2026 DREAMS 4U Labor of Love Summit
Event Details
Summit is designed to empower young adults to grow mentally, emotionally, and financially. Through conversations about financial literacy, mindfulness, and empowerment, participants will gain tools to build confidence, make healthy decisions, strengthen relationships, and break unhealthy cycles.
Self-love is more than a trend; it’s the foundation for a healthier future.
Friday, September 11, 2026
Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Building 800
1630 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta GA 30310
- Strengthen your mental and emotional health
- Manage your finances
- Advance your career
- Build relationship skills for dating, marriage, and parenthood
- Thrive in adulthood
Workshop descriptions
SOFT, STRONG & SECURE: BECOME HER
Dr. Torrie Love Griffin, Transformational Love & Relationship Coach
A guided, real-talk space for young women who are ready to stop performing confidence and start building it.
You’ll learn how to stay soft without shrinking, set boundaries without guilt, and create the kind of inner security that doesn’t depend on likes, relationships, or outside validation. Through reflection, discussion, and practical tools you can use immediately, you’ll leave feeling clearer, calmer, and more connected to the version of you that is worthy.
Dr. Torri Love Griffin(Dr. Love), LPC, is a licensed professional counselor, transformational life coach, Amazon #1 best-selling author, and CEO of Love Living Life TODAY! LLC. She created the LiSENSE 2 DATE® Relationship Training Programs, empowering teens and adults to build healthy relationships through practical wisdom and mindfulness. Dr. Love also serves as an educator in the DeKalb County School District, promoting student and staff well-being. She holds degrees from Emory University, the University of West Georgia, and Georgia State University. Through speaking, coaching, and counseling, she inspires others to create lives and relationships they truly love.
BREAKING CYCLES, BUILDING KINGS
Lamont Jones, The Furthering Fathering Corporation
A practical workshop for young men who want to stop repeating patterns and start building a better life on purpose.
We’ll identify the cycles that show up in your mindset, habits, friendships, dating, and family relationships. Then, we’ll replace them with clear standards, discipline, and healthier ways to handle pressure. You’ll learn tools for managing anger and stress, communicating with maturity, and leading yourself well. You’ll leave with a simple action plan you can use immediately to protect your peace and build the kind of legacy you can be proud of.
Lamont Jones is a husband of 30 years, father of five, author, transformational speaker, fatherhood coach, and CEO of Furthering Fathering in McDonough, Georgia. He co-founded the organization in 2013 to strengthen fathers, families, and communities through mentoring and education. A retired New York City detective, Lamont is a Master Certified Life Coach, anger management specialist, and holds an associate degree in Christian theology. He is co-author of “The Mandate” and “Dad’s Life Plan,” creator of fatherhood curricula, and author of the free eBook “The 7 M’s of Effective Fatherhood.”
SECURE THE BAG, SECURE YOURSELF: FINANCIAL STABILITY IS SELF-LOVE
M.J. Bridges, Debt-Free Dreamer & Financial Literacy Speaker
A beginner-friendly money workshop for young adults who want to feel confident, not confused, about their finances.
We’ll break down what to do with your first real paychecks, how to budget without hating your life, build credit the right way, and start saving even if it’s small. You’ll learn how to avoid common traps—like impulse spending, “buy now pay later” debt, and pressure to “keep up”—and how to start investing so your money can work for you. You’ll leave with real tools and practical habits, because protecting your peace means protecting (and building!) your pockets.
M.J. Bridges is a financial coach, speaker, and founder of Young & Debt Free. After hitting financial rock bottom at age 25, he transformed his life by eliminating nearly $97,000 in consumer and student loan debt. A former high school math teacher, M.J. now equips young people with practical money management skills, including budgeting, credit, debt elimination, saving, and understanding college costs. Through engaging workshops and real-life experience, he empowers students and young adults to build financial confidence, avoid costly mistakes, and create a strong foundation for long-term financial success and independence.
UNBOTHERED & BALANCED: MASTERING YOUR MIND
Marqui Glinsey, Catholic Charities Atlanta & Blessed Ventures, LLC
An interactive and empowering workshop designed for young adults who are ready to take control of their thoughts, energy, and emotions.
In a world full of pressure, opinions, and nonstop noise, protecting your peace is the ultimate power move. You’ll learn how your mindset shapes your reality and how to stay grounded, even when life gets overwhelming. Through real-life scenarios, engaging activities, and practical tools, you’ll learn how to manage stress, set boundaries, silence negative self-talk, and build confidence from within.
Marqui Glinsey is a mindfulness facilitator, youth advocate, and transformational leader dedicated to healing, self-discovery, and emotional wellness. As a Youth Education Coordinator with Catholic Charities Atlanta, she develops programs that promote academic success, social-emotional growth, and cultural belonging, connecting youth to opportunities in wellness, arts, and STEM. She is also the founder of Blessed Ventures, creating mindfulness retreats that foster renewal through nature, culture, and holistic wellness. A graduate of Indiana University Bloomington, Marqui inspires youth and communities to embrace resilience, self-awareness, and authentic connection through compassionate, transformative experiences.
YOUR HYPE TEAM MATTERS: THE RIGHT SUPPORT CAN SHAPE A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Debra Ross, MSW, Certified Life Coach & TBRI® Practitioner
An engaging, interactive workshop to help young adults build a supportive network.
You don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Together, we’ll explore how consistent encouragement, positive connections, and intentional support can help you overcome obstacles, reach your potential, and build a stronger future. You’ll learn how and why to engage parents, caregivers, mentors, educators, coaches, and community members to become part of your personal “hype team.” You’llleave with practical strategies for boosting self-esteem, strengthening communication, setting healthy boundaries, and creating environments where you’ll feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Debra Ross is a trainer, speaker, and author with more than 30 years of experience serving children and families. She leads trauma-informed trainings across Georgia through the Child Welfare Training Collaborative, specializing in childhood trauma, resilience, and relationship-based care. Drawing on extensive experience in public and private child welfare, Debra equips caregivers, educators, and helping professionals with practical, evidence-informed strategies to strengthen families and improve outcomes. A sought-after conference presenter, she is passionate about building resilience and empowering communities to create lasting, positive change for children and families.
Dr. Terence Lester is an author, public scholar, speaker, and founder and executive director of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit addressing poverty and homelessness through advocacy and community engagement. He earned a Ph.D. in public policy and social change from Union Institute and University. A nationally recognized activist, his work has been featured by CNN, “The Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” TEDx, and other major media outlets. Dr. Lester is the author of several books, including “From Dropout to Doctorate.” An award-winning leader, he continues to inspire change through research, storytelling, public service, and faith-based advocacy.
