September 2, 2023

The Return to Self: Homecoming Weekend Conference 2023

History was made with the success of our 1st National Conference!

Watch the power of our community

About the Conference

Return to Self: Homecoming Weekend is a conference designed for Black women in Social Work to gain awareness of and embrace their self-identity beyond their professional and life demanding capacities. This is a 3-day intentional weekend of interactive self-exploration, pre and post events, and informative discussions about balance, self-care, and career sustainability for minority Social Work professionals and students.

Partners

Key Conference Features

  • Virtual Academic Drop-In

    Over 70 minority women and high school student attended our pre-event Academic Drop-In where 7 participating colleges and universities shared their Social Work program options and directly connected with potential applicants!

  • Professional Development

    Attendees delved into the Conference Main Event on Day One with a full day of instruction from 10 breakout presenters and 1 decorated keynote discussing topics ranging from burnout prevention, workforce trauma, boundary setting, self-care education, and career sustaining methodology.

  • Wellness Component

    On Day Two of the Conference Main Event, attendees were engaged in various self-care activities by 10 breakout facilitators providing wellness education and on-site self-care opportunities and technique development for daily implementation post event.

  • Networking Opportunities

    Attendees were provided with creative opportunities for networking that included a mixer activity during the conference’s opening, a members-only evening mixer, and a Farewell event with an esteemed speaker on Day Three of the conference with a focus on connection and community building.

  • Open Discussion

    A panel of Social Work professionals with diverse skillsets and backgrounds captivated attendees with an open discussion on what self-care promoting strategies and best workplace practices looks like for them in their respective roles in Hospice, School Social Work, Higher Education, and Macro Social Work.

  • Partner Connection

    Through activations and unique visibility, we provided opportunities for connecting with attendees to our conference partners through sponsorships, vending, and brand placement.

Testimonials

Don’t take our word for it - hear from attendees!

Congratulations to our Founder, Bodequia Simon, on being awarded the Pioneer Award by the College of Social Work at the University of South Carolina!

Meet the Keynote Speaker, Marline Francois-Madden, LCSW!

Meet our Farewell Event Speaker, Dr. Brandi Allen, DHA, MHA!

Get Ready for Homecoming 2025!

Homecoming Conference will be back bigger and better in 2025 in Charlotte, NC! Join the Waitlist for first dibs on updates and news including registration dates!

Breakout Presenters

Nikia Pratt, LCSW

Simone DePrima, LMSW

Sharise Nance, MSW, LCSW, CCTP

Michelle Goodloe, LCSW, MSW

Gwena'e Smith, LCSW

Tonisha Gordon

Dr. Kenyuatia Gash, DSW, LCSW, LCSW-C, BCD, MAC, CCTP

Constance McConnell, LCSW

Brianna Southern, MS, RYT-200

Jolisa Castell, LCSW, CCTP

Christina Broderick-Royes, LSW

Dr. Pam Turner, LCSW

Dr. La' Toya Nicole Edwards, LCSW

Chauntia Postell, LCSW

Resia Cooper, MSW

Danielle Bailey, LCSW-BACS

Taijah Bell, LMSW

Joi Britt, LCSW

Maya Robinson, LSW

Dr. Shayla Polk, LCSW

Thank you to our Conference Partners!

Tiered Sponsors

Collegiate Partners

Swag Bag Partners

Get Connected

Become a member of our community for year-long connection!

Get Ready for Homecoming 2025!

Homecoming Conference will be back bigger and better in 2025 in Charlotte, NC! Join the Waitlist for first dibs on updates and news including registration dates!