Women Rising Wellness Festival

Woman Rising Wellness Festival

An Experiential Fundraiser for Sista Afya Community Care, NFP

Sat. May 30, 2026 | Location: Gary Comer Youth Center

Women Rising is a restorative and empowering gathering built for the community and with the community. The festival brings together local instructors, therapists, creative practitioners, and wellness leaders to create an affirming space where every woman feels grounded, supported, and cared for.

Festival Experiences

Inspired by our mission to make mental wellness accessible and culturally relevant for women, the festival will include:

• Mindfulness, movement, and grounding practices

• Creative healing spaces including art therapy, journaling, and sound healing

• Mental wellness workshops led by licensed therapists

• A curated marketplace of women-owned wellness businesses

• Opportunities for shared storytelling and connection

Food & Beverage, Wellness, & Mental Wellness Vendors will also be on-site

About Sista Afya Community Care:

Sista Afya Community Care’s mission is to build sustainable mental wellness communities through providing affordable and culturally-centered community mental wellness care and education. Our vision is for women of color to have access to affordable, community-focused mental wellness care that centers their experiences.

We take a holistic approach to mental wellness care by supporting women with free individual therapy, support groups, workshops, and wellness classes that can create a long-lasting impact—changing the trajectory of their lives.

To learn more and donate visit: www.communitycare.sistaafya.com/donate

Info: Alderwoman Maria Hadden of the 49th ward will uplift the power of civic engagement and advocacy for women’s well-being in Chicago.

Info: Explore how herbalism can support women's health across every stage of life, from hormonal balance to stress relief and vitality. You'll leave with practical, natural tools to nurture your body and well-being from the inside out.

Info: Guided by Taylor Elane, ZEN is a blissful combination of gentle restorative yoga poses, breathwork, and sound healing. This session is a cozy, cloud-like space to be held in community care.

Info: Join in for a communal breathwork meditation designed to calm your nervous system and deepen your connection to both self and community. During this guided session, you’ll be led through intentional breathing techniques to quiet the mind, relax the body, and create space for inner awareness. We’ll then transition into reflective journaling, followed by an optional sharing circle in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Info: "Holistic Approaches to Reproductive Wellness" teaches community members about various evidence-based, culturally-centered reproductive wellness modalities including nutrition, exercise, hygiene, STD/STI testing, informed decision-making, mind-body practices, and alternative therapies. In this workshop, we also discuss the state of reproductive and sexual justice and the promising role of midwifery-led care in Black/Indigenous community healing.

Info: Join us for catered lunch hosted by the culinary program at Gary Comer Youth Center and enjoy connecting with our health and wellness vendors.

Info: This interactive session introduces a practical framework for sustainable self-care in high-demand environments. Participants will build a personalized "toolkit" to support their wellbeing, energy, and performance — leaving with actionable strategies they can immediately apply in their daily lives.

Info: Participants will explore the essential elements of retreat planning, from clarifying purpose and audience to curating meaningful experiences, selecting ideal locations, and structuring impactful agendas. Through guided reflection and practical tools, attendees will leave with a clear framework and initial concept for a retreat that aligns with their vision, values, and community needs!

Info: This fitness session begins with reflection, transitions into movement, and ends with a restorative cool down. Movement will include elements of cardio kickboxing synced to the beat of the music, bodyweight strength training, pilates, yoga, and mobility.

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Host or Publisher Sista Afya Community Care, NFP