NEW ORLEANS, LA

Saturday, April 26, 2025

10 AM - 2 PM

Dillard University 

Professional Schools & Sciences Building

2601 Gentilly Blvd.

New Orleans, LA 70122

Join us for a day packed with valuable health resources, expert advice, and uplifting moments that will empower you to take control of your health—and share that knowledge with your community.

OUR SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS

Program Agenda – NEW ORLEANS, LA

Registration

9:00 AM

.

Opening Program 

10:00 AM

Welcome & Introduction of host

Dr. Pernessa Seele

Founder & CEO

The Balm In Gilead, Inc.

Greetings & Prayer 

Rev. Dr. Herbert Brisbon

University Chaplain & Director of Religious Life

Dillard University 

HOST

Rev. Dr. Jamal H. Bryant 

Senior Pastor

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church

Panel Discussion
Local Health Priorities 

10:30 AM

SAMUEL BURGESS, MA, MSHCM, DHA

STD/HIV/Hepatitis Program Director 

Louisiana Office of Public Health

DR. E. NUPSIUS BENJAMIN- ROBINSON 

Director,

Louisiana Cancer Research Center Office of Community Engagement

Sr. Director,

Louisiana Public Health Institute

XULA Public Health Faculty 

Diane Hargrove Jupiter, MSW

Board Chair/Community Advocate

Louisiana Center for Health Equity

Sponsor Fireside Chat

11:15 AM

Johnson & Johnson

Sponsor Fireside Chat

11:45 AM

Bristol Myers Squibb

Sponsor Fireside Chat

12:15 AM

Vertex

Lunch

12:45 AM

On-SITE

Session 1

“Your Next Level Health Ministry:

Building a Stronger Foundation for Health”

Equipping leaders with practical tools and motivation to enhance or create robust health programs within their churches that have a long-lasting impact on the church and community.

1:15 PM

Facilitator:

Cary Goodman 

Program Consultant

The Balm In Gilead, Inc. 

Session 2

“Future of Black Health:

An Emerging Leaders Think Tank”

An opportunity to engage emerging leaders deeply at the intersection of

Black health, leadership, and community wellness; with an emphasis on sexual health and mental and emotional wellness. 

1:15 PM

Moderator:

JT Logan

Founder & CEO

FOURDEEP

Panelists: 

TYZA BRISTER 

Executive Assistant 

Beacon Light International Baptist Cathedral

ESSYNCE DIXSON

Biology/Pre-Med Major

Dillard University 

DERIN LINDSEY 

Creative Entrepreneur/Founder 

For Black Men Health, Inc.

Closing Program Recap

Dr. Pernessa Seele

Founder & CEO

The Balm In Gilead, Inc. 

Cary Goodman 

Program Consultant

The Balm In Gilead, Inc.