#MoreThanStrong will highlight the unique experiences of African-American women in fitness & wellness. The event - which will be comprised of a series of fitness classes and a panel discussion - will explore the complex ways in which we define ourselves beyond the trope of the "strong Black woman."
P A N E L /// This conversation will bring together African American women from a diversity of fitness backgrounds to discuss their experiences in the industry. The discussion will outline current issues we face with a focus on solutions, and highlight the importance of representation.
V I R T U A L C L A S S E S /// This 4-session series will feature virtually taught classes led by African-American women in various modalities. All classes are donation-based and will benefit the Loveland Foundation, which organizes collaborative initiatives that prioritize opportunity, access, validation, and healing for communities of color. Donations can be made on Cash App ($allhailthecrtvs) or Venmo (@allhailthecrtvs).
E V E N T S C H E D U L E
Can't make it? Support our communities by donating on Cash App ($allhailthecrtvs) or Venmo (@allhailthecrtvs).
M E E T O U R P A N E L I S T S
KELSEY ELLIS
Kelsey is a Body Positive Fitness Trainer, Holistic Nutritionist and Emotional Eating Recovery Coach on a mission to help folx take the shame out of their wellness game through joyful movement, making peace with food and stepping into their personal power so they can live whole-hearted and fulfilling lives.
DANI & DOM GILLYARD
Dani & Dom are co-founders of and8 Fitness, a dance-based cardio workout designed to get your heart pumping and your whole body moving. As a women-owned, black-owned business, the mission of their organization is to increase access to fitness for people like us who are often not acknowledged by or reflected in the "mainstream" fitness community.
JESSICA FEATHERSON
Jessica is the creator of the lifestyle brand and wellness platform WellBody.WellSoul. She is an IIN certified health coach and has taught group fitness and private training in New York City, New Jersey, and Washington, DC since 2014. Her platform aims to help women of color thrive beyond survival through mindful fitness, holistic nutrition, and introspective self-work.
SASHA WHITNEY
Sasha is a spin instructor of 5 years, a mindful meditation leader, and a mindset coach. Her goal is to change the fitness industry to be one that is more inclusive, diverse, representative, and equitable for BIPOC. She is passionate about making wellness spaces more welcoming places for all people-- regardless of color, body size, and ability.
KRISTA ASHSHAHEED
Krista Ashshaheed is from Montezuma, Georgia. She is a graduate of Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama with a B.S. in Sales/Marketing and has a Masters of Public Administration from Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland. Krista is a Business Development Manager with Teaching Strategies. She has been employed with Teaching Strategies for over 7 years.
In 2010, Krista attended the annual health fair that was hosted by her previous employer to get a health screening and she found that her cholesterol levels were extremely high. So, she decided to change her diet and begin a workout program. She joined the gym and started working out all the time sometimes twice a day. After seeing results, she decided to hire a personal trainer to assist with toning and proper form and techniques for weight training.
For the last several years, she has maintained her weight and inspired others to change their lifestyle and replace bad habits with good habits. Krista has been able to assist several friends and family in their weight loss journey and decided to start A Squared Fitness and Health along with her husband as a way to inspire and motivate others to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle.
In December 2020, Krista and her husband Hasan opened 9Round Fitness. They wanted to bring 9Round Fitness to Washington, DC to offer a convenient full body workout in 30 minutes. They know that time and fitness are extremely important to the residents of Washington, DC and 9Round will bring both of those together.
9Round is a specialized fitness center for people who want a unique, fun, and proven workout that guarantees results. 9Round offers a kickboxing themed fitness program that incorporates a functional, interval, cardiovascular, and circuit training regimens. The programs consist of a proprietary system of nine challenging workout stations developed by a World Champion Kickboxer.
M E E T O U R I N S T R U C T O R S
DIONNE ELEBY
Since 2015, Dionne has taught hundreds of classes as a group fitness instructor for 305 Fitness and Cyclebar NOMA. In February 2021, Dionne launched CROWN FITNESS - a hard-hitting, rhythmic based, HIIT style workout, inspired by the
music and energy of her hometown, Atlanta, GA.
NICOLE FRANKS
Nicole caught the fitness bug in 2016 when she began teaching Zumba at her law school. She wanted to bring some joy to the campus and help students and staff decrease their stress. Currently, she is a 305 Fitness instructor and an NBA dancer.
JESSICA FEATHERSON
Jessica is the creator of the lifestyle brand and wellness platform WellBody.WellSoul. She is an IIN certified health coach
and has taught group fitness and private training in New York City, New Jersey, and Washington, DC since 2014. Her platform aims to help women of color thrive beyond survival through mindful fitness, holistic nutrition, and introspective self-work.
CANDY GLOVER
Candy is a D.C native, serving her purpose as a body movement guide and humanitarian who is dedicated to spreading light around the world through service and yoga. Beginning her yoga practice as a child, Candy has been consistent with her practice for the past 8 years. Having acquired her 200 hr and 300 yoga certifications, she has recently added pre-natal and rocket yoga to her offerings.
Understanding that wellness is not a luxury but a necessity, Candy is on a journey to make yoga accessible to all who seek to find their light and peace. Candy is on a mission to start a non-profit offering different wellness modalities to whoever may be in need. Candy’s desire to start a non-profit and guide others to fulfillment was sparked after many years traveling across town to teach in wellness spaces that did not cater to those with a familiar background as hers. Candy seeks to lift the invisible barrier and has made it her life’s work to make sure all have access to wellbeing. She believes in creating compassion for the earth and all beings through selfless service..
Candy is a D.C native, serving her purpose as a body movement guide and humanitarian who is dedicated to spreading light around the world through service and yoga. Beginning her yoga practice as a child, Candy has been consistent with her practice for the past 8 years. Having acquired her 200 hr and 300 yoga certifications, she has recently added pre-natal and rocket yoga to her offerings.
Understanding that wellness is not a luxury but a necessity, Candy is on a journey to make yoga accessible to all who seek to find their light and peace. Candy is on a mission to start a non-profit offering different wellness modalities to whoever may be in need. Candy’s desire to start a non-profit and guide others to fulfillment was sparked after many years traveling across town to teach in wellness spaces that did not cater to those with a familiar background as hers. Candy seeks to lift the invisible barrier and has made it her life’s work to make sure all have access to wellbeing. She believes in creating compassion for the earth and all beings through selfless service..
Can't make it? Support our communities by donating on Cash App ($allhailthecrtvs) or Venmo (@allhailthecrtvs).
