Whew! It’s been a minute, hasn’t it?
Between building brands, managing multiple businesses, navigating motherhood, and wearing my nonprofit hat, life has been anything but still. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned this season, it’s that grace and growth often go hand in hand, especially when you’re deeply invested in community work.
This post is part life update, part reflection, and part behind the scenes peek into a powerful moment that recently unfolded: the Byrd Cancer Foundation’s All Things Cancer + Wellness Expo, which took place on April 19, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hotel Center City Philadelphia. As both the project manager and Executive Director, this event meant everything to me, and not just in a professional sense. It felt personal. It was personal.
The All Things Cancer + Wellness Expo is more than just an event. It’s an experience that centers healing, equity, awareness, and joy in the lives of those impacted by cancer. We wanted it to be a celebration of life, advocacy, and the people who show up every day to make change happen. And that’s exactly what it became.
From the moment the doors opened, the energy was electric. Vendors showed up with love, survivors walked with courage, families gathered with hope, and our team moved with purpose.
The expo was one chapter, not the whole book. We’re already working on the next wave of outreach, partnerships, and expansion. As a Black immigrant woman leading this work, I’m intentional about creating space not only for education and advocacy, but also for joy, healing, and transformation.
This season is about creating a deeper impact, growing sustainably, and honoring the lived experiences of the communities we serve.
If you’ve been rocking with me since the early blogging days, thank you. And if you’re new here, welcome to the journey. I promise to share more often, and more consistently. Accountability accepted.
There’s so much happening behind the scenes, and I can’t wait to share more of it with you.
To my fellow nonprofit leaders, community advocates, and changemakers, keep going.
Your work matters.
Your story matters.
Learn More about Byrd Cancer Foundation and the work that we do by visiting www.byrdcancerfoundation.org
Dr. Nia Imani Bailey, President/Founder of Byrd Cancer Foundation and I, Trudean Haye, Executive Director of Byrd Cancer Foundation
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