Positively Beautiful: Girls Rule the World Retreat

A Celebration of Culture and Resilience

The weekend’s theme—“Positively Beautiful: Girls Rule the World”—was truly brought to life. Women arrived dressed in vibrant cultural attire. Each color and textile told a unique story. Family dishes filled the tables, connecting generations. Participants shared recipes that carried the rich flavors of home. This simple act of gathering around food became a powerful expression of identity and community. It was more than just a retreat; it was a space where women felt seen and honored.

Centering Healing and Faith

The second day began with a grounding prayer from Dr. Sande Bailey Gwinn. This set a mindful tone for a day of renewal and reflection. Facilitators such as Kendra Wills, Brooke Wills, Dawn Richardson, Naimah O’Neal, Ciella, and Tizita led inspiring workshops. They offered sessions on vision boarding, journaling, inner healing, and spoken affirmations. These activities invited women to reflect on their worth and reclaim their narratives.

Each facilitator brought not only tools but also lived wisdom. Each woman in the room brought courage. Together, they created a nurturing environment, encouraging everyone to engage deeply.

Making Space for Truth

With guidance from social work intern Crystal Smith, the retreat held a sacred space for open dialogue. Many women shared stories they had never spoken aloud. These conversations covered profound topics such as loss, shame, faith, and forgiveness. In these moments of vulnerability, something remarkable occurred: shame began to loosen its grip. Strength, once buried under the weight of survival, re-emerged.

One woman beautifully summed up the collective feeling:

What This Retreat Tells Us About Community Healing

At its core, the Girls Rule the World retreat reflects the fundamental principles of We Think 4 A Change: faith in action, healing through love, and hope for the journey ahead. It exemplifies what’s possible when supportive spaces are built for Black and Brown women affected by HIV. Here, they can rest, speak, laugh, and be restored.

The Importance of Connection

Creating lasting connections is vital in any healing journey. Many attendees found themselves bonding over shared experiences and struggles. These connections went beyond mere friendship; they were about creating a support network. Each participant left feeling uplifted, empowered, and connected to a larger community.

A Community Effort

We offer our heartfelt gratitude to Kesha Laguins, Faye Marshall, Gladys Hutchins, Mozella Lawrence, and Anita Crews for their unwavering support. Building a retreat rooted in trust takes a village, and this incredible team made it a reality.

Why This Matters

Women—especially Black women—continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV in the U.S. Unfortunately, their voices are often overlooked in conversations about health and wellness. This retreat serves as a model of what trauma-informed, culturally grounded support can look like.

It’s a powerful reminder: When women are given safe spaces to heal, they rise. They inspire others and create ripples of hope and resilience.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on this transformative weekend, it’s crucial to keep the momentum going. The need for more healing spaces is evident. These gatherings foster growth and empower women to reclaim their narratives. They remind us all of the strength that lies in community.

FAQ

Who was the retreat for?

The retreat welcomed women living with or impacted by HIV. This included those in recovery, caregivers, and survivors of trauma.

What made this HIV women’s retreat unique?

The retreat centered on cultural expression. It offered trauma-informed workshops and held space for emotional healing as well as shared storytelling.

Will there be future retreats?

Yes! We Think 4 A Change is committed to providing regular healing spaces like this for women affected by HIV. Stay connected through our website and mailing list.

How can I support future retreats?

There are multiple ways to get involved! You can donate, volunteer, or sponsor a session. For more information, contact info@wethink4achange.org.