Black Women Building Bridges (BWBB)

An intimate, community-centered convening for women across institutions, industries, identities, generations, and geographies.

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Event Details

Date

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Time

10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
(Programming)

Location

New York University

Palladium Hall

A Space for Meaningful Connection

Black Women Building Bridges (BWBB) is an intimate, community-centered convening designed for women across Institutions, Industries, Identities, Generations, and Geographies (IIIGG).

Hosted in Manhattan, BWBB brings together students, scholars, professionals, and leaders working across media, health, law, technology, and community impact to engage in thoughtful dialogue and collective reflection.

Anchored within a dynamic academic and professional ecosystem, the setting enables meaningful engagement across undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, and professionals operating throughout New York City and beyond.

The gathering emphasizes cross-institutional access, intellectual curiosity, and real-world application. The program is intentionally intergenerational, creating space for knowledge transfer, continuity, and long-term community building.

Why This Moment Matters

BWBB is grounded in the understanding that we are living through a moment in time, not a final or defining period.

The central question guiding this gathering is how women can build intentionally now so that when this moment passes, we are positioned to continue, amplify, and expand our collective work.

Strategic Reflection

Rather than reacting to urgency alone, BWBB creates space to reflect on how power, influence, and leadership can be redefined strategically and sustained over time.

Long-Term Vision

Participants are invited to consider how their roles, relationships, and responsibilities contribute to long-term impact across generations and geographies.

Collective Building

This gathering centers the understanding that sustainable change requires intentional community building, knowledge sharing, and cross-generational collaboration.

Program Overview

1

10:30 – 11:00 AM

Sign-In & Arrivals

2

11:00 – 12:00 PM

Social Hour + Brunch
Light refreshments, music, and rich connection

3

12:00 – 12:15 PM

Opening Remarks & Tone-Setting
Welcome and grounding from hosts

4

12:15 – 3:15 PM

Three Core Sessions
Deep dialogue across media, health, and law

5

3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

Closing Reflections & Community Close

Session Highlights

Workshop · Own Your Story

Led by

Kayla Fory
Former Creator & Public Figure Partnerships, TikTok and Instagram

Featuring

Kelsey Russell
Media Literacy Influencer, Host, Kronikled, and Co-Host, First Stop News

Focus: Why Storytelling Matters

A workshop at the Black Women Building Bridges brunch. focused on owning your narrative, sharpening your voice, and building a brand that reflects who you are and where you’re going.

Conversation 1 · Law, Technology, & Leadership

Led by

Nshera Tutu
Legal & Investigative Analyst, NYC Office of the Special Commissioner of Investigation

Featuring

  • Dani Makia — Vice President, Privacy Compliance & Risk Management, JPMorgan Chase and Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder, PEMBE
  • Trecia Pessoa — Vice President & Senior Managing Counsel, Consumer Products, Impact Solutions and Blockchain & Digital Assets, Mastercard

Focus: Law, Technology, & Leadership

A conversation at the Black Women Building Bridges Brunch, exploring journeys into legal counsel, leadership lessons, and the intersection of law and today’s evolving tech landscape.

Conversation 2 · Wellness, Technology, & Health Equity

Led by

Tyler Baker
MPH Candidate at The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and former Business Consultant at Deloitte

Featuring

  • Cierra Brown - 1st year Medical Student at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Kourtney Bobb — Founder, BWHEL, MPH Candidate at The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth


Focus: Medicine, Health, & Community

A conversation at the Black Women Building Bridges brunch, exploring journeys in healthcare, leadership in medicine, and what it means to serve and advocate for our communities.

BWBB is designed so participants leave not only informed, but better positioned—with greater clarity on how to navigate their work, expand their influence, and contribute to long-term progress for Black women and the communities they serve.

Whether you're a student mapping your path, a professional deepening your practice, or a leader expanding your reach, BWBB creates space for the reflection and relationship-building that positions you for what comes next.