Embrace You W.E.L.L Workshops 2024-2025

For the past three years, the Embrace You W.E.L.L. Workshops have been a space for movement, nourishment, and meaningful conversation. Originally launched as ENHANCE, this program began in 2022 as a grant-funded outreach and education initiative supported by the Black Physicians & Healthcare Network (BPHN). What started as a response to the need for accessible health education quickly grew into a trusted wellness series designed to meet people where they are.

The first two years of the program were held virtually, offering a community during a time of isolation and uncertainty. Participants logged in from across Montgomery County to learn about the connections between weight, wellness, food, and chronic disease prevention. Even in a virtual setting, community flourished. There were real questions, honest reflections, and consistent engagement from returning participants.

This year marked a powerful transition. Reintroduced as the Embrace You W.E.L.L. Walk & Workshops, the series expanded into a fully in-person format, bringing together our signature Embrace You W.E.L.L. Walk With a Doc community walks and interactive workshops focused on food, nutrition, and lifestyle shifts. We gathered in real spaces to share stories, ask questions, and support one another on a journey toward sustainable, whole-person health. (Photos from previous virtual and in-person sessions are included below.)

BPHN's support has been instrumental in helping us grow this program into a trusted space for wellness, education, and community connection. Because of this collaboration, we’ve been able to reach more people, offer richer conversations, and create meaningful change in the lives of those we serve.

W.E.L.L. WALKS

W.E.L.L. stands for Walk, Eat, Live Lighter, and throughout this season, we stayed rooted in that mission. With 20 expert-led sessions and insights from 10 different speakers, we explored key topics like heart health, bone strength, mental wellness, and sustainable eating habits. Each session offered practical guidance and created space for participants to reflect, ask questions, and build habits that fit their real lives. We equip our community with strategies, mindset shifts, and resources to make sustainable wellness a reality.

A major highlight of this season was our continued partnership with GirlTrek, a national movement for Black women’s wellness. With the support of Habibah Jackson, a local leader and expert walk leader, and her TAPS GirlTrek Crew, we came together for multiple walks, united in the spirit of community wellness. Vanessa Garrison, co-founder of GirlTrek, also joined us for a few walks. Together, we expanded our reach even further, amplifying the message that wellness is a right, not a luxury, and that sisterhood can be one of the strongest tools for healing.

Thanks to the Black Physicians & Healthcare Network, we were able to offer this experience to our community with care and intention. Their belief in prevention, culturally relevant education, and community-first approaches helped make this possible.

To our incredible speakers, thank you for your time, expertise, and compassion. Your passion, insight, and presence brought each workshop to life. Your voices encouraged change, sparked reflection, and reminded us all of the power of expert guidance delivered with heart.

To every participant who showed up, thank you! You took a step toward yourself every time you walked through the door, asked a question, or set a new goal. Your energy is what made this season so impactful.

A heartfelt thank you to the Embrace You team, Cecelia and Jasmine, whose dedication and behind-the-scenes work helped make each walk and workshop a meaningful experience for our community.

While the W.E.L.L. Workshops have paused for now, our biweekly Walk With a Doc events will continue. These walks remain a consistent, welcoming space for movement, conversation, and continued community care.

Visit our Registration Page to stay updated on upcoming walks and future wellness offerings.

With gratitude,

Dr. Sylvia & The Embrace You Team

Resources

The Black Physicians & Healthcare Network (BPHN) - A network of physicians and professionals committed to providing quality health care and resources to Black residents in Montgomery County.

GirlTrek - We’re a global movement of Black women leveraging the historic legacy of walking and the power of self-care as a pathway to heal and transform our lives.

Black Girls Run - The goal of “Black Girls Run” is to encourage and motivate black women to practice a healthy lifestyle.