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Inflamed Sisters Thriving Summit & Gala (2025)

Join us for our 3rd Annual Inflamed Sisters Thriving (IST) Summit & Gala.

The Birchwood Grand Ballroom in St. Petersburg, FL

Rescheduled – Saturday, March 8, 2025

2025 Inflamed Sisters Thriving Summit & Gala

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About

About the Summit and Gala

Due to Hurricane Milton the Inflamed Sisters Thriving Summit & Gala has been rescheduled to Saturday, 3/8/2025.

Location: The Birchwood in the Grand Ballroom in St. Petersburg, FL
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025

Our mission to empower women living with 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. 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 “Health & Resilience Strategies to Thrive Despite Inflammatory Disease” and “Business Essentials for Warriors Who Choose to Thrive Personally & Professionally” Panels. 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 Strength of Resilience Brunch—a perfect conclusion to this unforgettable weekend and a final opportunity to connect with an inspiring group of professionals.

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. Early Bird pricing ends Sunday, 12/9/2024. Ticket sales end on 3/3/2028.

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?

1. Chronic Illness Warriors: Individuals living with autoimmune diseases and chronic illnesses seeking inspiration, resources, and a supportive community to navigate their health journey.

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

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 receied 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.

Speaker & Sponsor Line-Up

Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Susan Lovelle, Award Winning Plastic Surgeon

CEO, Balanced Performance

Headshot picture of Catina Morrison. Brown-skinned professional woman in grey and purple suit, purple earrings, and natural braided hair.

Catina Morrison, RN, BSN, Future EMBA

President, Inflamed Sisters Thriving Inc

CEO, Nurse Loves Essentials LLC

Picture of Dr. Lashawn Lee-Weaver, Brown-skinned female doctor with white doctor's coat with tite on jacket including OB-GYN

Dr. LaShawn Weaver-Lee, Board-Certified OB/GYN Hospitalist

CEO & Founder theplantdoc Health & Behavior Coaching

Medical Director, Inflamed Sisters Thriving Inc

Headshot of Ashley Nicole. Brown-skinned female fitness professional in purple and black workout attire with shoulder length straight natural hair with a Apple watch on.

Ashley Nicole, Autoimmune Coach & Master Fitness & Nutrition Trainer

CEO, RA Warrior Fitness

Vice President, Inflamed Sisters Thriving Inc

Rana Rose headshot

Rana Rose, Accountant, MBA

CEO, Accounting with a Purpose LLC

Treasurer, Inflamed Sister Thring Inc

Ekeyah Wallace, MBA

Paradigm Financial Solutions, LLC

Community Initiatives Director, Inflamed Sisters Thriving Inc.

Dr. Jessica Samaroo, Naturopathic Physician, R.N.

C.E.O. Concierge IV Nurses

Waymon Jordan, Specialized Financial Planner

CEO, Jormac LLC

Sponsors

Nurse Loves Essentials Logo contains Nurse with a stethoscope forming the U in Nurse and a heart as the V in Loves followed by Essentials.

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.

RA Warrior Fitness logo

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.

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.

Waymon Jordan indeed has an impressive career in the financial services industry. His dedication to financial literacy and helping families achieve their financial goals is commendable. As the President of Jormac LLC, he has made significant strides in empowering clients to make informed financial decisions.
 
His journey from a Securities Representative to a specialized financial planner highlights his commitment to making an impact. His active and influential involvement in the African American Leadership Council further showcases his dedication to diversity and community engagement, making the audience feel connected and represented. 
 
Waymon’s comprehensive approach to financial planning, including retirement planning, mutual funds, annuities, managed accounts, life insurance, and mortgages, makes him a valuable resource for families seeking sound financial advice. His efforts to raise awareness about financial literacy are crucial in helping people understand and manage their finances effectively, providing a sense of security and confidence in their financial decisions. 
 
Waymon Jordan is a trusted and respected figure in his community, making a positive difference in the lives of many families.

Become a Sponsor or Vendor

Vendor, Sponsor & Speaker Opportunities

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 Medical Research: 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:*

  • Vendor – $250 (vendor option only)
  • Silver – $1,000 ( 10 available)
  • Gold – $5,000 (5 available)
  • Platinum – $10,000 (3 available)
  • Purple – $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 a personalized proposal click this link : Access IST Summit & Gala Sponsor Proposal
  • Payments will be made on this website confirming you have viewed, read and signed the proposal.

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 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.

Schedule

Event Schedule

3rd Annual Inflamed Sisters Thriving Summit & Gala – Event Schedule

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

**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 3/8/2025. All ticket sales end Monday, 3/3/2024. Email info@inflamedsistersthriving.org for questions or technical difficulty. Get your ticket while they last! 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 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.