Inflamed Sisters Thriving Summit & Gala (2025)

Catina Morrison, a registered nurse (RN, BSN) and future Executive MBA, is a testament to resilience, thriving while navigating multiple health challenges. Her extensive personal and professional experience makes her the ideal autoimmune disease and health equity consultant. Driven by her passion for healthcare and medical research equity, specifically for women with autoimmune disease, Catina shines as a talented to raise awareness to initiatives and the patient journey. She is skilled at connecting with others, inspiring them to accept diverse perspectives, and fostering supportive communities.

In 2021, Catina channeled her skill of connection on social media to start her business, Nurse Loves Essentials LLC, where she is an expert consultant that champions equity in healthcare and medical research and improved health outcomes for the chronically ill. Six months later Catina created the podcast, Inflamed Sisters Thriving, sharing the inspirational stories of women living with inflammatory conditions who have chosen to stop hiding and start thriving.  Within two years, she became the Founder and President of the 501(c)(3) non-profit, Inflamed Sisters Thriving Inc, where she fosters a resilient community and advocates for autoimmune and inflammatory disease awareness, while encouraging women to thrive personally and professionally without sacrificing their health.

Catina is a dynamic speaker, compassionate connecter, and profound blogger, who has graced the pages of Women’s Health Magazine, the Lakeland Ledger, and CanvasRebel, to name a few. Join Catina in leading positive change in health equity and  advocacy, ensuring that we all thrive together.

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.

Inflamed Sisters Thriving Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to empowering women facing autoimmune diseases and chronic illnesses, and your sponsorship will play a vital role in supporting our mission. 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.*

• • 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 IST Strength of Resilience Retreat.
  • 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.

Birchwood Hotel at the Grand Ballroom 340 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL (Directions)

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

14700 Terminal Blvd #221, Clearwater, FL 33762 • (727) 453-7800

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 Birchood 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. 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 and directions are linked here.

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 Resilience Brunch – 30 guests only

Location: Birch & Vine Courtyard at The Birchwood in St. Petersburg, FL

12:30 pm – 3:30 pm – Chef-Prepared Brunch Menu, Networking, Preparation for IST Retreat

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.