What does it really mean to prioritize yourself? To place your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health first—before the demands of work, family, and community? In this episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., I sat down with Brandi Miller, President of Black Women 4 Healthy Living, to talk about creating space for Black women to not just survive, but thrive.
Brandi’s story is grounded in her experience as a Des Moines native and her journey from cycling the Ragbrai to co-founding local chapters of Black Girls Do Bike, Iowa Chapter and GirlTrek. Her passion for Black women’s health and wellness blossomed from those early experiences, eventually leading to the creation of Black Women 4 Healthy Living in 2020—a nonprofit focused on addressing health disparities and providing a holistic approach to wellness.
“We’ve been caretakers since we’ve been in this country. It’s in our DNA to take care of others, but we have to start taking care of ourselves.” — Brandi Miller
Healing Black Women, Healing Black Families
One of the guiding principles of Brandi’s work is simple but powerful:
“When Black women are well, the whole family is well.”
That’s the ripple effect. By prioritizing our health, we model wellness for our families, our children, and our communities. Whether it’s scheduling well-checks, setting boundaries, or managing stress, these small acts of self-care create lasting change.
But too often, Black women carry the weight of Superwoman Syndrome, feeling the pressure to do it all and be everything for everyone. That mindset leads to burnout, anxiety, and neglect of our own well-being.
Brandi’s organization is working to change that narrative.
More Than a Health Conference
Each year, Black Women 4 Healthy Living hosts a free health conference in Des Moines, and this summer’s event is shaping up to be incredible. Last year’s event was on August 17th at Grandview University. The theme, Black Women Protect Your Heart, was focused on emotional well-being. Keynote speaker Dr. Angela Franklin, President of Des Moines University, will share insights on guarding your heart—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
This isn’t just another health fair. Expect real conversations about:
- Breast cancer awareness
- Financial wellness without the hustle culture
- Mental health tools
- Emotional well-being and the impact of stress
“Black women have not always had permission to feel. We’ve just been expected to keep going. But we can’t pour from an empty cup.” — Brandi Miller
Beyond the Conference: Everyday Impact
Black Women 4 Healthy Living isn’t a one-day event—it’s a movement. The organization hosts breast cancer support groups, sickle cell blood drives, health coalitions, Juneteenth teas, and women’s retreats to create continuous connection points for Black women at all stages of life.
“We’re dying from things that are preventable. It’s about knowledge, fear, and access.”
These programs aren’t just about raising awareness—they’re about building community, equipping women to advocate for their health, and creating safe spaces where Black women are heard, seen, and empowered.
The Future is Collective
Looking ahead, Brandi envisions the organization growing beyond health:
“I want to see Black women activated in every space—serving on boards, shaping decisions, being present in the places that impact where we live, work, and play.”
Because when Black women lead, everyone benefits.
Join the Movement:
- Follow Black Women 4 Healthy Living:
- Website: bw4hl.org
- Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn: @BW4HL
I’ll be at this year’s conference (bringing my cousin along!) and I can’t wait to reconnect with the powerful women in our community. Last year, I left reminded that I am worthy of rest. This year, I’m leaning even more into that truth.
Because when Black women prioritize themselves, we all rise.
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