Curated by Stephen Washington and Zandrina Dunning, the experience brought together a remarkable gathering of community leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, caregivers, professionals, and neighbors for an evening centered on personal wellness, meaningful connection, and collective growth.
From the moment guests arrived, the evening was intentionally designed to feel both welcoming and reflective.
Guests were warmly greeted by Jencine Burtin, whose presence immediately set the tone for an evening rooted in hospitality and care.
In the lobby, guests were invited to browse books authored by Dr. Jeannelle Perkins, extending the evening’s commitment to personal growth and self-discovery beyond the stage.
A beautiful display of cakes and cupcakes thoughtfully crafted by Ragina Scott Saunders of Gullah Geechee Kitchen added both sweetness and artistry to the experience, serving as a reminder that community is often built around the simple act of gathering together.
As attendees found their seats, Lauren “Ms. Luvie” Smith welcomed guests into the space with warmth and intention, engaging them with thoughtful questions and reflections while DJ Scrib curated the soundtrack for the evening.
Together, they transformed the room from a venue into a community gathering place.
Before the first speaker took the stage, guests were welcomed by our Creative Director Stephen Washington and invited by our Executive Artistic Director and Host Zandrina Dunning to reflect on a simple but powerful question:
“When I saw the title The Art of Community: A Mind, Body & Soul Experience, I hoped to leave tonight with __.”
The responses would become a thread woven throughout the evening.
The conversation began with Angel Holmes, who explored practical ways to lighten the mental load so many people carry every day.
Using bubbles as a visual reminder, Angel encouraged guests to think about what they are holding, what they can release, and how creating space in our minds allows us to move through life with greater clarity and intention.
Dr. Jeannelle Perkins followed with a powerful discussion about emotional awareness, asking one of the evening’s most impactful questions, “How does it feel?”
She challenged guests to become more aware of their emotions, the ways they show up in relationships, and the importance of understanding ourselves before we can truly connect with others.
Her insights reminded the audience that emotional wellness is not weakness—it is wisdom.
Carolyn Murray then guided the audience through a thoughtful conversation about our relationship with our bodies. Drawing from her own experiences and observations, she explored the connection between food, movement, health, and self-care.
Her message was clear: caring for our bodies is not about perfection; it is about stewardship, awareness, and honoring the vessel that carries us through life.
The evening continued with Kenya Dunn, whose soulful and reflective conversation invited guests to slow down and listen inward.
Her question lingered in the room long after it was asked, “Do you know the sound of your own knowing?”
With authenticity and grace, Kenya encouraged guests to reconnect with their inner wisdom, trust themselves more deeply, and create space to hear the voice that often gets drowned out by the demands of everyday life.
As the experience came to a close, guests returned to the reflection card they completed at the beginning of the evening.
What had they hoped to leave with?
Did they find it?
And perhaps most importantly:
What would they do with it?
The answers revealed what many in the room already knew.
Community is not simply a place.
It is a practice.
It is found in conversations, in vulnerability, in reflection, in shared experiences, and in the courage to show up for ourselves and one another.
For one evening, strangers became neighbors, ideas became action, and a room full of people were reminded that caring for our minds, bodies, and souls ultimately strengthens the communities we call home.
When Stephen and I first began imagining The Art of Community, we knew we didn’t want to create another panel discussion. We wanted to create an experience.
An evening where people could pause long enough to check in with themselves. A space where practical wisdom could meet personal reflection. A gathering where people could leave not only inspired, but equipped.
As we read through the reflection cards after the event, we were humbled by the honesty, vulnerability, and hope that filled the room.
Some guests came seeking clarity.
Others came seeking healing.
Some simply needed a moment to breathe.
What we discovered together is that community begins long before we connect with others. It begins with how we care for ourselves—our minds, our bodies, and our souls.
Thank you to every speaker, volunteer, partner, sponsor, attendee, and supporter who helped make this evening possible. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for leaning in.
And thank you for helping us create the kind of community we all hope to experience more often.
Becoming a partner of The ZD Experience means aligning your brand with a platform that inspires, engages, and uplifts audiences around the globe. Together, we can create powerful connections and unforgettable experiences.
