The Wellbeing Conference | Powered By Dear Women CIC

The Dear Women CIC Wellbeing Conference marks one year of impact, growth, and healing. 

This isn’t just an event — it’s a movement centred on wellbeing and real-life transformation. Rooted in the Black experience and open to all. The Dear Women Wellbeing Conference creates space to prioritise your emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental wellness, while inviting allies to support and journey with us.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

✔️ You will feel seen, heard, and emotionally safe, without the pressure to perform

✔️ You will learn how to care for your mind, body, and spirit in ways that last

✔️ You will reconnect with yourself, God, and a like-minded community that truly gets it

✔️ You will leave with peace, clarity, and the strength to walk into your next season sustainably

What To Expect (For FAQ's Scroll To Bottom)

• Interactive Keynote: Mr. Pasquale Giordano

One of the UK’s leading colorectal surgeons, Mr. Giordano, brings over 30 years of expertise to the stage. In this interactive keynote + live Q&A, he’ll explore colorectal cancer in the Black community, offering practical guidance on early prevention, recognising symptoms, and understanding the connection between gut health and overall wellbeing.

Panel Talk: The Healing Journey as a Black Man

Hosted by international speaker and host Asher McKenzie, this raw and cross-generational conversation creates space for 4 Black men to speak openly about healing—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  This session offers exclusive access into the emotional inner world of Black men—a space usually kept hidden, now courageously opened.

Panellists include:

• Ontonio Dawson – Award-winning Senior Specialist Psychotherapist & Founder of Speak Black Man
  
  

• Stephen Weekes – Child Safeguarding Consultant with 30+ years of experience, specialising in trauma and abuse recovery
  
  

• Emmanuel Akinfenwa – Social reform advocate, Senior Leader, and CEO of Gamechanger Solutions
  
  

• Eddie – Legal Consultant and founder of Souls and Souls Hiking Club

Breakout Sessions & Workshops

Choose from three powerful sessions running at the same time—each one designed to spark real insight, growth, and connection. 

🎟️ Note: Breakout rooms have limited capacity. Early Bird, VIP, and Platinum ticket holders get priority booking and first-choice access. Book early to avoid missing your preferred session!

Option 1 - To My Sisters Live Podcast Session: Healing in Relationships

Led by: Courtney Daniella Boateng & Renée Kapuku, founders of To My Sisters
With over 6 million+ podcast downloads, To My Sisters is one of the UK’s fastest-growing digital communities for women.

This live podcast experience explores how healing is often entangled with our friendships, romantic relationships, and the actions of others. 

• What does it mean to heal when the wounds are relational? 
• How do we grow and restore in community?

This isn’t a passive listening session—it’s an interactive, engaging conversation where you’ll be encouraged to reflect, contribute, and unpack together in small group discussions.

Option 2 - Menstrual Health & PCOS

Led by Ms. Nandita Deo, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

 This intimate, women-only workshop is a space for real talk, expert answers, and collective understanding. Ms. Deo brings over 25 years of medical experience covering a range of menstrual issues. This is a space for you to learn and ask questions in the moment. Whether you’re facing menstrual challenges personally or supporting a loved one. Expect a practical, empowering, and informative conversation that helps you move from silent struggle to feeling supported, informed, and confident in your next steps.

Option 3 - The Man Cave: Real Talk. Real Tools. Real Brotherhood.

Led by: Ontonio Dawson, Founder of Speak Black Man

This men-only breakout session is a relaxed, no-pressure space where Black men can talk life, sharpen perspective, and build real connections with other men who get it. No egos. No masks. Just authentic conversation around everything from relationships to legacy, identity, mental resilience, and purpose—led by award-winning psychotherapist Ontonio Dawson, known for creating culturally safe, solution-focused spaces for Black men to grow and lead well. It’s not therapy. It’s not performance. It’s just real ones in the room—learning, unlearning, and leaving sharper than they came.

Intentional Networking: The Room Within the Room

Sometimes your biggest breakthrough won’t come from the stage, but from the person sitting right beside you. These curated networking spaces are designed for real, purposeful connection, not small talk. Whether you meet a new friend, collaborator, or someone who simply sees you, this is where the magic happens. 

One of our featured rooms will be hosted by Johanne Penney—motivational speaker, DEI expert, and CEO of Amp Up Your Voice—guiding connection with warmth, insight, and authenticity.

Added Bonuses to Elevate Your Experience

The Dear Women Spotlight Corner

Hosted by: Nikki Tapper (Radio Presenter / Host)

This isn’t just a photo op—it’s your moment. Step into the light, celebrate your story, and capture who you’re becoming. Whether you’re repping your brand or simply embracing your journey, this feel-good space invites you to be seen and celebrated. 

This is YOUR spotlight moment.

Live Music by Our Partners, Life Choices Production

Let the music meet you where words can’t.

As our proud partners, Life Choices Production will lead the day’s soundtrack with a full band and powerful vocalists, setting the tone spiritually, emotionally, and atmospherically. We’ll close with a transformative musical journey, a sacred sensory space to reflect, release, and respond to everything you’ve experienced. It’s worship, presence, and healing through sound, ushering you into peace, alignment, and clarity.

And that's just the beginning! 

Be Part of the Movement

This is more than a conference—it’s a collective shift. A call to rest. To reconnect. To rise.

🎟️ Secure your ticket and take your place in the room. (Klarna available) 

Want to Partner or Sponsor the Day?

We’re welcoming aligned brands, businesses, and organisations that believe in wellbeing and lasting community impact.

📩 For all partnership or sponsorship enquiries, email: contact@dearwomencic.com

FAQ'S 

• Is this event just for women?

No—this event is for everyone. While it centres Black women and men, allies of all backgrounds who want to support, learn, and stand in solidarity with the Black community are welcome too.

• What are the transport links like?

City Gates Conference Centre is less than a 10-minute walk from Ilford Station, with fast links via the Elizabeth Line. Paid parking is available next door at CitiPark (IG1 1AG), with 30% off for our attendees.

• Will food be provided?

Food isn’t included with standard tickets, but there’s an on-site café, nearby food spots, and you’re welcome to bring a packed lunch.  Platinum guests enjoy a premium experience with an authentic Jamaican lunch served in an exclusive space. Select the Platinum ticket for the hassle-free option. 

• When do doors open and close?

Doors open at 9:30 am and close at 10:15 am sharp—no exceptions. Arrive early to check in, settle in, access the Spotlight Corner, and connect with others before the programme officially begins. You won’t want to miss a moment.

• What time should Platinum guests arrive?

Platinum guests are invited to arrive early at 9:00 am for exclusive perks before doors open—enjoy a relaxing hand massage and a professional photo in the Spotlight Corner, all before the crowds arrive. It’s your moment to be centred and celebrated.

• What’s the dress code?

Think elegant and handsome. This isn’t a gown-and-tux event, but it’s definitely a step above casual. Comfortable heels, stylish shoes, and polished fits are perfect. Come dressed in a way that makes you feel confident, classy, and ready to be seen.

• Is the venue accessible?

Yes. The venue is wheelchair accessible and has accessible toilets. If you have specific access needs, please email us at contact@dearwomencic.com so we can support you.

• Can I bring my children?

This event is designed for adults aged 18+, as the conversations will explore mature themes. We also want to ensure appropriate safeguarding is in place so everyone feels safe and fully present throughout the day.

• How do I choose my breakout session?

You’ll submit your preference via a short form at checkout. Spaces for some sessions are limited, so priority will go to Early Bird, VIP, and Platinum guests. Standard guests will be allocated based on booking order. Final breakout room details will be confirmed via email and at check-in. Note - everyone will be assigned a breakout room. 

• How can I get involved?

There are so many ways to be part of this movement—whether by sponsoring, donating, partnering, or even volunteering on the day. Just drop us a line at contact@dearwomencic.com and let’s explore how we can work together.

SECURE YOUR SPOT NOW AND JOIN THE MOVEMENT ❤️