April 23-25, 2026
Ascend: Together in Purpose in the Face of Change
Washington, DC
The 4th Annual Black Women in Food Summit is the premier event celebrating the talent, resilience, and innovation in the food industry. From renowned chefs and restaurateurs to food writers, food justice advocates, farmers, and food entrepreneurs, this Summit is the epicenter of culinary excellence, knowledge-sharing, wellness and empowerment. We are living through a time marked by social, economic, and political shifts that impact our food systems and the communities they serve. Ascend: Together in Purpose in the Face of Change calls us to meet this moment with intention, creativity, and support for one another.
Check Out the 2026 Experience
HOST
Courtnee Futch-Brinson
Chef, Mixologist, & Storyteller
KEYNOTE
Toni Tipton-Martin
Author, Editor & Historian
KEYNOTE MODERATOR
TV Host & Content Creator
Alex Hill
MARKETPLACE MC
Onosetale Ijewere
Content Creator
Speakers
Kardea Brown-Smith, TV Host, Chef, & Author
Robin McBride, McBride Sisters Wine Company
Angela Johnson, Uber Eats
Amber Hewett, To Be Hosted & Author
Nana Araba Wilmot, Chef & Love That I Knead Supperclub
Andy Allo, Actor & Chef, Aköne
Vallery Lomas, Baker & Author
Camari Mick, Executive Pastry Chef
Anela Malik, Content Creator & Author
Ozoz Sokoh, Historian, Educator & Author
Klancy Miller, Writer & Author
Debra Freeman, Food Journalist
Cha McCoy, Certifed Sommelier & Author
Audarshia Townsend, SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal
Aba Kwawu, TAA PR
Trudy Halliman, Flik Hospitality Group
Dr. Brittany Conners, Optimistic Theory
Aja Clark, JP Morgan Chase
Marie Clark, New Voices Foundation
Sheree Williams, The Global Food and Drink Initiative
Jon'll Boyd, Boyd Cru Wines
Dr. Erica Park, Erica Park MD Healthcare Consulting
Patrice McGloin, Rethink Food
I-shi Patterson Stuart, Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington
Sara Bennett, OpenTable
Tamika R. Francis, Food & Folklore
Melissa Jones, Edible Activist
Monique Woodland, Flik Hospitality Group
Richea Jones, Diaspora Groceries
Jomaree Pinkard, Hella Cocktail Co. & Included CPG
Tambra R. Stevenson, WANDA
Tramaine Tillman, Taco Bell
Quayla Allen-Comella, The Kraft Heinz Company & Wynn and Noble
Asmeret Berhe-Lumax, One Love Community Fridge
Ama Hammah, Ama’s Catering Experience
Adrian Lipscombe, 40 Acres Project & Muloma Heritage Center
Tiffany Hainesworth, TCapri Tequila
Qiana Mickie, NYC Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture
Teneka Ray, Taco Bell
Chandra Hurst, JP Morgan Chase
Eliana Hassen, The Redda Group
Nia Renée Hill, Tenderheaded Media
Toni Covington, Oktane
Sherry Ephraim, Scale Up Business Advisory Group
Sponsors
Partners
Past Experience
Sponsor or Partner