.
9:15AM - 9:30AM Beauty Justice 101
This session introduces the core ideas of Beauty Justice and why they matter for Black women and girls. We’ll explore how unequal exposure to harmful ingredients, targeted beauty standards, and systemic gaps in product safety create unique risks for Black women, and what we can do about it. This session sets the stage and lays the groundwork for all the sessions to come.
Arnedra Jordan serves as the Director of Programs at Black Women for Wellness (BWW), where she oversees a wide range of initiatives dedicated to advancing health, wellness, and justice for Black women and girls. With over fifteen years of experience in community organizing, program development, and advocacy, she brings both vision and hands-on leadership to the role. Arnedra manages departments that include Beauty Justice, Breast Health/Keep in Touch, Food Justice, and the Reproductive Justice Conference, ensuring programs are impactful, collaborative, and responsive to community needs. Known for her ability to build strong partnerships, secure funding, and mentor emerging leaders, Arnedra also fills gaps across departments when additional oversight is needed, strengthening BWW’s overall organizational capacity.
9:30AM - 10:30AM Morning Keynote
Rethinking Protective Styles
This keynote shines a light on the often-overlooked chemicals found in synthetic braiding hair and why safer alternatives are essential for the health of Black women and girls. From scalp irritation to long-term exposure risks, we’ll break down what’s in the hair we use, how it affects our bodies, and what the latest research reveals. We will explore the cultural significance of braiding, the growing movement toward nontoxic hair options, and how stylists, brands, and consumers can lead change. This keynote invites attendees to rethink what “protective styling” truly means, closing the day with education, empowerment, and a vision for a healthier, safer future for our braiding traditions.
Dr. Cindy Cordoba is an Assistant Professor at Cal Poly Pomona and the founder of Moda Circular. She holds a PhD in Fiber Science from Cornell University and a PhD in Textile Science from Louisiana State University. Her research focuses on exploring plant-based alternatives for hair braiding and styling, specifically utilizing banana fiber waste to replace toxic synthetic materials. This work is part of a broader commitment to an environmentally conscious climate, which includes her 2026 project designing circular thermal protection systems for agricultural workers. Dr. Cordoba’s expertise bridges material innovation, social justice, and climate-resilient design, exploring the technologies of plant-based hair braiding as well as safer practices and entrepreneurship business.
Erin H. Maybin is a licensed Beauty Professional, Educator, and Subject Matter Expert operating at the intersection of beauty policy, clinical health, and education. As Co-founder of the Natural Hairstyle and Braid Coalition, Inc. (NHBC) and a member of the NYS Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee, she drives systemic industry reform. Beyond Policy, Erin is a vital voice in literature, co-author of Laid to the Side: Disrupting the Silence of Black Girls’ Hair Stories in Schools, and writer for The Tease online publication. Her leadership continues as a 2026/27 National Black Worker Center Fellow, where she champions labor equity and disrupts traditional narratives surrounding Black hair and identity.
Ingrid Banks is Associate Professor in the Department of Black Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is the author of Hair Matters: Beauty, Power, and Black Women’s Consciousness (New York University Press, 2000). Dr. Banks has published articles and book chapters in the following: Blackberries and Redbones: Critical Articulations of Black Hair/Body Politics in Africana Communities; Black Renaissance/Renaissance Noire; Feminist Frontiers (Eleventh Edition); Feminist Teacher; Journal of Women’s History; Journal of Family Theory & Review; and Textures: The History and Art of Black Hair. Her commentary has appeared in a number of media outlets, including The New York Times, New York Newsday, Air America, the BBC, The Guardian (London), The Root.com, CNN.com, and Black Agenda Report, to name a few. Dr. Banks is currently completing her forthcoming book, Protective Style, that examines contemporary Black beauty salon culture.
10:30AM- 10:45AM Snack Break
Recharge with a light morning snack. On the menu: Assorted granola bars, individual Greek yogurts, and whole fresh fruit.
10:45AM - 11:30AM Morning Community Breakout Session
Regulating Beauty: Policy Pathways to Protect Black Women and Girls
This workshop takes a big picture look at the political landscape shaping the Black beauty industry and the health of Black women and girls. While consumer choices matter, they are only one part of a much larger system. Together, we will explore the policies that currently exist to protect our communities from ingredient transparency measures to emerging regulations that hold manufacturers accountable, and identify the critical gaps that still leave Black women under-protected. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of beauty, justice, and politics at the local, state, and federal levels, including how environmental racism and regulatory failures intersect with our everyday beauty routines. We will highlight real policy wins, urgent advocacy needs, and the broader movement pushing for safer products, stronger oversight, and community-centered solutions.
Dr. Astrid Williams is a public health expert, educator, and advocate dedicated to advancing health and beauty equity. She partners with public and nonprofit organizations to lead initiatives that drive awareness and policy change. A proud Bruin, she earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her Master’s and Doctor of Public Health from Loma Linda University. Dr. Williams serves on the California Department of Public Health Black Health Equity Advisory Group, the Non-Toxic Black Beauty Project Advisory Committee, and as Co-Chair of the National Beauty Justice Coalition, advancing safer beauty products and environmental justice.
Jayla Burton, MPH, MS (She/Her), is the Director of Programs at Weaving Voices for Health & JusAce, where she leads policy and advocacy iniAaAves to reduce environmental health disparities and advance equity for marginalized communities. She holds dual master’s degrees in Public Health and Science from the University of San Francisco and a bachelor’s degree in Health Science from the University of Cincinnati. An experienced organizer, Jayla specializes in advocacy strategy, community-based research, and corporate accountability. Her work spans environmental and reproductive justice, cancer equity, harm reduction, and substance use recovery, driven by a commitment to systems change and health equity.
Kyara Ofuani is a nonprofit attorney, legal consultant, and author whose work advances beauty justice at the intersection of wellness, environmental justice, faith, and community advocacy. She is the co-founder of Freedom of Faith Food Bank and the Freedom Together Coalition, initiatives dedicated to addressing food insecurity, health inequities, and systemic barriers impacting Black women and families. Through her legal practice, nonprofit leadership, and public speaking, Kyara promotes holistic justice grounded in dignity, sustainability, and liberation—centering beauty as both a human right and a vehicle for collective healing.
Cheri Peele joined Toxic-Free Future in 2022 to play a leadership role in both the Retailer Report Card and public policy advocacy. She has worked for over 25 years to create and implement leadership strategies for the transition to safer chemicals. Most recently, she served as program manager for the Chemical Footprint Project at Clean Production Action. She also led the development of the PBDE Chemical Action Plan for Washington state and comprehensive plans to address mercury in both Washington and Massachusetts. Cheri received her MCP with an emphasis on environmental policy from MIT and her BS in Urban Studies from Cornell University. She lives in Seattle with her husband and dog and spends her time outside work boating, hiking, and working on their 100-year-old house.
10:45AM - 11:30AM Morning Stylist/Entrepreneur Session
The Safe Salon Revolution: Marketing & Innovation for Modern Beauty Entrepreneurs
Meaningful progress in Beauty Justice can begin in the everyday spaces where beauty work happens at the chair, in the salon, or at home. This interactive workshop is designed for hairstylists, beauty entrepreneurs, and influencers who want to strengthen their businesses while protecting their own health and their clients’ well-being. The session will explore core strategies for building safer work environments, selecting healthier products, and reducing everyday toxic exposure. It will also offer guidance on sustaining your business during difficult periods, adapting when clientele shifts, and maintaining stability without compromising your values or wellness. Participants will gain practical tools to support long-term success, resilience, and community-centered beauty practices.
Dr. Kirnon brings over 30 years of operational experience in the biomedical and medical device industries. He currently serves as a faculty member and Program Chair for Pepperdine University’s Social Entrepreneurship Program. Throughout his career, Dr. Kirnon has founded and led multiple healthcare companies, including Pepgen Corporation, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis; Yamanouchi Pharma Technologies, Inc. (now Astellas), which developed and commercialized drug delivery technologies to enhance medications; and Cygnus, Inc., focused on transdermal skin patches, women’s health solutions, and business development.
Additionally, he has held leadership roles in sales, marketing, and business development at Allergan’s Dermatology Division and SmithKline Beecham (now GSK). Dr. Kirnon serves on several industry and academic boards, contributing his expertise to the advancement of both healthcare and education. He holds an AB in Biochemistry from Harvard University, an MBA from Pepperdine University, and a doctorate in organizational change and transformational leadership from Pepperdine University. A strong advocate for integrating social entrepreneurship into for-profit business models, Dr. Kirnon is deeply committed to expanding access to education and healthcare for all.
Sabrina Robinson is a licensed cosmetologist, PsychoHairapy practitioner, and founder of the Root for Yourself initiative. With over 12 years behind the chair, her work centers on reframing haircare as a lifestyle practice rooted in health, identity, and self-worth. Trained in Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka’s Hairapy methodology, Sabrina supports beauty professionals and clients in creating safer, more sustainable practices—physically, emotionally, and economically. Through workshops, tools like the Hairapy Handbook, and community outreach, she helps beauty workers build resilient businesses without sacrificing wellness, values, or care for themselves and their communities.
Yvana T. is a Licensed Esthetician, Holistic Nutritionist, and Holistic Health Practitioner with over seven years of experience in skincare and studio leadership. Her work bridges integrative wellness and esthetics, with a focus on ingredient literacy and reducing cumulative toxic load. She is passionate about educating within the lives of women of color, and promoting practical, low-tox lifestyles that support skin integrity and long-term health. In her free time, Yvana can usually be found making a floral arrangement. She is committed to advancing safer, more sustainable practices within the beauty industry.
10:45AM - 11:30AM Before the Product: Beauty, Identity and the Stories We Were Sold
Before the Product: Beauty, Identity and the Stories We Were Sold
This session is for every woman who has ever stood in the beauty aisle and felt something she couldn’t quite name. We are going to talk about the stories that shaped our relationship with our hair, our skin, and our reflection long before we ever picked up a product. Because beauty justice is not just about what is in the bottle. It starts with understanding who told us what beautiful was supposed to look like and why we believed them. Through storytelling, real talk, and a few moments that will make you think and feel, we will trace the line from cultural messaging to consumer harm and talk about what it looks like to finally write your own narrative. This is not a lecture. This is a conversation and everybody in the room has something to bring to it. Participants will leave with a clearer sense of how identity shapes beauty choices, why that matters for their health and their power, and one new sentence about who they are deciding to be.
11:45AM- 12:00PM Youth Session
From Toothpaste to Truth: What’s Really in Our Beauty Aisle
Our Black beauty goes beyond our melanin rich skin and kinky, curly coifs–our smiles matter too! This brief presentation will uncover hidden toxins in everyday oral care products like toothpaste and mouth rinse, and, through a beauty justice lens, share simple, practical tips Black women can take to protect their health and the well-being of their families.
Ms. Gist serves as the Program Analyst at Black Women for Wellness, where she plays a key role in developing and executing comprehensive program analysis reports that support improved curricula, effective program management, and adherence to grant deliverables. With a deep commitment to reproductive justice, she also co-chairs BWW’s annual Reproductive Justice Conference–a yearly convening that brings together community members, educators, advocates, health professionals and doulas to discuss the state of reproductive rights, reproductive health, reproductive justice and the overall well being of Black women and girls.
With over 20 years of dedicated service to BWW, Ms. Gist brings a wealth of knowledge and a passionate commitment to advocating for the well-being of Black women and girls. An experienced public health educator and advocate, Ms. Gist has presented on a wide range of topics including reproductive health and chronic diseases. She is also the creator of numerous public health trainings, health education materials and resources that prioritize health literacy and inclusivity, ensuring that information is easily understood, accessible and empowering for diverse communities. Ms. Gist graduated from California State University, Long Beach, with a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Community Health.
12PM - 1:00PM Lunch
Take a pause in the day to relax, recharge, and connect with fellow attendees—this lunch break is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to continue conversations, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships in the Black beauty justice community.
On the menu: Miso Glazed Salmon with Carrot Ginger Purée, Za’atar Eggplant, Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Assorted Seasonal Sliced Fruit, and Brownies and Blondies.
1:00PM- 1:15PM Movement Break
Take a moment to reset your body and mind through guided movement with facilitator Nina Cross. This session is designed to help you release tension, restore energy, and reconnect with yourself so you can stay present and engaged for the remainder of the day.
1:15PM - 1:30PM Skin Lightening Presentation
Skin Lightening Presentation
Skin lightening is more than a beauty trend—it is deeply rooted in history, culture, and systemic inequities. This session will unpack the harmful ingredients found in many skin lightening products, their impact on health, and the importance of embracing and protecting melanin-rich skin.
Tiffany’s passion for environmental justice and community care led her to volunteer with BWW, later growing into a leadership role as a Beauty Justice organizer. A graduate of the University of San Francisco, Tiffany studied Sociology, Environmental Studies, and African American Studies, exploring the intersections among these fields. At Black Women for Wellness, Tiffany has assisted in developing the skin-lightening curriculum and educational workshops, and has implemented BWW’s first Beauty Justice Ambassador cohort, designed to educate and empower melanated communities about the cultural, historical, and structural dimensions of skin-lightening practices. She also leads BWW’s monthly Keep In Touch meetings, dedicated to inspiring Black women to embrace and prioritize the health of their breasts by addressing the inequities in breast health and breast cancer treatments. In her free time, Tiffany enjoys riding public transportation around Los Angeles, being outdoors, and bartending on the weekends.
1:30PM - 2:15PM Afternoon Keynote
Justice Begins in the Beauty Aisle: Connecting Product Safety to Reproductive Health for Black Women
Black women experience disproportionately high rates of uterine fibroids, keloids, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), conditions rooted in chronic inflammation, fibrotic remodeling, and hormonal and immune dysregulation. These conditions are frequently overlooked within both medical research and beauty product safety conversations, despite their profound connections to long-term reproductive, dermatologic, and psychosocial health. This interdisciplinary panel examines how chronic exposure to hormonally active and inflammatory compounds in beauty and personal care products may contribute to these conditions. We explore agri-derived bioactive compounds as safer, biologically informed alternatives that target inflammatory and fibrotic pathways while reducing cumulative toxic burden.
Dr. Kimberly Madison, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, WCC. Dr. Madison is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, dermatology nursing educator, researcher, and founder of Mahogany Dermatology Nursing | Education | ResearchTM and the Alliance of Cosmetic Nurse PractitionersTM. She specializes in skin of color dermatology, nursing research, and advanced practice nursing entrepreneurship. Her work applies the 9 Pillars of Advanced Practice Nursing framework, including policy, media, and business, to reproductive justice advocacy. Dr. Madison serves on multiple editorial and advisory boards and is committed to elevating nurses’ leadership in healthcare policy, reproductive justice, and community-based research.
Thérèse Wilson-Rawlins, Graduate Student. Thérèse is a scientist at Jax Lab Naturals specializing in molecular mechanisms of fibrotic diseases. Her research examines shared inflammatory pathways between uterine fibroids, keloids, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), with a focus on environmental exposures from beauty and personal care products. Through her company she investigates agri-derived bioactive compounds as safer, biologically informed alternatives to conventional cosmetic ingredients. Thérèse is committed to centering Black women’s health in both research design and product safety advocacy, bridging chemistry, reproductive biology, and environmental exposure science.
2:15PM- 2:30PM Snack Break
Enjoy a break and a light snack of guacamole, salsa, and tortilla chips as we prepare for the final few sessions of the day.
2:30PM - 3:15PM Afternoon Community Session
Beauty, Plastics & Breast Cancer: When Beauty Justice Becomes Environmental Justice
Plastics are everywhere in our water, our bodies, the environment, and even in our beauty products. Research shows that plastic exposure is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, making this an urgent issue for Black women and communities of color. Black women are being diagnosed younger, at later stages, and with more aggressive forms of breast cancer than other groups. This panel will explore the intersection of beauty products, plastics, and breast cancer, highlighting how everyday products and environmental exposures contribute to disproportionate health risks for Black women. We will also discuss the environmental and policy changes needed to protect both our bodies and our planet.
Diamond Spratling, MPH, is an award-winning environmental health and clean beauty justice advocate, children’s book author, and global public speaker. She is the founder and executive director of Girl Plus Environment, a national nonprofit that has raised over $800,000 to ensure Black and Brown femmes lead environmental and health justice solutions. Diamond created The Mane Issue, a national clean beauty justice campaign that has reached more than 40,000 women by exposing endocrine-disrupting chemicals in haircare products and training hairdressers as trusted clean beauty advocates. A Detroit native and two-time TEDx speaker, her work has been featured in Black Enterprise, Essence, AfroTech, and beyond.
DeBorrah D. Carter started Sassy Survivor Breast Health Alliance to provide education and awareness of Breast Health and Breast Cancer to African American Men and Women. DeBorrah, a 25-year breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed in February 2001 with Stage 2+, estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Placing God first, as The Navigator of her care and through the loving support of family and friends, she emerged with the mission of “Making Awareness A Priority,” the trademark for the non-profit organization known as Sassy Survivor.
After her diagnosis and treatment, she recognized critical information was needed to provide Black men and women with tools to decrease risks associated with breast cancer. Therefore, she decided to fight, advocate and educate through speaking engagements and her website, www.SassySurvivor.com, as well as through public workshops and seminars. A published author of articles related to Breast Cancer, she has received many awards and belongs to numerous organizations contributing to her work in the Breast Cancer space.
Jenifer K. Metz, MPH is a dedicated public health professional with over 20 years of experience in research and evaluation, health education and training, and technical assistance for community-based organizations, schools, hospitals, clinics, and businesses in the United States and internationally. She is also a proud mother, wife, sister, and daughter.
Driven by persistent and often widening health disparities in underserved communities, Jenifer is committed to expanding access to information and resources that support the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Her work emphasizes evidence-based strategies that advance health equity and reduce disparities by addressing social, economic, and racial inequities and discrimination.
Through her work with Every Woman Counts, Jenifer focuses on reducing breast and cervical cancer disparities in underserved populations by promoting education, strengthening community capacity, and fostering meaningful partnerships. She also serves on several cancer-related advisory committees.
A native of Tucson, Arizona, Jenifer earned her Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College and her Master of Public Health from the University of Arizona.
Lindsey S. Treviño, Ph.D. is an assistant professor in the Division of Health Equities and Department of Population Sciences. Dr. Treviño graduated magna cum laude from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and received her doctorate in reproductive physiology from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Her dissertation research focused on the role of steroid hormone receptor signaling in the development and/or progression of ovarian cancer in the hen (the only spontaneous animal model of the disease) and was supported by an F31 Predoctoral Fellowship from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Treviño continued her postgraduate training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where she investigated the regulation of progesterone receptor activity by cell signaling pathways in breast cancer cells, with support from an F32 Postdoctoral Fellowship from NIGMS. She received additional postdoctoral training at the Institute of Biosciences and Technology of Texas A&M University, where she examined the molecular basis of how developmental exposure to the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) reprograms the liver epigenome to alter liver metabolism in adulthood in a rat model. She continued this line of research as an instructor at Baylor College of Medicine before joining City of Hope.
Dr. Treviño has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including selection as a Future Leaders Advancing Research in Endocrinology fellow, a Keystone Symposia fellow, a National Institutes of Health future research leader, and as a recipient of the Young Investigator Award sponsored by the Women in Endocrinology. She previously served on the Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and currently serves on the Research Affairs Core Committee and the Governance Task Force of the Endocrine Society.
Dr. Treviño’s research is focused on understanding the molecular basis by which exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals disrupts the epigenetic machinery to promote the development of metabolic diseases with known disparities such as cancer, obesity and diabetes. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying epigenetic reprogramming may provide potential prevention strategies (for outreach and policy changes) and/or therapeutic targets for precision medicine approaches in high-risk populations.
2:30PM - 3:15PM Afternoon Stylist/Entrepreneur Breakout Session
Safer Product and Practices for Hairstylists
This panel explores how hairstylists and beauty professionals can reduce harmful exposures by choosing safer products and adopting healthier salon practices. Panelists will discuss ingredient safety, basic formulation knowledge, and how to identify less toxic alternatives. The session will also cover scalp and skin health, including the impacts of common treatments on textured hair and melanated skin, and introduce a holistic perspective on the connection between overall health and hair care. Participants will gain practical strategies for evaluating products and making informed changes in salon and home-based settings to better protect both clients and professionals.
Brandon Hunter is a biochemist, wellness entrepreneur, and product development consultant working at the intersection of science, beauty, and justice. He is the founder of PHormula OG, a science-driven consulting and manufacturing firm supporting beauty and wellness professionals in developing safe, compliant products, and Origin of Greatness, a clean cosmeceutical brand rooted in creating effective solutions for the skin sensitivities Black people commonly experience. With formal training in biochemistry and nutrition sciences and a background in quality and regulatory standards, Brandon works to demystify product development and expand equitable access to beauty knowledge.
Ja’Kelli Bowman is a licensed esthetician, beauty educator, and founder of Skinostics®, a Barrier First™ skincare brand advancing skin health equity for Black women and communities of color. Her work challenges how skin barrier disruption, aggressive pigment-correction practices, and harmful product exposure disproportionately impact melanated skin. Through professional practice, formulation collaboration, and consumer education, Ja’Kelli bridges science and lived experience to empower informed beauty regimen decisions, ethical entrepreneurship, and community-centered wellness that extends far beyond the beauty aisle.
Wielding a buddy pass and a dream, Markeisha Mullen packed up her life and her daughter, embarking on a transformative journey to Los Angeles. With determination as her compass, she leaped into the unknown, and the net appeared in the form of countless opportunities. Today, she stands as a celebrated Advance Hair Restoration specialist, running Game Loc’d Head Spa Studio in Burbank, where she showcases her talent and passion for enhancing natural beauty.
Markeisha’s journey is marked by her relentless pursuit of knowledge, evident in the drawer full of licenses and certificates she has amassed over the years, including her designation as a licensed hair loss replacement surgeon. As a Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, she is dedicated to providing effective solutions for clients experiencing hair loss, developing personalized treatment plans that cater to individual needs while utilizing techniques like scalp massages and laser therapy.
From certifications in natural hair care to her fellowship with the American Society of Aesthetic and Hair Restoration Surgery, each credential reflects her commitment to excellence. As she empowers her clients to embrace their natural textures, Markeisha continues to inspire those around her, proving that dreams are indeed within reach when you dare to jump. With extensive experience as a celebrity natural hairstylist, Markeisha has worked with a variety of high-profile clients, including Raphael Saadiq, T-Pain, Nneka Owgumike, and Dwight Howard, for red carpet events, photoshoots, and television appearances. Her innovative hairstyles have graced significant occasions such as the NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show and LA Fashion Week, showcasing her ability to create cohesive looks in collaboration with fashion designers and makeup artists. Her commitment to client education fosters a loyal clientele, while her collaborations with esteemed brands like Nike and Adidas highlight her dedication to delivering quality results in the competitive beauty industry.
Afternoon Community Session
Beauty Justice & Maternal Health: Protecting Generations from Harmful Exposures
This session explores the critical intersection of beauty justice and maternal health. Participants will learn how chemicals found in everyday personal care and beauty products can influence fertility, pregnancy, and the health of future generations. We will highlight early exposures experienced by Black girls and discuss the broader structural factors that shape beauty standards and product safety. The workshop provides high-level guidance on reducing toxic exposures at home, during beauty routines, and in salon settings. We will also examine how beauty norms impact young girls and identify strategies to empower them to embrace their natural Black beauty. Attendees will gain foundational knowledge and practical insights to support healthier beauty practices for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Diamond Cunningham I am the Founder and Executive Director of the Dolly Dreams Foundation (a 501(c)) (3)) and a PhD Candidate at Tulane. My work centers reproductive justice, maternal health, and period equity for Black women and girls across the U.S. Gulf and the Caribbean. I launched Dolly Dreams after leading a successful pad drive for an all-girls high school in Jamaica, an experience that deepened my commitment to addressing the broader health implications of menstrual inequity. Through community-based programming, research, and advocacy, I examine how beauty practices, product safety, and structural inequities shape reproductive health across the life course.
Dr. Nneka Gigi-Patton is a PhD-trained educator, African hair griot and sculptor, cultural strategist, and maternal wellness advocate whose work centers beauty
justice, literacy, and Black maternal health. She is the creator of Word-to-Womb, a framework that positions language, hair ritual, and adornment as forms of embodied literacy and prenatal/postpartum care. Her work bridges scholarship, community design, and cultural practice, drawing from African and African-diasporic traditions to support mental wellness, dignity, and healing for Black women and families. Dr. Gigi-Patton has designed wellness spaces, workshops, and visual narratives nationally, centering beauty as care and culture as medicine.
Dr. Marcelline Girlie, DNP, APRN-BC, is a dual board-certified Family Practice & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, author, wellness enthusiast, expert international speaker and the Founder and CEO of Vivid Minds Mental Care. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, she’s on a mission to inspire people to embrace the restorative power of holistic medicine by empowering and equipping others with the tools necessary in order to evolve mentally, physically and spiritually. Allowing them the opportunity to live vividly from the inside out.
Dr. Alexa Friedman, Ph.D., is a Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening protections from toxic chemicals in food, water, and consumer products. As an environmental epidemiologist, she studies how chemical exposures in cosmetics and personal care products impact reproductive and developmental health. Her role at EWG involves analyzing scientific evidence and translating that research into policy advocacy and public resources aimed at strengthening chemical safety standards. She earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Health from Boston University School of Public Health and completed a fellowship at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
3:15PM-3:30PM Clean Beauty Demo
Join us for an engaging clean makeup class and demonstration designed to explore safer, more conscious beauty practices for Black women. This session will walk you through techniques, product selection, and application tips that align with a clean beauty approach, while empowering you to make informed choices about what you use on your skin.
3:30PM- 3:45PM Closing & Call to Action
As we close the day, we will reflect on the knowledge shared, the connections built, and the actions we can take moving forward. This closing session will leave you with clear next steps to continue advancing Beauty Justice in your everyday life and community.
