3RD EVERY EMOTION IS VALID ANNUAL WELLNESS CONVENTION

African Wonder Women Organisation

THEME: BREAK THE STIGMA:
Threads of Truth, Your Story Matters.

A solution Speaking The Unspeakable Through Creativity, One Story At A Time

Leonardo Hotel Milton Keynes

This convention is part of a series of creative initiative, powered by African Wonder Women Organisation CIC and sponsored by The National Lottery Community Funding and others. It is a community-led initiative dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental and emotional expression, fostering resilience and promoting mental and emotional wellbeing through creativity. We are sharing our stories and "Speaking The Unspeakable Through Creativity". Background &amp; RationaleThe experience of bereavement and life-changing trauma leaves individuals grappling with the fragments of memory, identity and emotional pain. In many communities, especially within African and diaspora cultures, stigma, shame and silence often surround these experiences, making healing an even more isolated journey.Rooted in the belief that every emotion is valid and that every story matters, this gathering offers a unique opportunity to honour our histories and amplify the collective voice of the bereaved, stigmatised, traumatised and oppressed. We also aim to find lasting healing for those who may have suffered life changing or traumatic experiences.Our theme; “BREAK THE STIGMA: Threads of Truth, Your Story Still Matters” emerges as a bold response: an immersive theme that centres on creativity, community and the power of storytelling for emotional healing.DAY 1: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24TH, 2025FREE VIRTUAL SEMINARTIME: 5:30 PM - 8 PMVENUE: ZOOMDAY 2: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25TH, 2025WELL ESS CONFERENCE, CREATIVITY SHOWCASE, WORKSHOP AND MORETIME: 2 PM - 8 PMVENUE: LEORNADO HOTEL,MIDSUMMER PLACE,MILTON KEYNES MK9 2HPDAYS 1 - 3: DATE: OCTOBER 24TH -26TH, 2025FREE ART &amp; TEXTILEEXHIBITION WORKSHOPS &amp; (After Party with nibbles and drinks on 26th)TIME: 1PM - 6PM DAILYVENUE: THE BOX,ARTS CENTRAL,20, BURNERS LANE,MILTON KEYNES MK11 3HB Join us as we:Honour our scars as symbols of survivalCelebrate the beauty and significance of every storyTransform pain into power through creativities and performances Secure Your Spot Now! Sponsored by: The National Lottery Community Fund, ABAMS FOODS, FFOLAJI LONDON LTD and Supported by NIKE ART GALLERY, MOBIHEALTH INTERNATIONAL, MARVEL VENTURES MORTGAGE INC and BISFOM TECH SERVICES LTD A BIT ABOUT AFRICAN WONDER WOMEN ORGSNISATION CICAfrican Wonder Women Organisation CIC (AWWOrgCIC), an initiative that supports widows, the bereaved and those who have experienced or are going through trauma is set to host her annual emotional wellness convention.Adopting a mental wellness, culture and creativity approach, our wellness convention seeks unconventional ways to address societal issues, help attendees detox, network, embrace the culture and build meaningful relationships. Attendees will also leave refreshed and with renewed hope for a brighter future. We are excited and look forward to welcoming you on the day.With our ‘EVERY EMOTION IS VALID’ Wellness Convention, African Wonder Women Organisation CIC is empowering the forgotten community of widows, women and young girls, and those who have experienced traumatic events in their lives. There is a call out for SPONDORS, PARTNERS, EXHIBITORS, VOLUNTEERS and MEDIA PARTNERS with a shared vision of supporting our purpose and ensuring the event achieves its aim. For more information, email; office.awworg@gmsil.com Read more about our convention participants via the Events page on our website: https://www.africanwonderwomen.org For sponsorship, collaboration, media and further information, please email: events.awworg@gmail.com By registering and participating in this event, you agree to be photographed and recorded for post-event marketing and promotions.

PRINCESS FOLAJI FASANYA-OMOYENI (CONVENER)Princess Folaji Fasanya- Omoyeni is an interdisciplinary creative who merges art, technology and the humanities to innovate and solve problems through unique projects.Deeply passionate about community, Princess Folaji creates batik artwork in collaboration with local African artisans, particularly widows and trauma-impacted women and girls, to produce batik textiles which she incorporates into her sustainable fashion brand, FFOLAJI LONDON @ffolajilondon, to create sustainable, ethically made clothing. She uses offcuts from her fashion brand to create eco-conscious statement jewellery, vibrant soft furnishings and tapestry that reflect a deep commitment to African culture and sustainable craftsmanship.A strong advocate for trauma informed care, Princess Folaji offers wellbeing through creativity workshops and partners with educational institutions and organisations to promote intercultural competence.Princess Folaji is the Convener of African Wonder Women Orgsnisation CIC, a non-profit organisation that supports the bereaved, traumatised and oppresse, and Founder of LADIES MINGLE, a networking group focused on fostering digital skills, business acumen, career advancement and leadership among women and young girls. Her exceptional leadership and community service have earned her over 20 awards and recognitions to date.

MEET OUR GRAND PATRON AND GUEST OF HONOURChief (Mrs.) Nike Monica Okundaye popularly known and called “MAMA NIKE” by her numerous fans, is a multi talented, award winning artist and social entrepreneur. She is a painter, a textile artist, weaver, and embroiderer. As a social entrepreneur and a philanthropist, she is well known for championing the cause of the neglected Nigerian rural women using art as a tool to self emancipation. Nike Centre for Art and Culture, in Osogbo has trained over 3000 young Nigerians (mainly violated and abused young women) who have gone on to earn decent living through art. Amongst her numerous awards is the 2006 “Ordine Della Stella Della Solidarieta Italiana” one of the highest Italian national awards of merit given by the government of the Republic of Italy in appreciation of her efforts in using art to address and solve the problems of Nigerian sex workers in Italy. Chief (Mrs.) Nike Monica Okundaye is happily married with children.

MEET OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERAkindotun Merino PhD"Dr. Akindotun Merino is a distinguished Professor of Psychology and a passionate advocate for mental health equity, crafting transformational structures and systems that meet the mental health challenges of the 21st century. As the Founder of the African Trauma Care Alliance, President of Jars Education Group and Jars traumatic stress Academy she's pioneered trauma care initiatives across Africa, fostering healing and awareness. With roles spanning academia, public service, and community leadership – including Mental Health Commissioner in Southern California and President of the Black Women Congress – Dr. Merino bridges science and soul(compassion), policy and practice. Her books, her dedication to empowering women, advancing trauma care, and building global connections has earned her widespread recognition, including the 2021 Woman of Distinction Award by the California State Congress. Dr Akindotun Merino continues to build bridges between Africa and the world reminding us all that healing and wellness is possible and powerful when we come together with compassion and purpose.

MEET OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER DR. FUNMI BECKY ADEWARAMobihealth International, under my leadership as CEO, has become a pioneering force in delivering cutting-edge telehealth and Al solutions to underserved communities. Combining over 15 years of experience in clinical medicine, biotechnology, and business development, We aim to tackle healthcare inequities through scalable, tech-driven models. With expertise in forging strategic partnerships and leveraging Al, our team is bringing healthcare access to millions, including collaborations with telecom giants MTN and Airtel and health insurance companies as distribution channels for scale.I am passionate about health equity and resilient healthcare systems, I am leading a multidisciplinary team through a groundbreaking $65m telehealth programs across multiple African markets in partnership with AFREXIM Bank, AFDB, USTDA, Gates Foundation and UNDP. Our innovative solar-powered teleclinics for urban and rural areas are driving last mile access.Recognised globally by organizations like the WHO and Forbes, we continue to innovate and expand Mobihealth's impact, empowering communities and creating sustainable healthcare solutions.

MEET OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER TOYYIB ADEWALE ADELODUN My life turned around when I was admitted into the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (Mental Health ActSection 3). I was in the hospital for 5 months and spent several months in therapy. I had memory loss, was overweight, and was out of school (3rd time dropping out). I could not see a way back and felt suicidal. I later embraced my journey and started taking life one day at a time. I started in construction as a labourer and worked my way up the ladder to work in project management. I went back to university as an undergraduate at 30.1 also went from couch surfing to owning property. It all happened in over a decade of taking small steps. My determination and resilience have inspired people from around the world. In 5 years of being visible, sharing my story, mentoring and coaching, my online following has grown to over 1 million on all platforms. Motivated by a desire to inspire, I have been to schools, communities and organisations to help people on the journey to achieving their goals. I am passionate and committed to sharing everything I learn along the way to help others succeed in their journey.

WE’RE BACK! Meet the EEIVCON2025 Anchors. Seasoned, experienced and deeply committed to guiding us through three powerful days of truth, healing and connection. With wisdom, compassion and clarity, they will hold space for all participants and attendees, ensuring every voice is heard and every story is honoured. Join us at the Every Emotion Is Valid Annual Wellness Convention 2025, October 24th–26th in Milton Keynes. Theme: BREAK THE STIGMA: Threads of Truth, Your Story Matters

CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS Our 3-day Arts and Textiles exhibition in collaboration with BLACK CREATIVES MK comes up on October 24th - 26th, come and see fantastic artworks by members of our MK community and talented creatives from in and around Milton Keynes. Many art lovers, dignitaries, government officials and community leaders expected. Because your story matters. Our seminars and workshops are sponsored by the National Lottery Community Fund and others.

OUR SPEAKER LINE UP UNVEILED! We’re proud to introduce the powerful voices behind #EEIVCON2025. A dynamic line-up of mental health professionals, seasoned speakers, storytellers, creatives and thought leaders who are breaking the silence and reshaping what healing looks like. From lived experience to expert insight, they’re bringing truth, courage and wisdom to the stage. For Speaker bios visit;bit.ly/EEIVCON2025 You’ll laugh, you may cry, but most of all, you’ll feel seen.

MEET THE VOICES BEHIND THE CONVERSATION “When we speak our truth, we give others permission to do the same.” Our EEIVCON2025 PANELLISTS are more than experts, they are lived experience advocates, truth tellers and cycle breakers. Each brings a powerful perspective on trauma, healing, identity and emotional resilience. They’re not just speaking, they’re starting conversations that need to be heard. Join us October, 24th - 26th and let’s break the stigma and thread our truths together. Day 1: VIRTUAL SEMINAR - (ZOOM - FREE) Day 2: WELLNESS CONFERENCE - (Leonardo Hotel, Milton Keynes - Early Bird £20 ENDS 20/10/2025) Days 1 - 3: CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS -An Arts &amp; Textiles Exhibition - (THE BOX - FREE) The Conversation Has Started! EARLY BIRD ENDS - 20/10/2025. Register NOW: bit.ly/EEIVCON2025