Annual Conference: Elevate Her Essence

Thursday, March 26, 2026
10:00 am – 2:00 pm

99 Scott Studio
99 Scott Ave, Brooklyn

Girls today face a wide range of challenges to their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The constant presence of social media and high levels of online engagement can intensify these pressures, amplifying their impact. At Girls Inc. of NYC we are committed to addressing the rise in teen depression by fostering a positive sense of self and equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to build and sustain healthy lifestyles.

Each spring, in celebration of Women’s History Month, Girls Inc. of NYC hosts the annual Elevate Her Essence Conference—an inspiring leadership experience that brings together girls from across the city for meaningful dialogue and dynamic, skill-building workshops.

Last year, the Elevate Her Essence Conference welcomed over 1,000 girls and gender-expansive youth from middle and high schools across NYC for an experience centered on mental health and self-care. Through activity stations, small-group workshops, and mainstage educational presentations, participants explored practical strategies to support and strengthen their mental well-being.

Our 2026 conference will once again convene 1,000 attendees for a powerful, high-energy gathering designed to cultivate confidence, resilience, and connection. Bringing together community leaders, educators, parents, and—most importantly—the inspiring young people we serve, Elevate Her Essence creates space for girls to learn, lead, and thrive. Through interactive workshops, though-provoking discussions, and hands-on experiences, participants gain tangible tools to shape a healthier, brighter future.

This year’s conference will feature:

HOST – Dr. Vivid
Dr. Ashley Elliott has been affectionately known as Dr. Vivid since 2014 when she started her consulting company Vivid Innovations Consulting, LLC. A native Washingtonian who takes pride in serving her community, Dr. Vivid has been providing wellness services in the DC Metropolitan area for over 10 years. Her mission is to empower, encourage, and enlighten the masses by spreading a message that emphasizes the importance of mental health and wellness.

FORWARD_Space
FORWARD__Space is founded by internationally recognized choreographer, artistic director, teacher, and dancer Kristin Sudeikis. “Dance in its truest form is pure freedom—and the purpose of FORWARD__Space is to bring that very feeling and experience to everyone. For those who used to dance, love to dance, and want to dance, we offer a sanctuary-meets-club environment. Our leading dance instructors craft accessible yet challenging classes.

305 Fitness
Founded in 2013 in New York City, 305 Fitness is a fun, full-body dance cardio workout! These classes combine dance, HIIT, kickboxing, and plyometrics for a full-body workout. Hundreds of thousands of clients over the years have tried and keep coming back for more 305. Grounded in the belief that everybody is a somebody, 305 focuses on joyful, inclusive fitness powered by killer DJ beats!

Black Girls Smile
Black Girls Smile Inc. was founded in 2012 with the mission to empower the mental health and well-being of young Black women and girls through culturally and gender-responsive educational programming, support initiatives, and resource connections.

Daughter Lessons
If trend-forward, functional activewear is the “what”, then working with young women across NYC and beyond is the “why”. Caroline and Lizzy built the brand as a vehicle to show up for and support the next generation of young women. Through its work with Girls Inc. of NYC, DL has been able to work with hundreds of girls across NYC and the boroughs to expose them to the world of physical health and wellness. DL partners closely with organization’s Mind, Body Matters Program, and has been                                                            named to the Girls Inc. of NYC Gala Committee three years in a row.

Dodge YMCA
Conveniently located on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, the Dodge YMCA serves more than 23,300 New Yorkers each year with its state-of-the-art fitness facilities, pool, youth programs and a community committed to helping you achieve your goals.

E.Star
E.Star Bracelet Making Experience – a space where creativity and reflection come together. Each piece you create represents a part of your journey—your experiences, your strengths, and the beauty that makes you, *you*.

Hance Family Foundation
The Hance Family Foundation engages girls and women of all ages across the tristate area, nationally and abroad with innovative educational programs that support the development of self-esteem. We are devoted to honoring the memories of Emma, Alyson and Katie Hance, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident in the summer of 2009. Our foundation was founded that same year with a focus on female empowerment because Emma, Alyson and Katie lived with enthusiastic confidence.

Mount Sinai
The Mount Sinai Hospital is dedicated to the health and well-being of its diverse communities. From free health screenings and counseling to exercise classes and home-based care, we offer a wealth of services and programs for people of all ages. We work closely with governing bodies, schools, religious organizations, and social service agencies to meet our community’s needs. Our goal is to help you be your healthiest.

Stems Brooklyn
Stems Brooklyn is a woman owned small business founded in 2013 offering daily flower delivery services and more to the New York City area. We are dedicated to creating artistically inspired, farm fresh bouquets while striving towards a more kind, sustainable and equitable future in floristry by maintaining our commitment to our earth, community, customers, and team.

The L.O.V.E Mentoring Program
The Latinas On the Verge of Excellence – L.O.V.E. Mentoring Program empowers young women to recognize their innate strengths and achieve personal and professional goals through mentorship and health education. Our focus includes mental, reproductive, and physical health, as well as college and career readiness.

The Sculpt Society
Led by expert trainer and founder Megan Roup, The Sculpt Society is a fun, feel-good workout community that mixes sculpt, strength, and dance cardio to help you feel connected, confident, and at home in your body. Our library of over 1,0000+ videos allows our members the best streaming experience to feel confident and strong in their bodies.

If you would like to sponsor our 2026 conference through financial or in-kind contributions, please contact letspartner@girlsincnyc.org.

 Scenes from the 2025 Conference