​The Power of Women in Innovation at ITAVcollab
The stories of Ma’Sheka, Lauren, and Shaiday are just a glimpse into the incredible impact of the women within our community. Their journeys reflect resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to change. They have overcome barriers, challenged industry norms, and built pathways for others to follow.

4 Takeaways from These Leaders:

• Wellness is not one-size-fits-all true innovation comes from integrating diverse approaches.
• Collaboration amplifies impact by working together, communities can create lasting change.
• Breaking barriers requires persistence women in wellness often face skepticism, but their work is essential for creating sustainable solutions.
• Impact doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful, small, consistent efforts lead to meaningful transformations.

Looking ahead, these women see a future where holistic health is fully integrated into everyday life, where community-driven wellness models replace quick-fix solutions, and where women continue leading the charge across the globe! 

Overcoming Challenges: Trusting the Journey

The path to leadership and community impact is never without obstacles. For Sydni, the biggest challenge was transitioning from working for others to working full-time for herself to better serve the community.  In addition to managing the demands of growing ITAVcollab, she had to navigate financial uncertainties, establish sustainable funding sources, and redefine her sense of professional stability. However, her passion for social justice and the unwavering support of her team kept her grounded. By leaning into collaboration, trust, and a shared vision, she has been able to build an organization that not only supports the community but also empowers those who lead within it.

Shoa faced challenges securing funding, especially in the competitive nonprofit space, where being a Black woman advocating for social justice initiatives can feel like working twice as hard to gain respect and investment. Additionally, the toll of burnout and the “superwoman complex” required her to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and lean on the support of her ITAVcollab team. “Balancing a full-time job while building this organization from the ground up has been overwhelming at times. But with a team that affirms my leadership and shares the workload, I’ve been able to sustain this work.”

The Most Meaningful Moments at ITAVcollab
Every initiative at ITAVcollab has played a role in shaping its mission, but some moments hold an especially deep meaning. “There have been so many meaningful moments at ITAVcollab , but what stands out most is witnessing the evolution of the organization and its natural alignment with holistic wellness. When we started, we didn’t know exactly what need we were meant to fulfill, but we took an approach that allowed the community to guide us. Through this process, we’ve grown into a wellness hub, and that journey itself is the most meaningful part of what we’ve accomplished.” — Shoa

For Sydni, one initiative stands above the rest:
The To Be Me program is my baby—it’s the work I am most passionate about. This program is deeply rooted in providing returning citizens with the support, community, and holistic self-care they need to successfully reintegrate. It has been incredible to see the impact it has had, not just on individuals but on entire communities. One of the most exciting moments was securing the largest organizational grant to expand the program into Prince George’s County, validating the work poured into the initiative.

Mentorship and the Power of Support
The women of ITAVcollab have not walked this journey alone. Mentorship and sisterhood have played a crucial role in their growth.

“Shoa has been a major influence in my journey. She has reminded me of who and whose I am in purpose and through resilience. As human beings, we go through seasons of doubt, loss, and discouragement. Shoa has encouraged me to remember, reinvent, and assert myself in true awareness, acceptance, and change to what I desire. I call her the ‘Aaron to my Moses before he went left’—IYKYK! God used her as a vessel to help me ground myself and move effortlessly in this work of health and wellness.” — Aishia

Shoa credits her mother, spiritual mentors, and fellow community leaders for guiding her path: “The interns and volunteers I’ve met along the way have shaped my leadership and the work we do. And, of course, the phenomenal women we’ve connected with in our mission to empower and equip Black women to thrive holistically have been powerful influences and teachers in this journey.” 

Advice for Women Looking to Make an Impact
For women hoping to create change—at ITAVcollab or in their own communities—these leaders offer simple yet profound advice: “Start where you are, trust that you are enough, and know that you can make a difference. Too often, we get caught up in perfectionism, forgetting that life isn’t about being perfect or having everything figured out. Embrace the uncertainty and do it scared—that’s part of the journey.” — Shoa


“Choose one specific focus and pour your all into it. It’s easy to feel like you have to do everything at once, but when you commit fully to one passion, all your other dreams and aspirations will naturally grow and blossom through your hard work and strategy. At the same time, don’t lose yourself in the process. Make it a priority to create time for yourself—rest, reflect, and recharge. Burnout is real, especially for Black women who are often expected to carry so much. Building a strong village of positivity and support is just as important as the work itself.” — Aishia

“Listen to your heart for guidance, seek support, and network, network, network. Participate in events of personal interest which will open doors and attract what you wish to manifest.” — Sydni

The Future of Women in ITAVcollab and the Wellness Space
The role of women at ITAVcollab is on the brink of a major evolution. With the leadership being defined,  the organization will deepen its focus on holistic health and wellness for historically resilient women. ITAVcollab is building a national model with the Self-Care Beyond the Surface approach, leading the way in reimagining wellness, healing, and justice-centered.

“In the future, I want to see more Black women in leadership positions within this space, not just doing the work but being fully supported, well-resourced, and recognized for the transformative impact we make.” — ITAVcollab Leadership Team 

Support Black-Owned Businesses That Prioritize Self-Love If you want to take your self-care game up a notch, support businesses that are all about our well-being:

• Embrace Yoga DC (embraceyogadc.com) – A yoga studio focused on mindfulness and wellness for people of color.
• The Black Girl Magic Store (theblackgirlmagicstore.com) – Offers journals, affirmation cards, and self-care kits made for Black women and femmes.
• Calabash Tea & Tonic (calabashtea.com) – A tea shop blending African and Caribbean traditions to create herbal teas perfect for relaxation.

At the end of the day, self-love isn’t just about feeling good, it’s about showing up for yourself, embracing your culture, and knowing your worth. Start where you are, do what feels right, and remember: you deserve to take up space, to rest, to heal, and to thrive.

Wellness as Resistance: A Right, Not a Privilege
Wellness in the Black community has always been about more than just physical fitness or eating well it’s about fighting for health justice and challenging a system that hasn’t always been equitable. From herbal remedies passed down through generations to the activism of the Civil Rights Movement, wellness has been a tool for empowerment, resilience, and resistance.
Today, Black people are continuing to reclaim their health, not just as a personal pursuit but as a collective right. Wellness has become a form of activism fighting for equal access to healthcare, mental well-being, and a healthier future for the next generation.
So, the next time you think about wellness, remember that it’s more than just a buzzword. It’s about justice, equity, and the power to take control of one’s health in a world that has often denied that power.
​Audre Lorde famously said, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." - Audre Lorde​

Tips for Balancing Kapha in Winter 
For those with Kapha tendencies, winter can feel heavy. Keep your energy light by:

• Changing your routine to avoid stagnation.
• Joining hot yoga classes or doing invigorating exercise.
• Eating light, spiced foods instead of heavy, fatty options.​

Winter is a time for reflection, but it can also bring challenges. By embracing Ayurvedic practices and balancing Kapha and Vata energies, you can navigate the season with greater ease and harmony. Remember to eat warming foods, stay active, and honor your body’s natural rhythms to find peace and vitality throughout the winter months.

As I started my day today, I felt a deep urge to remind you of something incredibly important: You are worthy. Worthy of rest. Worthy of care. Worthy of space to just be. In a world that often seems to be drowning in negativity, it’s so easy to forget that self-love, joy, healing, and abundance are not just things to aspire to—they are our birthright. And today, I want to remind you to own that truth.

We, as women of color, have often been told to shrink, to quiet ourselves, to play small. We’ve been handed limitations and expected to carry them as truths. But we are reclaiming our power. We have the ability to create the lives we deserve. We have the ability to create our own realities, free of the restrictions others try to impose on us.

This is why Aishia and I are so committed to the work we began five years ago. Our mission is clear: to create a community where Black women are both healers and the healed, supported by one another and thriving alongside our families. Every day, we take steps toward a future where we are free to fully embrace our strength, our joy, and our worth.

This is where you come in.
I want to invite you to join me for a special virtual experience designed to help you reconnect with yourself and nurture your well-being. On Monday, November 11th at 1:30 pm ET, I’ll be holding space for some intentional self-care during a free virtual Queen B.E.E Talks session. We’ll spend time decompressing, reflecting, and engaging in practices like meditation and breathwork to center ourselves and restore balance. It’s an opportunity to come together, recharge, and reset. Register Here!

But if you’re unable to make it on Monday, don’t worry. We have another exciting opportunity for you to connect and grow. Join us on Saturday, November 16th for the Queen B.E.E Talks Symposium, a day filled with vibrant energy, community connections, and essential insights for your well-being as we move into the winter season. It’s going to be a powerful event, and I would love for you to be a part of it.

In both of these spaces, my hope is that you’ll leave feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to shine even brighter. Remember, you are part of a beautiful, powerful sisterhood, and the time to embrace your full potential is now.

I hope to see you in one of these spaces soon. Keep shining your light, Queen.
The world needs it.
​
With love and light,
Shoa, Co-Founder of ITAVcollab 

Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life

• Start Small: Begin with short mindfulness exercises, such as a 5-minute meditation or focused breathing. Gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
• Mindful Moments: Incorporate mindfulness into everyday activities. Pay attention to the sensations of eating, walking, or even washing dishes. This can help you stay grounded in the present moment.
• Find Support: Join a mindfulness group or seek out resources specifically designed for Black women. Sharing experiences and strategies can be empowering.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself on your mindfulness journey. It's okay to have wandering thoughts; the key is to notice them without judgment and gently redirect your focus.

​
Mindfulness is not a panacea, but it is a powerful tool that can empower Black women to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and well-being. By incorporating mindfulness practices into their daily lives, Black women can cultivate self-compassion, reduce stress, and build emotional resilience. In a world that often overlooks their unique experiences, mindfulness provides a path to self-discovery, self-care, and empowerment. Embracing mindfulness is not just an act of self-love; it's a powerful act of self-preservation and growth.

​Reflection and Renewal
Juneteenth encourages us to reflect on the struggles and victories of those who fought for freedom and justice. It's a time to acknowledge the healing that comes from recognizing our shared history and embracing a future rooted in wellness and unity. For many, this day is a moment of renewal—a time to recommit to personal and collective healing practices that support our well-being. Engaging in wellness practices such as journaling, meditation, and walking can help us reflect and renew on this significant day. 

• Journaling allows us to process our thoughts and emotion 
• Meditation offers a space for inner peace and mindfulness 
•  Walking provides a physical outlet for releasing stress and connecting with nature 

These practices not only honor our past but also foster a sense of renewal and strength as we move forward together.

​As the chill of winter gives way to the warmth of summer, farmers' markets in the Washington metropolitan area come alive with the vibrant colors and flavors of the season.
​These community hubs offer more than just fresh produce; they provide an opportunity to connect with local farmers, artisans, and neighbors while supporting sustainable agriculture and small businesses.

​As It Takes a Village Collaborative ITAVcollab commemorates its 5th year of empowering communities, we are delighted to share insights from our dedicated board members. Through their experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of ITAVcollab’s mission and the significance of holistic health within our communities.