The Birchwood Grand Ballroom in St. Petersburg, FL
Saturday, March 8, 2025
2025 Inflamed Sisters Thriving Summit & Gala
Birch & Vine at the Birchwood
Sunday, March 9, 2025
IST Executive Roundtable Brunch
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About the Summit & Gala
About the Summit and Gala
Location: The Birchwood in the Grand Ballroom in St. Petersburg, FL
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025
Our mission is to empower women living with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases to thrive personally and professionally with trusted resources, a supportive community, and health equity and advocacy alliances.
Prepare to embark on a journey of empowerment to stop hiding and thriving at the 3rd Annual Inflamed Sisters Thriving Summit & Gala! Set against the beautiful backdrop of vibrant ocean views of Downtown St. Petersburg, this transformative event is more than a gathering—it’s a celebration of the strength of resilience, a safe space for education, collaboration and inspiration to thrive personally and professionally.
On Saturday, March 8, 2025, International Women’s Day, our Summit & Gala promises to be the highlight of the year, bringing together up to 200 like-minded individuals during Autoimmune Awareness Month. Immerse yourself in expert panel discussions, explore holistic well-being, and delve into strategies for financial and professional success. A renowned keynote speaker will grace the event, and a chef-prepared buffet with three magnificent options including a choice of pescatarian and vegan will elevate your culinary experience with delectable options.
This year’s formal Gala theme, “The Purple Flame of Resilience Thrives,” symbolizes the strength of resilience within each attendee, united in the pursuit of personal and professional triumph over inflammatory diseases. The health focus will be inflammatory diseases of the skin, spotlighted by our renowned keynote speaker, Dr. Susan Lovelle, former award-winning Plastic Surgeon, author, and CEO of Balanced Performance.
In this empowering keynote, “Beyond the Surface: Healing to Thrive with Inflammatory Skin Conditions in Women of Color,” Dr. Susan Lovelle dives deep into the unique challenges women of color face when navigating inflammatory skin conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, and eczema. With a blend of cutting-edge medical knowledge and lifestyle health approaches, she will explore the root causes of these conditions—heredity, gut health, and autoimmune factors—and offer practical solutions for healing from the inside out. Through personal stories, expert insights, and actionable strategies, Dr. Lovelle will inspire you to take control of your health, build resilience, and reclaim your skin’s natural radiance.
You will be thrilled by all the insightful shares from our expert panelist during the panels, “Health & Resilience Strategies to Thrive Despite Inflammatory Disease” and “Business Essentials for Warriors Who Choose to Thrive Personally & Professionally.” We are excited to spotlight Nutrition Awareness Month, with an engaging talk, “The Impact of Plant-Based Eating on Autoimmune Disease,” by Dr. LaShawn Weaver-Lee, a Board-Certified OB, GYN Hospitalist, and CEO of ThePlantDoc Health and Behavior Coaching LLC.
The journey doesn’t end there. On Sunday, March 9, 2024, a select few have the opportunity to engage in the IST Executive Roundtable Brunch, an exclusive, invitation-only event bringing together executives from non-profits, medical research institutions, healthcare organizations, and pharmaceutical companies. We look forward to hosting this impactful event and fostering partnerships that will make a lasting difference for women living with inflammatory diseases.
You don’t want to miss an event that educates you on the best personal health strategies to keep you thriving professionally with a community that thrives together.
Click “Register” below and join us on March 8, 2024. Ticket sales end on 2/28/2025.
Why Attend?
The Inflamed Sisters Thriving Summit & Gala isn’t just an event; it’s a movement—a celebration of life, a platform for learning, and a catalyst for positive change for the autoimmune and inflammatory disease community. By attending, you contribute to a cause greater than yourself, supporting our 501(c)(3) organization’s mission is to empower women facing autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions to thrive personally and professionally. Your contribution helps us to continue to create safe spaces, provide wellness and professional resources for the chronically ill, and champion diverse and inclusive medical research.
Who Should Attend?
2. Health and Wellness Advocates: Professionals and advocates dedicated to promoting holistic well-being, mental health, and resilience within the chronic illness community.
3. Business Professionals: Entrepreneurs and professionals interested in strategies for achieving professional success while prioritizing health and well-being.
4. Research Enthusiasts: Individuals keen on advancing medical research, diversity, and inclusion within the healthcare space.
5. Community Builders: Those passionate about fostering connections, collaborations, and a sense of belonging among individuals facing health challenges.
6. Supportive Allies: Friends, family members, and allies who want to learn, support, and contribute to the empowerment of women thriving despite chronic illnesses.
Join us in this empowering journey of resilience, education, and celebration. Be part of a community that thrives together!
Event Highlights
Saturday, March 8, 2024: Summit and Gala (5:30 pm – 10:30 pm):
– Expert panel discussions on inflammatory disease challenge, holistic well-being, health equity, trusted financial and business strategies, and more
– Renowned keynote speaker and inspiring talks
– Chef-prepared buffet with chicken, fish, vegan options, and an assortment of desserts
–A safe space for up to 200 like-minded professionals to network, collaborate, and learn to thrive personally and professionally
– Raffle, auction, entertainment and dancing
– Inflamed Sister Thriving of the Year and IST Achievement Award – Winners Announced
Sunday, March 9, 2025, IST Resilience Brunch (12:30 pm – 2:30 pm)
– Chef prepared menu limited to 30 guests in a beautiful courtyard at the Birch & Vine restaurant located at The Birchwood.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
1/14/2025
Announcing the addition of the IST Executive Roundtable Brunch being hosted on 3/9/2025 at the Birch and Vine at the Birchwood. See About the IST Executive Roundtable Brunch.
11/25/2024: Black Friday Sale:
This Black Friday through Cyber Monday, we’re offering our BIGGEST discount yet for the Inflamed Sisters Thriving Summit & Gala on March 8, 2025—15% off ticket.
10/8/2025: Event Update:
The new date for the Inflamed Sisters Thriving Summit and Gala is now Saturday, 3/8/2025.
10/7/2024: Important Notice:
For the safety of our guests due to the impending Hurricane Milton, which is expected to impact Florida, particularly the evacuation zones in St. Petersburg, we have made the difficult decision to reschedule the Inflamed Sisters Thriving Summit and Gala.
A new date for the event will be provided within the next 24-48 hours. We kindly ask that you adjust your travel plans accordingly, and most importantly, stay safe during this time.
As of now, we will host the Summit portion virtually on Saturday, October 12, 2024, with more details to follow. The Gala will follow on the new date to be announced by our event venue.
All payments recevied will be applied to the rescheduled date.
If you have not purchased a ticket and would now like to attend the Virtual Summit, please visit our event webpage and select the Replay which will be the donation for our Virtual option.
Please stay tuned for updates, and thank you for your understanding and continued support. Be safe!
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Here are your options for attending this event:
- Summit & Gala Only on 10/12/2024.
- VIP – Includes Summit & Gala ticket, IST Swag Bag, Resilience Brunch on 10/13/2024, 3 raffle tickets, and the replay with access to the Inflamed Sisters Thriving Community to view.
- Can’t attend in-person? You can purchase the replay with access to the Inflamed Sisters Thriving Community to view.
- In the event that the event is rescheduled, all funds paid will be applied to the the new date for the event.
**Note:
** All tickets are non-refundable. **
Purple formal attire, themed “The Purple Flame Thrives,” is requested for the Gala. All details and updates will be communicated via email and on our website.
About the Executive Roundtable Brunch
About the Executive Roundtable Brunch
We’re excited to announce that the IST Executive Roundtable Brunch, an exclusive invitation-only event bringing together executives from non-profits, medical research institutions, healthcare organizations, and pharmaceutical companies.
Date: March 9, 2025
Location: Birch & Vine Restaurant, Birchwood Hotel, St. Petersburg, FL
This event will provide a unique opportunity for leaders to collaborate on advancing health equity, patient advocacy, diversity in clinical trials, and inclusive workplace practices for individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
Key Topics of Discussion:
- Breaking Barriers in Medical Research: Strategies to increase participation of marginalized communities in clinical trials.
- Health Equity in Chronic Disease Management: Bridging the gap in care for women with inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
- Corporate Responsibility and DEI Initiatives: Creating inclusive work environments that support employees living with chronic illnesses.
- Community Partnerships and Alliances: Building meaningful collaborations to improve health outcomes.
Opportunities for Attendees:
- Network with industry leaders and decision-makers
- Form partnerships that drive impactful initiatives
- Collaborate on innovative strategies for improving healthcare outcomes
- Promote your organization’s leadership in health equity and inclusion
We look forward to hosting this impactful gathering and fostering partnerships that will make a lasting difference for women and men living with inflammatory diseases.
Use this link to complete the form for review of your attendance to this exclusive event. Executives who are confirmed guest to the Summit and Gala will be considered.
Become a Sponsor or Vendor
Vendor, Sponsor & Speaker Opportunities
As a sponsor, you will receive prominent exposure and a range of benefits based on your chosen tier, helping elevate your brand while making a meaningful impact.
1. Empowering Women: Your contribution directly supports initiatives that empower women facing autoimmune diseases and chronic illnesses to thrive personally and professionally.
2. Advancing Health Equity: Inflamed Sisters Thriving actively contributes to diverse and inclusive medical research. Your donation plays a crucial role in supporting initiatives that aim to improve understanding and treatments for chronic illnesses.
3. Creating a Supportive Community: We are dedicated to fostering a community where women can connect, share experiences, and find strength in resilience. Your support helps us create resources and a safe space where every woman feels understood, supported, and empowered.
*Sponsor Tiers:*
- Bronze Sponsor – $250 (vendor option only)
- Silver Sponsor – $1,000 ( 10 available)
- Gold Sponsor – $5,000 (5 available)
- Platinum Friend – $10,000 (3 available)
- Purple Partner – $25,000 (Only One (1) Corporate Partner)
*Each Tier includes 1 or more of the below. Specific details are included in the IST Summit & Gala Sponsor Proposal and Register section.*
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- Marketing on our website, blog, social media, and event platforms and banners.
- Podcast mentions, ads, interviews, and or takeover.
- Featured on the Resources page on our website.
- Featured ad in the Nurse Loves Essentials Blog.
- Featured in digital swag & gift bags with links and products provided by the sponsor.
- Speaker and/or vendor opportunities.
- Priority access to attend the event with a select number of guests.
- Networking and connections with chronic illness advocates and partners.
- Vendor table, linens, and dinner for 1 person (does not include assistant).
- Mentions in applicable features in newspaper, magazine, podcast and radio advertising.
- Access to Executive Roundtable Brunch.
- Support for your company’s initiatives.
- For inquiries, email info@inflamedsistersthriving.org or contact by phone or text (813) 421-2475.
- To view and/or download a pdf version of our sponsor package click the link: View/Download Sponsor Package here.
- To have a personalized proposal emailed to you select the link, Access IST Summit & Gala Sponsor Proposal here.
- Payments will be made on this website confirming you have viewed, read and signed the proposal.
Speaker & Sponsor Line-Up
Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Susan Lovelle, Award Winning Plastic Surgeon
CEO, Balanced Performance
Catina Morrison, RN, BSN, Future EMBA
President, Inflamed Sisters Thriving Inc
CEO, Nurse Loves Essentials LLC
Dr. LaShawn Weaver-Lee, Board-Certified OB/GYN Hospitalist
CEO & Founder theplantdoc Health & Behavior Coaching
Medical Director, Inflamed Sisters Thriving Inc
Ashley Nicole, Autoimmune Coach & Master Fitness & Nutrition Trainer
CEO, RA Warrior Fitness
Vice President, Inflamed Sisters Thriving Inc
Rana Rose, Accountant, MBA
CEO, Accounting with a Purpose LLC
Treasurer, Inflamed Sister Thring Inc
Dr. Jessica Samaroo, Naturopathic Physician, R.N.
C.E.O. Concierge IV Nurses
Waymon Jordan, Specialized Financial Planner
CEO, Jormac LLC
Sponsors
Gold SponsorCatina Morrison: Championing Health Equity and Empowerment through Nurse Loves Essentials
Catina Morrison is a Registered Nurse, healthcare strategist, and founder of Nurse Loves Essentials LLC, a consulting business dedicated to advancing health equity for women with autoimmune and chronic illnesses. Inspired by her personal journey with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and endometriosis, Catina established Nurse Loves Essentials to address the gaps in healthcare access, equity, and outcomes for marginalized communities.
Through her consulting work, Catina leverages over 24 years of healthcare experience to drive systemic change. She partners with organizations to create inclusive research practices, improve clinical data quality, and design equitable healthcare solutions. Nurse Loves Essentials also serves as a platform for education and advocacy, amplifying the voices of women living with autoimmune diseases and empowering them to reclaim their health and wellness.
Catina’s passion for promoting resilience and equity extends beyond consulting. She provides speaking engagements, workshops, and resources that inspire individuals and organizations to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare. Her work continues to break barriers, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to thrive, both personally and professionally.
Silver Sponsor
Ashley Nicole, the dynamic founder and master trainer of RA Warrior Fitness, epitomizes strength and resilience. As an NFPT-certified professional in personal training, fitness nutrition, endurance, and strength training, she not only leads by example but also educates and inspires. Her personal journey with rheumatoid arthritis has not only shaped her character but also her career, driving her to develop tailored approaches that prioritize holistic well-being.
Established on January 27, 2020, RA Warrior Fitness is more than a fitness program; it’s a movement dedicated to empowering women with autoimmune conditions. Under Ashley’s guidance, the organization focuses on enhancing life quality by alleviating joint discomfort and boosting energy. This is achieved through a unique blend of faith, food, and fitness. Ashley’s mantra, “Making RHEUM to RISE,” encapsulates her philosophy of overcoming limitations and reaching new heights of personal achievement.
Ashley’s passions extend beyond the gym. A devout follower of Jesus, she cherishes her family, relishes in the joys of fitness and food, and is an avid football and music enthusiast. Her remarkable achievements include competing as a professional bodybuilder with prestigious organizations such as the Global Bodybuilding Organization (GBO), Natural Fit Federation (NFF), and ON-X Naturals. Furthermore, her expertise and impact in the fitness industry have been recognized through her participation in the Women’s Health and Men’s Health Strength in Diversity Initiative.
A respected figure in health and fitness, Ashley has graced the pages of Women’s Health Magazine and garnered accolades from the Arthritis Foundation, Inflamed Sisters Thriving, Inc., among other notable recognitions. She one of the courageous co-authors of I Am Worthy: Empowering Stories and Affirmations to Encourage Healing and Resilience.
Originally from Florence, Alabama, Ashley now brings her vibrant spirit and invaluable expertise to Dallas, Texas. Embracing her roots and new surroundings alike, she fondly describes herself as a “Bama girl living in a Texas world” – a testament to her adaptability and joyous embrace of life’s journey.
Silver Sponsor
At CamiCorp, we are passionate about transforming workplaces through strategic, inclusive, and human-centered HR solutions. Founded by Camilla Young, MBA—a seasoned HR leader with over 20 years of expertise across industries—CamiCorp is dedicated to helping startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses build resilient, engaged, and high-performing teams.
Our Mission
CamiCorp empowers businesses to become strategic, mitigate risks, and foster equitable opportunities for Women of Color (WOC) and Women of Color with chronic illnesses. We aim to create work environments where diverse talent can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
What We Do
CamiCorp offers a comprehensive suite of HR consulting services tailored to the unique needs of businesses.
Why Choose CamiCorp?
CamiCorp goes beyond traditional HR consulting by integrating empathy and innovation into every solution. We understand the unique challenges faced by startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, as well as the value of inclusivity in driving success. Our tailored approach ensures measurable results, whether it’s improving workforce engagement, streamlining HR processes, or enhancing workplace culture.
Partner with CamiCorp to unlock your organization’s full potential while championing diversity and inclusion. Together, we’ll build a future where talent knows no limits.
Silver Sponsor
Rana Rose is the owner of Accounting with a Purpose, LLC. She has been an Accounting professional for 30 years who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and an MBA. She has had the opportunity to work for small to medium-sized companies, publicly-traded to private companies, and government entities to nonprofit organizations. During her last 10 years in corporate, she honed her accounting and budgeting experience with companies in the non-profit and local government sector ensuring fiscal responsibility while streamlining processes, increasing efficiency, and driving growth. During her corporate career, she’s had the privilege of being the financial steward for budgets ranging from $10M to upwards of $280M. Due to the wealth of knowledge, education, and experience gained on her corporate journey, she decided to use her expertise by pivoting from corporate to becoming an entrepreneur.
With God’s blessing, she started her company Accounting with a Purpose, LLC. Passionate about giving back to her community, her company is based in the greater Dallas, TX area but serve clients across the US. She helps small businesses financially invest in themselves by providing bookkeeping, income tax, and consulting services resulting in revenue growth and tax savings. Her company not only provides businesses with their financial information but serves as their financial partner to guide and educate them to ensure they are equipped with the proper information to make sound business decisions.
Successful small businesses are the goal of her company with nonprofits being near and dear to her heart. It is an honor and privilege for her to serve a nonprofit whose mission and purpose is to help, educate, and advocate for the chronically ill. She looks forward to using her financial expertise to contribute to IST’s success story.
Dr. Susan Lovelle, speaker, author, and a former award-winning plastic surgeon, is the Founder of Balanced Performance where she blends medical expertise with holistic wellness to enhance the personal and professional performance of busy executives and the teams they lead.
An esteemed author and recognized expert on platforms like DWEN and Liberty Mutual, Dr. Susan imparts actionable strategies for energy optimization, stress reduction, and overall health improvement. Her insights are more than theoretical; they are practical tools that have demonstrated effectiveness for leaders at the pinnacle of the business world.
Focused on optimizing energy, reducing stress, and improving hormonal balance, her innovative programs ensure continued business success while protecting personal health and well-being.
Dr. Susan covers popular topics that directly affect productivity and well-being, from work-life balance strategies to the significance of self-care. She emphasizes the impact of personalized nutrition, sleep, and hormones on productivity and energy levels, while also offering effective stress reduction techniques to cultivate a more balanced life.
Her unique gift is to inspire audiences to prioritize their health and embrace a lifestyle that nourishes them holistically throughout each of the 1440 minutes in their day.
Dr. Susan has worked with companies such as Liberty Mutual and DWEN and been featured on The Doctors, the docu-series Exhausted, Lifetime TV, Forbes, KNOW Women, and Good Morning Washington. Her book, Thrive! The Five-Week Guide to Mastering Your Energy At Any Age is available on Amazon.
Vendors
Venue, Hotels, & Parking
The Venue
Birchwood Hotel at the Grand Ballroom 340 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL (Directions)
Recommended Airports
For guests traveling by plane to attend the event, the following airports are recommended.
Tampa International Airport (Highly Recommended)
4100 George J Bean Pkwy, Tampa, FL 33607 · (813) 870-8700
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport
(727) 453-7800
Recommended Hotels, Directions, & Parking
Please note there are no blocked rooms or affiliations with the following hotels, and no guarantees for availability. Inflamed Sisters Thriving Inc is not responsible for providing accommodations; however, we are supplying a list of locations that you can choose at your own discretion.
The Birchwood Inn is a beautiful 18 room boutique hotel located at The Birchwood. The venues for our 2-day event are all located here. Rooms will go quickly. Use this link to book at Birchwood Inn directly.
The Birchwood has kindly provided a list of nearby hotels. Select this link for a details: Recommended Nearby Hotels.
Directions & Parking Information:
- Parking by valet has been pre-arranged for the Summit & Gala and will be available for $20. There is limited parking in front of The Birchwood, however, there are several parking garage options available within walking distance. We highly suggest using Uber or Lyft to avoid any challenges with parking if you are not staying at or within walking distance of the venue. A list of parking options and directions are linked here.
Schedule
Event Schedule
3rd Annual Inflamed Sisters Thriving Summit & Gala – Event Schedule
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Saturday, March 8, 2024: Summit & Gala Up to 200 guests
Location: The Birchwood at the Grand Ballroom in St. Petersburg, FL
5:15 pm – 6:00 pm – Registration, Networking with Passed Hors d’oeuvres, Welcome
6:00 pm – 6:55 pm – Dinner
6:55 pm – 7:25 pm – Health & Resilience Strategies to Thrive Despite Inflammatory Disease – Expert Panel with Q&A
7:25 pm – 7:55 pm – Business Essentials for Warriors Who Choose to Thrive Personally & Professionally – Expert Panel with Q&A
7:55 pm – 8:10 pm – Break/Dessert
8:10 pm – 8:25 pm – The Impact of Plant-Based Eating on Autoimmune Disease
8:25 pm – 8:55 pm – Keynote Speech: Beyond the Surface: Healing to Thrive With Inflammatory Skin Conditions in Women of Color
8:55pm – 9:15pm – The IST “Not So Silent” Auction & Raffle
9:15pm – 10:30pm – Thank You! Networking, Entertainment, Music, Dancing
Sunday, March 9, 2024: IST Executive Rountable Brunch– 30 guests only
Location: Birch & Vine Courtyard at The Birchwood in St. Petersburg, FL
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Chef-Prepared Brunch Menu. A detailed itinerary will be shared exclusively with invited guests.
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**Note:** This schedule and event date is subject to change. All purchases will be applied to the new date if the event is rescheduled. There are no refunds. Limited in-person tickets are available. Purple formal attire is requested for the Gala. Purple is preferred not required. All details and updates will be communicated via email and on our website. For inquiries, email info@inflamedsistersthriving.org or contact by phone or text (813) 421-2475.
Register
Early Bird ticket sales end 1/17/2025. All ticket sales end Friday, 2/28/2025. Email info@inflamedsistersthriving.org for questions or technical difficulty. Registration is completed after purchase. There are no refunds.
FAQ
Is this event only for women?
No. Men are welcome to attend the Summit & Gala. Men and women face similar challenges striving to manage their health and business successfully. This event will benefit both men and women providing strategies for health and wellness, marketing, networking and collaboration.
What should I be prepared for?
Be prepared to be inspired, educated and motivated to stop hiding and start thriving in all aspects of health, wellness and business. Expect many gems to be shared, so be prepared to take notes. We encourage you to be open to networking and getting to know others within the chronic illness community, as well as local and national businesses. We encourage building community and seeking opportunities to collaborate and grow together.
What is the suggested dress code?
The required attire is formal. The theme is “The Purple Flame Thrives.” A variation of purple formal attire is requested and highly suggested but not required.
Can the registration be transferred to a someone else?
Yes – a minimum of 2 weeks notice must be provided in writing. Please email us at info@inflamedsistersthriving.org with the person’s full name and your receipt details. There are no refunds for all purchases.
Where can I find information on the venue/accommodations?
Your payment does not include the cost of accommodations. You will need to secure your own hotel accommodations. The venue location and a list of recommended hotels will be provided above and linked here. We recommend you consider a local airbnb option as well.
What do we do for parking?
Parking by valet has been pre-arranged for the Summit & Gala and will be available for $20. The Birchwood also has limited valet parking available. There is limited parking in front of The Birchwood, however, there are several parking garage options available within walking distance. We highly suggest using Uber or Lyft to avoid any challenges with parking if you are not staying at or within walking distance of the venue. A list of parking options are linked here.