calendar
August 24, 2024
Saturday
7:30 AM to 3:30 PM

location
DoubleTree by Hilton Newark-Fremont
39900 Balentine Drive
Newark, CA 94560

The annual SCI Breast Cancer and African Americans Conference infuses science with culturally tailored engagement practices to ensure Black and African American communities have equitable access to potentially life-saving breast cancer information, resources, and support to help end cancer disparities. 

The event theme is “Helping Communities Better Help Themselves.” Over 230 people from across the Bay Area attended to hear from leading experts, healthcare professionals, researchers, cancer survivors, caregivers, and patient advocates. Please view the photo highlights of the event.

Agenda & Speakers

7:30 am              
Registration Check-in / Breakfast

8:15 am              
Invocation
Rev. Carolyn Dyson, BA, MA

8:20 am
Welcome/Introductions
Pamela A. Ratliff, MPA

8:30 am              
Dinah Trevil, MPA                                  

8:35 am              
Brenda Knight [Mistress of Ceremonies]                                                   

8:45 am
Rev. Carolyn Dyson, BA, MA
What’s in Your Bag? Addressing Spirituality and Mental Wellness               

9:15 am
Ryland J. Gore, MD, MPH, FACS         
From Screening to Survivorship: Addressing Breast Cancer Disparities in African American Women

10:15 am           
Break / Visit Health and Wellness Resource Fair

10:45 am
Candice N. Thompson, MD  
Closing the Divide: Enhancing Equity in Clinical Trials and Genetics for Breast Health

11:30 am
Geneva Clay 
Nourish to Flourish: Nutritional Strategies for Breast Health                          

12:00 pm           
Lunch / Visit Health and Wellness Resource Fair

1:00 pm              
Healing Journeys Fireside Chat: Real Talk About Breast Cancer
Pamela Ratliff, MPA [Moderator]
Velinda Galvin
Linda Walker

1:45 pm
Ryland J. Gore, MD, MPH, FACS 
Breaking Through the Silence: Addressing Medical  Gaslighting in African American Women’s Breast Health

2:15 pm
Lawanda Dickerson  
Strength in Motion: Dynamic Moves and Mindset for Improving Overall Wellness

2:30 pm
Frank Staggers, Jr., MD
Empowering Wellness: Meditation, Stress Reduction, and Health

3:15 pm              
Black Box (audio)
Rovenia ‘Dr. Ro’ Brock, PhD                               

3:30 pm              
Closing Remarks and Benediction
Pamela A. Ratliff, MPA              

Geneva Clay

Geneva Clay

Certified Health and Fitness Consultant
Owner, Fit-4-Living Health & Wellness Services

Lawanda Dickerson

Lawanda Dickerson

Owner/Operator, U3Fit
Executive Director, U3Fit Health and Fitness Center

Carolyn Dyson

Rev. Carolyn Dyson, BA, MA

Founder
Over-Flowing Cup African American Wellness Program

Velinda Galvin

Velinda Galvin

Six-time Breast Cancer Champion/Advocate

Ryland J. Gore

Ryland J. Gore, MD, MPH, FACS

Breast Surgical Oncologist

Brenda Knight

Brenda Knight

Founder
Ladies in Red

Frank Staggers, Jr., MD

Frank Staggers, Jr., MD

Former President
Alameda-Contra Costa County Medical AssociationMedical
Director
Berkeley Addiction Treatment Services Center

Linda Walker

Linda Walker

Breast Cancer Care Champion