Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble (known professionally as Dr. Alfiee) is a pioneering psychologist, scientist, author and media contributor.  As founder of The AAKOMA Project 501c3, she envisioned and built The AAKOMA Project from an academic medicine research lab in major teaching hospitals (at Duke and Georgetown) into a thriving Woman of Color led, million-dollar mental health nonprofit.

An in-demand expert in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) mental health, she hosts a video podcast “Couched in Color with Dr. Alfiee” and is a regular broadcast, digital and print media contributor for outlets as diverse as NBC, CNN, PBS, MSNBC, Peacock, Business Insider, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Breakfast Club nationally syndicated radio and digital program among dozens of others.

On World Kindness Day 2021, Lady Gaga invited Dr. Alfiee to serve as her co-host on a mental health discussion with a diverse group of young people in a powerful and phenomenal film, The Power of Kindness (produced by Lady Gaga, the Born This Way Foundation and hosted on Gaga’s Facebook Channel, Meta and ChannelKindness.com).  

As a recognized thought leader, Dr. Alfiee lectures internationally and lends her expertise in mental health and suicide prevention for intersectional youth and young adults to global audiences.  She is lauded for her remarkable ability to motivate and inspire by translating complex scientific concepts into everyday language. She lives by the mantra that everyone deserved #optimalmentalhealth which should always be informed by #lovelightscience.

Dr. Alfie is also a partner of mental health nonprofit, Project Healthy Minds.

Siobhan is a Therapist and the Manager of Provider Relations at Light On Anxiety CBT Treatment Centers. She is certified in CBT for Anxiety & OCD and has completed a clinical training program through the Center for Anxiety Training.  Siobhan received her Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University with a focus on Mental Health and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania. Siobhan’s clinical background includes treating teenagers, young adults, and adults seeking relief from Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Panic Disorder, Trauma, Depression and related disorders. Outside of her work as a therapist, Siobhan is also an E-RYT 500hr certified yoga teacher leading vinyasa classes at Studio Three. She loves to bring in her knowledge of the brain and the mind-body connection to yoga classes while providing an open and compassionate space for students to play and explore. Ultimately, Siobhan seeks to provide her clients and students with the tools and resources to be able to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of life with strength and psychological flexibility.

Dina Fenili Niekamp is the Director of Brand & Marketing at Miraval Resorts & Spas which includes properties in Arizona, Texas and Massachusetts. These inclusive destinations are designed for creating a life in balance through mindfulness. With innovative programs, unique spa treatments, nourishing cuisine, and premier wellness specialists, people can live their best lives.

Most notably, in 2021, Dina organized a partnership with Miraval Resorts and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s leading voice in mental health. Serving in two additional capacities in 2022, Dina is on the Global Wellness Institute council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and is a member of WellSpa360’s Editorial Advisory Board.

Melissa Ruiz is no stranger to the stage. She is a two time author, former community theater and competitive dancer, first runner up at Miss New Jersey and, most recently, a TEDx speaker. Melissa knows the value of connecting with an audience. She has her Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University and worked in higher education for almost 10 years before transitioning to public speaking. Now, she helps leaders in their fields get over their fear of public speaking to create a bigger impact through her signature online course Show and Tell with Mel. She lives in NYC, loves pizza and her 95-pound dog, Gus.

There is no doubt Pete Wilkins knows what it means to have purpose. During the pandemic, Pete’s body shut down; he was intubated, sedated, and forced to fight for his life. He won that battle.

But his war to stay alive as a teenager first taught him the power of purpose. When he was 10 years old, Pete’s mother died of cancer. A few years later, his father had a heart attack on the day of Pete’s high school homecoming and died 18 months later from a stroke. Less than a year after his father’s death, Pete was brutally attacked. He was clubbed in the head so violently, the right side of his skull was completely shattered. He nearly died before he even reached the hospital (let alone his twentieth birthday).

As a result of these experiences, Pete was frequently forced to contemplate the purpose of life. He became a fighter. His purpose was not only to survive, but to thrive, which has guided the trajectory of his life.

He learned to grow his entrepreneurial spirit and dedicate his life to the pursuit of his own purpose.

Before he was 30, Pete was a critical part of two technology start-ups that sold and IPO-ed for more than $2.8 billion. He later went on to lead the turnaround of a medical education company from record losses to record profits, which he followed by starting a double-bottom-line company focused on college attainment for Latino families. Not every step was successful, but they were all purposeful.

Today, Pete leads HPA—one of the most successful early-stage venture investor groups in the country. He and his firm have partnered with hundreds of founders to help turn their dreams into reality, helping them scale their businesses from start-ups into industry leaders, many of which have also gone on to join the exclusive “Unicorn Club.” As a venture investor, board member, and advisor to many entrepreneurs, Pete has created billions of dollars of economic value, but more importantly, he has helped countless founders manifest their purposes into thriving businesses that are improving the world.

In his first book, Purpose First Entrepreneur, Pete draws on a lifetime of lessons and research into value-driven principles and proven methodologies, plus vast insights garnered from working with and investing in some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs. The book and online resources offer a new approach to help entrepreneurs discover their purpose, turn it into a thriving Purpose First Business, and harness it to perform at an elite level in all aspects of their lives.

In the spirit of giving back, Pete shares his perspective and insights about investing in companies and people as a contributor for Forbes and Thrive Global. He is also passionate about building his local community and is actively engaged in leadership roles in multiple Chicago entrepreneurial, civic, and nonprofit organizations. In recognition of his contributions, Pete has been named one of the Top 100 Chicago Innovators by The Chicago Tribune and one of the 50 on Fire by ChicagoInno. He’s the winner of Illinois Technology Association’s CityLIGHTS Industry Champion Award and the Chicago Innovation Award.

Pete holds a degree in business from Indiana University and graduated from the University of Chicago Booth Executive Institute. He resides in Chicago with his family.

Davi Brown is the Head of Community and Education at Breathwrk, a science-backed breathing app, where she has gathered one of the world’s largest groups of conscious breathers by growing the brand’s TikTok account to over 3 million followers.

Dr. Jamie Goldstein is an Emotional Fitness Instructor & Therapy Experience Lead at Coa, your gym for mental health. She has a way of making you feel right at home — whether she’s humanizing the experience of connecting with a therapist by acting as your personal therapy match-maker or connecting virtually in a group class. Jamie believes in the healing powers of connection, authenticity, and language. The result is a learning experience that’s full of safe, fun, and healing ways to engage with yourself and others. Jamie is a practicing clinical psychologist, published author, emotional fitness enthusiast, and a pro at sharing easy-to-understand strategies to help you find your way through life’s curveballs.

About Coa:
Coa is a gym for mental health, offering therapist-led emotional fitness classes and 1:1 therapy, all grounded in community. Coa was co-founded by Alexa Meyer and Dr. Emily Anhalt, who are united by their mission to help people work on their mental health as proactively as their physical health.

Coa’s live, therapist-led classes help people learn skills like resilience, confidence, and self-awareness and apply them across challenges such as improving leadership, romantic relationships, imposter syndrome, and more.

Ariana Alejandra Gibson is a documentary filmmaker and mental health activist who spent her early career as a creative director and brand strategist for companies ranging from tech startups like Clearcover to Fortune 500s like Dell, Elkay, and Nationwide. She is the Founder and CEO of STIGMA App, a new mental health app that uses storytelling to fight loneliness and improve mental health. She is also one of the 46% of Americans who will personally experience mental illness in their lifetimes and believes the only way to normalize conversations about mental health is to be brave enough to have them.

Erin is a writer, trainer, and mental health advocate. She has been in recovery for over eleven years and shares her personal experiences with addiction, depression, and anxiety to help break the stigma around mental illness. Her biggest goal is to help others understand that they are not alone, no matter what they are going through. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, dog, and two children.

After moving to Chicago in 2010, it only took a few infamous Chicago winters until Gemma found yoga, or maybe it found her. Currently, Gemma is a 200hr RYT in Baptiste Power Flow (Eb & Flow Yoga) and certified in Yoga Nidra meditation (Mia Park).

For her, yoga is a fun, challenging practice to learn perseverance and trust within yourself. We have so much ability to control outcomes with our choices and thoughts.

Outside of playing and making shapes, Gemm enjoys being outdoors, traveling to new countries, singing & experimenting in the kitchen!

Ashley Rockwood is a Chicago-based professional dancer, entrepreneur, educator, and mother of two. She has performed with Beyonce, opera houses across the US and toured internationally with Giordano Dance Chicago. In 2017 she founded Free Mvmt Shop, a community centered movement studio that reaches over 1,500 visits per month.  Free Mvmt Shop has partnered with local and national organizations including aSweatLife, Boxed Water, Clif Bar, Free People, and Lululemon. She recently created the Yoga for Breonna Memorial Scholarship.  A dedication to the life of Breonna Taylor that provides financial assistance to women of color pursuing their yoga certification in the hopes of cultivating a more inclusive community of yoga professionals. Ashley is one of the initial recipients of the Caress x IFund Women of Color grant for diverse, early-stage entrepreneurs.

Dayla Robinson is an Energy Master, spiritual healer, and ceremonialist. She has spent the past 10 years learning and sharing ancient healing techniques with Indigenous cultures throughout the Americas. She is passionate about sharing an integrated approach to healing that brings harmony and balance.

Brandon J. Johnson, M.H.S., MCHES, is a Subject Matter Expert for the AAKOMA Project, supported by an award from the Upswing Fund for Adolescent Mental Health. He is a tireless advocate for positive mental health and suicide prevention services for youth and adults across the country and within the local community of Baltimore, MD. He is a subject matter expert in suicide prevention, with a particular focus on suicide prevention planning and suicide prevention strategies for Black youth. He currently serves as a subject matter expert for the AAKOMA Project, a non-profit working to improve the mental health of BIPOC youth and young adults. Brandon earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Morgan State University in 2008 and a Master of Health Science Degree from Johns Hopkins University in 2012. In 2020, Brandon earned the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credential from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Brandon is the creator of “The Black Mental Wellness Lounge,” a YouTube channel dedicated to discussing Black mental health and healing. The Black Mental Wellness Lounge is YouTube page dedicated to the promotion of Black mental health tips, education, and resources for the community. The mission is to create content on Black mental health that anyone, whether a professional in the field or not, can use to increase their knowledge and awareness of the specific mental health needs, challenges, and assets of Black people. Each video comes with strategies and resources for Black people on their own path to mental wellness or to help someone else on their journey. Another highlight of Brandon’s career is his current role as the Co-Lead of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Faith Communities Task Force. The group works with faith communities all over the nation to equip them with tools and resources to combat the often stigmatized issue of suicide. Previously, Brandon served as the Director of Suicide and Violence Prevention for the State of Maryland where he worked in communities throughout the state to help develop strategies to end violence in various forms, such as community violence and human trafficking.

Ashantis Jones (she/they) is a Master’s level Counselor, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and Wellness Advocate. Their career has spanned the arts, higher education, fitness, and beyond – all of which has helped fuel her passion for creating spaces that lend to educating folks about wellness. They have taught at companies like Athleta, KIND Snacks, The Four Percent, and Satiated Artists. In addition, Ashantis is currently an ambassador for Knix, Adore Me, and Liquid IV and has collaborated with brands like Teen Vogue, Banza, and others. Her goal is to teach young adults the importance of self-love so they can live a healthy and purposeful life starting today. Catch her on Tik Tok and Instagram as @iamshantis or on her website at www.ashantisjones.com.

Candyce “Ce” Anderson, M.S., L.P.C., is an author and licensed therapist serving Alabama, Georgia, Washington, D.C. and Ohio. She serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the private practice Revita Therapy and Wellness, located in Montgomery, Alabama. Experienced in mental health and trauma, Anderson uses an integrative approach in providing therapy services while also offering proven holistic and spiritual practices to enhance the therapeutic process. 

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Howard University and a Master of Science in Counseling & Psychology, with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health, from Troy University. She is a member of Chi Sigma Iota, the international honor society for professional counselors.  

Anderson’s mission is to help others harness their inner strength and raise their consciousness to create the life, relationships and existence they desire. Her unique blend of wit and realness has aided hundreds of men and women on the journey to self-discovery. Anderson is outspoken and honest, yet she counsels from a place of compassion. Along with being a sexual assault and domestic violence survivor, she has nearly a decade of clinical expertise, making her the ideal combination of the sister-friend you want and the therapist you need.

Today, The TEDx speaker is one of the nation’s most sought-after experts and professionals on wellness, domestic violence and sexual assault recovery—helping lead those impacted from victimhood to victory. Frequently appearing in trusted media outlets such as Black Enterprise and The Washington Post, on NBC, NPR, and as a guest on The Rickey Smiley Show, Anderson embraces her calling as an agent of change who helps others move beyond their barriers and start living their best lives. 

When she’s not leading sold-out events, she’s giving back to the community through various means. She is a board member at The Family Guidance Center, and she has continuously provided expertise for the following public service organizations:

The Links Incorporated

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority 

City of Montgomery

The Junior League  

Her book, Love T.A.P.S.: Red Flags of An Abuser and How to Get Out, is available on Amazon. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Board Certified TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH). Her affiliations include the Alabama Counseling Association.

Mark’s diverse background and 20+ years of experience in the military, recovery rehabilitation, and outdoor guiding inform his approach. He has created a full range of therapeutic tools to work with people who suffer from sadness, pain, and loss of spiritual connection, sometimes due to underlying trauma. Against the backdrop of the great outdoors, Mark uses his “Daily Dose” method, along with mind/body techniques, to address the root causes and driving forces of symptoms. Mark’s path to recovery helps people reprogram their neural pathways, build mindful habits, and release blocks to growth and healing.