MONDAY, APRIL 21 · 8AM – 5PM PDT
The California Endowment, 1000 Alameda St., Los Angeles CA
REGISTER HERE
BWW Hosts Inaugural Beauty Justice Conference, Exposing the Health Risks Black Women Face in the Beauty Industry
Join Black Women For Wellness for our First Annual Beauty Justice Conference, where we center the voices and experiences of Black women and girls in the fight for safer beauty products, transparency in the beauty industry, and environmental justice. This powerful gathering brings together activists, researchers, beauty professionals, policymakers, and community members to explore how beauty intersects with health, culture, and justice.
Through dynamic panels, hands-on workshops, and community dialogue, we’re creating space to expose the hidden toxins in our products, uplift clean beauty solutions, and demand accountability from corporations and lawmakers. Whether you’re a consumer, creator, or changemaker—this conference is for you.
Together, we’re transforming the beauty industry from the inside out because our beauty should never come at the cost of our health.
beauty justice conference team
Black Women for Wellness, a woman-centered community-based organization that educates Black women and girls about reproductive justice issues, is led by Executive Director Janette Robinson Flint.
She is also a member of the Los Angeles Coalition for Reproductive Justice, the California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom, and In Our Own Voice, a national coalition of Black women advocating for reproductive justice.
While pregnant, Janette sought a holistic practitioner to work with and explore the concept of “a gentle birth”. The experience allowed her to imagine a world where powerful women in optimum physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and financial health lead us into justice and peace. This spark lit the flame for Black Women for Wellness to be born.
Ms. Robinson Flint has worked and collaborated with various organizations over the years, including The Birthing Project USA, Great Beginnings for Black Babies, The National Health Foundation, March of Dimes, Inglewood Healthy Mothers & Babies, South Los Angeles Health Project, Women Infants & Children (South Los Angeles advisory board) as well as holding a community faculty seat at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.
A love of travel combined with her work inspired the creation of Black Women for Wellness after attending the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing, China. As a researcher in Cuba, she also saw for herself what political will can accomplish in terms of universal health. With self-care and wellness at the forefront of her daily agenda, she starts each day in Los Angeles with great food, a good story (whether a book or a movie), spoken word, live music, salsa dancing, and a scenic walk. She is grounded through challenges, traffic, and the fight for freedom through a victory that encourages women’s health.
Arnedra Jordan is the Project Manager at Black Women for Wellness, overseeing the Beauty Justice Initiative. With over fifteen years of experience in the breast health field, Arnedra has dedicated her career to advocating for the health and well-being of Black women and girls. Her work involves providing education on environmental health, beauty justice, and breast health education, where she focuses on addressing harmful ingredients in beauty products and promoting comprehensive breast cancer awareness and prevention strategies.
Arnedra Jordan is the Project Manager at Black Women for Wellness, overseeing the Beauty Justice Initiative. With over fifteen years of experience in the breast health field, Arnedra has dedicated her career to advocating for the health and well-being of Black women and girls. Her work involves providing education on environmental health, beauty justice, and breast health education, where she focuses on addressing harmful ingredients in beauty products and promoting comprehensive breast cancer awareness and prevention strategies.
panels
Panel – The Intersection of Beauty Justice and Reproductive Justice
Tyla Adams serves as the Program Manager for the Sisters In Control Reproductive Justice program at Black Women for Wellness. In this role, Tyla oversees programming efforts and supports the coordination, strategic capacity, advancement, and evaluation efforts of programmatic and research activities related to the Reproductive Justice team. With a passion for sexual and reproductive health, especially for adolescents, Tyla is deeply committed to addressing systemic health inequities, advocating for policy change, and advancing anti-racism efforts. A Certified Health Education Specialist, Tyla earned her Master’s in Public Health from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, where she concentrated in Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Public Health Studies, with a Pre-Med focus, from East Carolina University.
Chelsea VonChaz, The Period Doula, Hollywood stylist turned philanthropist, and Founder of #HappyPeriod, the award-winning, first Black-led menstrual movement driving cultural change through decolonized health education. As the executive director of the #HappyPeriod charity, which provides menstrual care and health education to people with periods, Chelsea promotes the inclusion of womb care within wellness conversations. Advocating for loc’d hair care and representation is one of her newest goals in the beauty space.
Instagram Handle: @chelseavonchaz
Location: Los Angeles
Title: Philanthropist, Full Spectrum Doula
Cristina Garcia, founder of Conéctate Green Strategies and former California State Assemblymember, has been a leading force in advancing menstrual equity and reproductive justice through impactful legislation. A two-time Chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, Garcia brought national attention to issues of gender equity, survivior rights and period equity.
Her efforts began with AB 1561 (2016), proposing a sales tax exemption for menstrual products—a pioneering move that, despite an initial veto, laid the groundwork for future successes. Persistent advocacy led to AB 150 (2021), a budget trailer bill that permanently exempted menstrual hygiene products and diapers from state sales and use tax.
Garcia also championed access to menstrual products in educational institutions. She authored AB 10 (2017), mandating free menstrual products in public middle and high schools, and AB 367 (2021), expanding this requirement to all public schools serving grades 6–12, California State University campuses, community colleges, and public agencies. Additionally, AB 1989 (2020) required transparent labeling of menstrual product ingredients, enhancing consumer awareness and safety.
As a trailblazing advocate for gender equity and survivors’ rights, Assemblymember Cristina Garcia played a pivotal role in reforming California’s sexual assault laws in response to the Brock Turner case. Garcia authored AB 701(2016), this legislation expanded California’s definition of rape to include all forms of non-consensual sexual penetration, this groundbreaking legislation modernize California’s sexual violence laws. Garcia authored AB 1171(2021), which successfully eliminated the outdated legal distinction between spousal and non-spousal rape, ensuring that all acts of non-consensual sexual intercourse are treated equally under the law. She also led the nation with AB 453(2021), making California the first state to explicitly define stealthing—the non-consensual removal of a condom during sex—as sexual battery in civil court, giving survivors a path to justice. Garcia also worked on broader gender equity efforts in California, such as AB 1287 (2022) the Pink Tax by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan and Garcia, which bans gender-based price discrimination for substantially similar products.
Through her legislative work, Garcia has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to reproductive justice and gender equity, aligning with Conéctate Green Strategies’ mission to drive meaningful policy change for a sustainable future.
Morgan is a Health Educator with The Flow. She is working to end period poverty throughout Los Angeles County by educating people who menstruate about period cups and their benefits. Morgan is a California State University, Los Angeles graduate obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Master of Public Health emphasis in Urban Health. Morgan is dedicated to bringing awareness around menstrual health so communities have the knowledge and autonomy to make healthy decisions for their reproductive health.
Workshop – Community-Led Advocacy
LaKisha G. Camese is a dedicated public policy and social justice advocate with expertise in criminal justice reform and reproductive rights. A Juris Doctor graduate from Southern University Law Center, she has worked with the Innocence Project, Texas Senate District 23, and led national cannabis expungement efforts with Minorities for Medical Marijuana. LaKisha’s policy work has expanded equity in hiring, legislation, and community outreach. She now serves as a Policy Analyst for Black Women for Wellness Action Project. Passionate about giving back, LaKisha also enjoys baking, mentoring youth, and connecting with nature as a proud plant mom.
Movement Break
April Foster is the current Program Coordinator for Sisters in Motion. She is a graduate of George Mason University in Fairfax, VA and originally from the DMV area . Throughout her career in event management she has worked for a range of companies in entertainment, corporate and nonprofit organizations.
Panel – Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Beauty
Jasmine Brown (She/Her) is a psychotherapist, social worker, and beauty entrepreneur passionate about reimagining beauty through a mental wellness lens. She is the founder of Being Brown, a clean beauty brand offering vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic lip products rooted in self-affirmation and representation. Jasmine’s work bridges beauty and healing, centering Black and Brown communities and affirming the power of self-expression. Whether in therapy spaces or through product creation, she’s committed to building affirming experiences that honor identity, boost self-esteem, and spark joy.
Instagram Handle: @jasminebrwn @beingbrownbeauty
City: Los Angeles, CA Born in Greenville, NC
Professional Title: Psychotherapist, Social Worker & Founder of Being Brown
Rochele Jones is a dynamic natural hair stylist, author, natural hair product creator, and true renaissance woman. As the founder of Royalty Creations, a non-toxic hair care line crafted to promote healthy hair and scalp for Black women, she is on a mission to restore crowns—one head at a time. With a passion rooted in wellness, artistry, and empowerment, Rochele has been transforming lives from behind the chair for years. Known for her signature crochet and protective styles, she is more than a stylist—she is a healer and hair coach. Her expertise and nurturing spirit have earned her the trust of clients nationwide, including celebrity clients and everyday queens alike. A proud Altadena-Pasadena native, Rochele is deeply committed to uplifting her community. She leads the GirlTrek Pasadena Trek Trailblazers, a wellness walking group that empowers Black women to take charge of their health and extend their lives by 10 years—one step at a time. Her work with GirlTrek is a reflection of her holistic approach to beauty, reminding women that true transformation starts from within. Beyond the salon, Rochele is the self-published author of Pieces of Me and Bruised but Not Broken, two inspirational works drawn from her personal journey. Her words, like her hands, are tools of restoration, offering encouragement and hope to women facing life’s challenges. Also a mentor, mental health first aider, and community advocate, Rochele uses her voice and platform to inspire change. Whether she’s leading wellness initiatives, educating parents at her Black Children’s Hair Bootcamp, or organizing events that highlight healing and heritage, her impact is far-reaching and heartfelt. Rochele Jones is not just building a brand—she’s building a legacy.
Quinnkim Thornton- A licensed Nail Technician with a Nails and Wellness business. As a wellness expert Quinnkim is a dedicated wellness specialist with a passion for holistic health and rejuvenation. With a background in alternative therapies and a deep understanding of the body’s natural healing processes, Quinnkim has carved out a niche as a leading expert on the importance of using non toxic polishes and foot detoxification. Through her unique approach, Quinnkim combines traditional techniques with modern innovations to help clients achieve optimal health. She believes that our feet and hands are the foundation of our wellbeing, and by using non toxic polish & foot detox alternatives, she can promote overall vitality and balance. With years of experience, she has guided numerous clients on their wellness journeys, helping them to release toxins, improve circulation, and enhance their overall sense of well being by raising awareness on the importance being healthy from the inside & out. Peace, love & light.
Panel – How Social Media Shapes and Fuels Toxic Trends
Myeisha Essex is a wellness advocate, journalist, and digital marketing specialist. Currently, she serves as the Communications Manager for Black Women for Wellness. Myeisha soared as a writer, producer, and social media strategist for some of today’s most well-known brands. She’s worked as Head of Social on the marketing team for sleep and meditation app Calm; senior editor at Entertainment Tonight; and managing editor of The Shade Room. She also served as the social media strategist on season one of The Jennifer Hudson Show and senior digital producer at The Real daytime talk show. Her work as an editor and writer can be found in ESSENCE magazine, on BlackLove.com, and CBS News. Myeisha, a Los Angeles native, is a graduate of Bennett College for Women and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.
Panel – Legislative Advocacy for Beauty Justice
Tianna Shaw-Wakeman serves as the Environmental Justice Program Manager for Black Women for Wellness where she works to advance the health and well-being of Black women and girls by engaging in community-focused research, empowerment, and advocacy.
Tianna holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship from the University of Southern California, where she graduated as the first Black University Valedictorian for the Class of 2021.
She is also proud to be a Sydney Harman Polymathic Fellow, Phi Beta Kappa, a Brittingham Social Enterprise Scholar, and a former member of both LA Mayor Garcetti’s Youth Council on Climate Action and the LA City Climate Emergency Mobilization Commission.
I am an environmental justice advocate dedicated to sustainability, equity, and ethical living. As the Los Angeles Hub Lead at Black Girl Environmentalist, a Board Member at Collective Fashion Justice, and part of the leadership team at Compton Community Garden, my work centers on the intersection of environmental justice, ethical fashion, and community empowerment. I am passionate about dismantling harmful beauty standards, promoting clean and accessible beauty, and ensuring that sustainability is inclusive and just. My advocacy focuses on uplifting marginalized voices and creating a future where all communities thrive in safe, empowering spaces.
Niamh (“Nee-v”) Moore is the Director of Healthy Communities at Environmental Advocates New York. Here, she focuses on food waste, landfill reduction, environmental justice and banning of toxins. She represents Environmental Advocates NY in the PFAS Free NY Coalition which works to remove PFAS and other harmful toxins from the production process as a means of protecting drinking water and the health of all New Yorkers. The coalition is specifically focused on banning PFAS and other toxic chemicals from beauty products (The Beauty Justice Act) and banning PFAS from menstrual products. Niamh graduated from Cornell University with a Masters in Government and Politics from Cornell University, before becoming the Chief of Staff for NYS Assemblymember Anna Kelles, providing her with a strong understanding of the NYS Legislature and effective advocacy strategies for advancing legislation.
Panel – Building Safe Spaces for Black Hair Care
Madison is a recent UCLA Sociology graduate and currently serves as BWW’s Environmental & Beauty Justice Coordinator. Originally from northern Connecticut, she moved to San Jose in 2020 to focus on grassroots community organizing and public health initiatives. Passionate about building an equitable future, Madison draws inspiration from Black thinkers like W.E.B. Du Bois, Angela Davis, and James Baldwin. In her free time, she enjoys practicing Pilates, dance, or yoga, visiting neighborhood cafés, and taking road trips to the Bay Area to see friends. Madison can be reached at madison@bwwla.com.
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, I am a Black woman and former foster child who entered the system at both 6 and 16 years old. My journey with self-image and hair has been deeply intertwined with my life experiences. For much of my life, I struggled with feeling disconnected from my natural curls, pressured by society’s Eurocentric beauty standards. It wasn’t until I chose to embrace my natural texture that I discovered not just the beauty of my hair, but also the healing power of self-acceptance. Through holistic hair care practices, I embarked on a path to healthier hair and greater self-love, recognizing that hair is more than an aesthetic—it is a vital part of our identity and history as Black women. My mission now is to shed light on the systemic racism embedded in Black hair care and its harmful effects on our self- image and health. My goal is to help heal our community by encouraging self-love through curls and promoting healthier, more intentional beauty practices rooted in empowerment and authenticity. At the Beauty Justice Conference, I am eager to share my story and vision to inspire healing and pride in every strand.
Hannah McCall is the founder of Clean Beauty for Black Girls and a passionate advocate for beauty justice. Her work centers on shifting the narrative around what beauty is, building community, and pushing for real change in the beauty industry. Through advocacy, education, and storytelling, she challenges the toxic beauty standards that have historically harmed Black women while creating spaces for empowerment and truth.
Hannah’s impact extends beyond digital spaces—her work has been recognized in media, she’s collaborated with brands committed to clean beauty, and she’s built sister circles with college & high school organizations to foster deeper conversations around beauty, wellness, and advocacy. She is dedicated to ensuring that Black women are not just seen but prioritized in the fight for safer beauty.
Jonisha Garcia is a serial entrepreneur, international business owner, published author, student pilot, mental health advocate, and researcher. She is the founder and CEO of Hair, Love, Therapy LLC, a hair salon that raises mental health awareness through talk therapy and oCers high-quality hair extension services. She is also part of the research team at Occidental College for the Taking Stock Intervention Study. Her educational background is diverse, ranging from psychology to gender studies.
As a Certified Hair Loss Practitioner accredited by the American Medical Certification Association, I specialize in diagnosing and treating various forms of alopecia and scalp disorders. My practice emphasizes educating clients on the roles of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), DHT blockers, hair protein, and keratin in maintaining scalp health and promoting hair growth.
Holding a Natural Hair Care Specialist and Instructor License, I have developed curricula that empower both emerging and established stylists. My programs focus on the significance of thorough consultations and the establishment of clear policies to protect practitioners and clients alike. This educational approach ensures that stylists are well-equipped to deliver personalized and ethical services.
As a Licensed California Cosmetologist, I have cultivated a high-end clientele, including public figures, by prioritizing professionalism and discretion and my work have been featured in commercials for Super Bowl commercial in 2022, Nike, Adidas, Michelob Ultra, Disney, ESPN, and have work with high-end clients from musicians to pro athletes, to actors and actresses as well as NAACP image awards fashion show. My experience demonstrates that it is possible to maintain a celebrity clientele without the explicit title of celebrity stylist, thereby focusing on the quality of service and client trust.
Workshop – Beauty Across the Lifespan
Mosi Tamara Odom is a dynamic leader with a passion for empowering individuals and organizations to thrive. She is a woman of purpose, vision, and strategy, dedicated to fostering personal growth and professional excellence. With a background in Human Resources Management, Mosi brings a unique ability to realign structures and resources to optimize potential and maximize human capital. Her diverse experience in both the public and private sectors equips her to craft innovative strategies and implement actionable solutions with precision and excellence. At the heart of Mosi’s work is her belief that personal development is the cornerstone of professional success. Her coaching and mentoring services focus on building confidence, enhancing leadership skills, and fostering meaningful connections. Mosi’s dedication to community is amplified through her service as a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., where she has cultivated impactful initiatives that support youth, families, and businesses. As a devoted mother, Mosi understands the importance of balance and resilience in achieving success. Through her services, she inspires individuals to embrace growth, nurture relationships, and excel in all areas of life. Whether guiding leaders, developing talent, or strengthening communities, Mosi is committed to connecting people to opportunities and resources that drive transformation and success.
April Foster is the current Program Coordinator for Sisters in Motion. She is a graduate of George Mason University in Fairfax, VA and originally from the DMV area . Throughout her career in event management she has worked for a range of companies in entertainment, corporate and nonprofit organizations.
Valerie Monroe is a dedicated advocate in the beauty and justice space, empowering Black women to thrive in wellness and self-expression. With her background as a graphic designer, canvasser, and outreach worker, Valerie combines her creative skills and passion for community engagement to make a lasting impact. Her work centers on creating safe, supportive spaces for Black women, encouraging wellness, and promoting justice. Through her community and outreach efforts with Black Women for Wellness, Valerie builds connections, raises awareness, and supports initiatives that uplift and empower. She is committed to fostering positive change, blending artistry and activism to champion the wellbeing and rights of Black women.
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