Motivated Moms Retreat Returns with Powerful Lineup

A familiar face has returned to the forefront of a popular weekend retreat that has become a welcomed tradition for so many women in the Dallas area and beyond. LaToyia Dennis, the well-known Brand Ambassador, Fundraiser and self-described PhilMOMthropist hosted the Motivated Mom Retreat last weekend in Dallas.

For many women, the 48 hours shared at Dallas’ Virgin Hotel were life changing.

The very intentional list of guest speakers offered not only words of wisdom, but techniques for practice and skills for self-preservation.  Every detail was developed with the specific needs of women of color in mind.

A very elegant Converse & Cocktail Dress Soiree set the tone for the weekend. Guests walked the red carpet, networked with media members, enjoy a presentation of awards and discussed various ways to expand the sense of community. Comedian Jason Earls welcomed guests into the venue with timely comedy.

Actors and brothers Larenz Tate, LaRon Tate and the Lahmard Tate served as the Motivated Dad Panelists, joined on stage by actor and celebrity DJ – Actor Flex Alexander. Together, these four men discussed the importance of fatherhood, presence and strengthening the family unit.

LaToyia Dennis welcomes the “Motivated Dads Panel” to the red carpet. L-R: Flex Alexander, LaRon Tate, Larenz Tate, Dennis and Lahmard Tate. (© 2024 Miss Ari Photography)

Special guests and honorees included R&B singer Nicci Gilbert-Daniels (Motivated Mom of the Year Honoree); Dear Future Wifey Podcast host Laterras R. Whitfield (Motivated Dad of the Year Honoree); and Concord Church First Lady Stephanie Carter (Motivated Mom in Ministry Honoree).

Saturday began with an early morning yoga session, led by Dennis. A sincere morning devotion and prayer provided direction for the day. Throughout Saturday, retreat attendees enjoyed various empowerment sessions, including: “Managing Money,” “Maternal Health & Wellness,” “Walking in Purpose” and “Daddy Issues.”

In the audience were women from all walks of life, various financial statuses, and differing age groups. During the session on managing money – there were takeaways for all on budgeting and making sensible financial decisions.

Successful marketing professional and journalist Sherilyn Smith advised the women on charging their worth and advocating for their own financial well-being. Marking and Business Coach Nicole Cooper shared with women the ways in which they can profit on their talents and the many skills they share with the world for free.

“The issue with our generation is we have all these skills, but we don’t see ourselves as worthy of charging for them,” Cooper shared. “What happens is every single time that phone rings and someone asks for help, telling us how great we are at something - we give away information for free. That happens over and over and then we eventually feel cheated and think I’m always helping someone.”

There is nothing wrong with putting a price tag on our skills. The practice of such has the power to generate additional income.

In another interesting session, speakers discussed the issue of women of color being at a significant disadvantage where maternal health is concerned in the United States. postpartum depression is still not taken as seriously as it should be, as most women are expected to return to full-time work after only a matter of weeks after giving birth.

Prinscilla Moore, a Certified Postpartum Doula shared with the audience all the services that a doula provides, which far surpasses the average person’s understanding of this role. A doula is an advocate, someone who can walk a woman through her pregnancy and help her make sense of the unfamiliar things she will experience.

Some women enter her “Delighted to Doula” facility just for a safe space; for somewhere to get away from abuse or just to have someone to listen to the things they’re feeling.

Panelists share impactful stories on maternal health.

“Many black women are still suffering in silence because they’re afraid to speak up,” Moore shared. “They fear that they’ll be called weak when there is this narrative that mothers are supposed to be strong.”

Rose Rock, who is the mother of comedian Chris Rock has become a staple at the Motivated Moms Retreat and is a past Motivated Mom of the Year Honoree. The dedicated mother and educator was on hand for the entire weekend, sharing both her knowledge and listening ear to the many participants.

Rock, along with famed rapper and DJ Spinderella shared with the group the joys and hurdles of navigating successful careers while raising their families.

Dennis shares the stage with DJ Spinderella and Rose Rock.

Before Saturday’s sessions were complete, Dennis launched a new dynamic to the retreat: “Speed Date a Therapist.” This unique session afforded five experienced Black Therapists (all women) to rotate to different tables and have group sessions with the participants.

Parker Forte’, Kimberly Gist-Miller, Tia Glenn-Honore’, Megan Pickens and Alisha Woodall all entertained questions and provided thoughtful answers and resources to the crowd. Many women committed to signing up for their services on a regular basis.

Therapists (L-R) Megan Pickens, Parker Forte’, Kimberly Gist-Miller, Tia Glenn-Honore’ and Alisha Woodall were on hand during the retreat to provide both guidance and familiarity in the form of therapy.

The evening ushered in a pajama party and karaoke night – the ultimate opportunity for the women to unwind and enjoy one another’s company before what would be a incredibly revealing Sunday morning.

Speaker Sherilyn Smith and family enjoy karaoke night.

No one in attendance could’ve prepared for a Sunday morning of storytelling and revelations with the “Momories Story Brunch.”

Four dynamic speakers, with unique journeys stood before an audience of women adorned in their Sunday best. They would evoke laughter, tears and exclamations of joy as they chronicled their stories of overcoming abuse, destitution, grief and inevitably triumph. The morning was hosting by radio personality Veda Loca. 

Before the group dismissed for the weekend, Dennis and her team hosted an impromptu baby shower for one new mom and two new moms-to-be, equipping them with car seats, baby clothes and various essentials for welcoming a newborn. There was not a dry eye in the room.

Dennis surprises three attendees with an impromptu baby shower.

The last time Dennis hosted her powerful Motivated Moms Retreat, the world hadn’t yet paused for the pandemic. A crowd of nearly 300 had converged on the Omni Hotel in Las Colinas and the formidable lineup of speakers served to encourage, inspire, and motivate. The retreat almost didn’t happen this year, as Dennis has been on an incredible spree of hosting Community Baby Showers around the country, fundraising and of course being a mother to her son.

“I’m so glad God provided for the vision when I doubted that I could pull it off,” Dennis says. “I am so full.”