RISE KEYNOTE SPEAKER 2026

Dr. Kristian Edwards

Dr. Kristian J. Edwards, founder of BLK + GRN, is a leader in health care management and sustainable wellness. With an undergraduate and master's degree from Yale University and a Doctorate in Public Health from Johns Hopkins, her career reflects a deep commitment to cultural competency and addressing health disparities. Formerly an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at George Washington University, Dr. Edwards taught and mentored future public health leaders on critical issues in health care management.

Prior to this, she served as an administrator at Johns Hopkins Health System, where she led initiatives to improve patient safety and sustainability. In 2017, Dr. Edwards launched BLK + GRN, an ecosystem dedicated to empowering Black women to live healthier, more intentional lives.

Through education, advocacy, and a curated marketplace of toxic-free products by Black artisans, they provide the tools and resources needed for holistic well-being. Since then, BLK + GRN has achieved over $1.3 million in sales, garnered a community of 210,000 social media followers, a podcast with over 25K downloads, and hosted events across the U.S. With a mission to normalize non-toxic living while supporting Black entrepreneurship, BLK + GRN has been featured in Essence, Forbes, Blavity, USA Today, and The New York Times.