September 2-4, 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
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!