April 23-25, 2026

Ascend: Together in Purpose in the Face of Change

Capital Turnaround 700 M St SE, Washington, DC 20003

The 4th Annual Black Women in Food Summit is the premier event celebrating the talent, resilience, and innovation in the food industry. From renowned chefs and restaurateurs to food writers, food justice advocates, farmers, and food entrepreneurs, this Summit is the epicenter of culinary excellence, knowledge-sharing, wellness and empowerment.

We are living through a time marked by social, economic, and political shifts that impact our food systems and the communities they serve. Ascend: Together in Purpose in the Face of Change calls us to meet this moment with intention, creativity, and support for one another. As we gather, we rise by harnessing the strength of our community to redefine what's possible and chart a future of our own design.

3 days of transformative experiences with 40+ speakers, learning and networking.

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HOST

Courtnee Futch-Brinson

Chef, Mixologist, & Storyteller

KEYNOTE

Toni Tipton-Martin

Author, Editor & Historian

KEYNOTE MODERATOR

TV Host & Content Creator

Alex Hill

MARKETPLACE MC

Onosetale Ijewere

Content Creator

Speakers

Kardea Brown-Smith, TV Host, Chef, & Author

Robin McBride, McBride Sisters Wine Company

Angela Johnson, Uber Eats

Amber Hewett, To Be Hosted & Author

Nana Araba Wilmot, Chef & Love That I Knead Supperclub

Andy Allo, Actor & Chef, Aköne

Vallery Lomas, Baker & Author

Camari Mick, Executive Pastry Chef

Anela Malik, Content Creator & Author

Ozoz Sokoh, Historian, Educator & Author

Klancy Miller, Writer & Author

Debra Freeman, Food Journalist

Cha McCoy, Certifed Sommelier & Author

Audarshia Townsend, SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal

Aba Kwawu, TAA PR

Trudy Halliman, Flik

Dr. Brittany Conners, Optimistic Theory

Aja Clark, JP Morgan Chase

Dawn Kelly, The Nourish Spot

Sheree Williams, The Global Food and Drink Initiative

Dr. Michele Hoskins, Michele Foods

Dr. Erica Park, Erica Park MD Healthcare Consulting

Patrice McGloin, Rethink Food

I-shi Patterson Stuart, Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington

Melissa Jones, Edible Activist

Richea Jones, Diaspora Groceries

Jomaree Pinkard, Hella Cocktail Co. & Included CPG

Tambra R. Stevenson, WANDA

Schedule

April 23: Executive

12 PM - 8 PM

Executive Leadership Lunch

Executive Workshop

Reception

April 24: Conference

10 AM - 10 PM

Keynote, Panels & Workshops

Advising & Coaching

Book Signings

Portrait Studio

Fireside Chat

Restaurant Activations

April 25: Community Day

9 AM - 5 PM

BWIF Members Circle Meeting

Service Learning Experiences

Pitch Competition

Marketplace

Passes

EXECUTIVE

Intentionally convene with strategic leaders and decision-makers to cultivate high-value connections and engage in critical conversations that drive meaningful impact.