Event
Topeka Outdoors
I hope you find as much inspiration exploring these events as I did being part of them, each one a step toward creating lasting impact. Hope to see you at the next one.
July 2 to 5, 2026 | ESSENCE Festival of Culture, New Orleans, LA
Dr. Topeka K. Sam joined national leaders at the 2026 Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF), held during the ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans. Convened by GBEF, the four-day gathering brought together leaders across business, policy, healthcare, and advocacy to advance economic opportunity, health equity, and democracy for Black communities. Dr. Sam brought her voice to two of its most urgent conversations: the future of Black women's health, and the fight to restore voting rights for people who are justice-impacted.
Women's Health and Wellness
Dr. Sam took the stage for the Women's Health and Wellness panel, a candid conversation on the health issues that shape Black women's lives, from hormonal health and whole-person wellness to the access gaps that leave too many women unheard. She was joined by psychiatrist, researcher, and author Dr. Judith Joseph; licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Davida Hunter-Cummins, founder of TriSage and Novara; and Dr. Janifer Tropez, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tulane University.
The conversation connected directly to Dr. Sam's work with EPIC Health, the public benefit corporation she co-founded to make healthcare equitable, accessible, and transformative for historically underserved and justice-impacted communities. EPIC Health published its own recap of the forum, and you can learn more about the platform at epichealthpbc.com.
EPIC Health Sponsors the Future of Health Awards Dinner
EPIC Health was a proud sponsor of the inaugural Future of Health Awards Dinner, a highlight of the forum's health equity programming. The evening celebrated leaders advancing community wellbeing, honoring Monica Simpson of SisterSong, Dr. Imamu Tomlinson of Vituity, and Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble of The AAKOMA Project and The MATTIE Fund. The sponsorship reflected Dr. Sam's belief that health equity is inseparable from economic opportunity, and that both require investment from leaders willing to show up.
Unlocking the Vote for People Who Are Justice Impacted
Dr. Sam also helped lead the session "Unlocking the Vote for People Who Are Justice Impacted," alongside Desmond Meade of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. Drawing on her leadership as founder and CEO of The Ladies of Hope Ministries, she spoke to the connection between civic participation, healing, and opportunity for people returning to their communities from incarceration. It is a throughline in all of her work: those closest to the problem are closest to the solution.
Health Equity and Justice, Together
Across both stages, Dr. Sam carried a consistent message: the communities most often shut out of quality healthcare are the same communities shut out of the ballot box, and lasting change requires leaders who reflect the people most affected. Her presence at the Global Black Economic Forum reflected a career built at the intersection of justice, women's health, and economic opportunity.
Book Dr. Topeka K. Sam to speak
Dr. Sam brings this same insight to keynotes, panels, and moderated conversations on women's health, justice reform, leadership, and economic empowerment. To bring her voice to your next event, request a speaking engagement or explore her speaking topics and experience.
