FOUNDING COHORT · FALL 2026 · CLEVELAND

Radical Self-Love & the Practice of Joy

A 9-week, culturally affirming journey for Black women ready to finally make themselves the priority.

Intentionally limited to 12 women · Applications open through July 31

Not ready to commit to the full cohort? Join our community to learn more about what we do.

Nine weeks. One community.

The BGE Signature Cohort is a intimate cohort experience — we gather in person, then continue together through live virtual sessions over nine weeks. Here's what's included, and how it works.

What's included:

Expert Guidance — led by founder Kayla Merritt, MS
Guest Expert Session — featuring Johnika Nixon, M.Ed.
Personalized 1:1 Support — two private calls to craft your personal journey.
In-Person Orientation — a grounding kickoff to get to know your cohort.
4 Live Virtual Sessions — shared insight, connection & reflection
Personal Empowerment Plan — personalized roadmap to creating the life you want.
Intimate Community Setting — a private community + alumni network

The details:

Format: Hybrid — in person + live virtual sessions
Length: 9 weeks · September 12–November 4, 2026
In-person orientation: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time commitment: ~2 hours per week
Size: Intentionally limited to 12 women
Applications: Open through July 31, 2026 · Applicants notified by August 14, 2026

By the end of these nine weeks, you'll have:

Personal Empowerment Plan (P.E.P): personalized guide you build through the cohort. Your own roadmap for living an empowered and abundant life.
A curated circle of women who truly get it. Women intentionally chosen because they share the same level of commitment and value to this program.
The introspection you've been craving. Facilitated and personal reflection that takes you deeper plus practical tools to further define your journey.
A renewed relationship with self-love and joyful living.
The new confidence of woman who finally chose herself.

The full investment for the cohort is $475.

To hold your space, a $100 deposit is due once you're accepted and have signed the cohort agreement. The remaining $375 can be paid in full by orientation on September 12 or we can build a flexible payment plan together.

Questions about pricing or payment? Email hello@bgecommunity.com for more information.

Not ready to apply? Stay connected — get next event invites, and founding-cohort updates.

Join Our Community

BlackGirlsEmpowered was never built for everyone. It was built for you.

For the working mom who pours into everyone and quietly wonders who's pouring back into her. You've been searching for sisterhood.

For the ambitious millennial who's done sacrificing her peace at the altar of the hustle. You're redefining what success even means.

For the Cleveland newcomer, still searching for her people.

For the Black woman who's tired of being an afterthought. You deserve a space that puts your experience at the center.

Apply for the Founding Cohort

Common Questions

When does the cohort officially begin?

We kick off with in-person orientation on Saturday, September 12, 2026, then continue together over the following nine weeks.

What's the time commitment?

Participants dedicate around 2 hours per week between live sessions and self-guided practice.

How much does the program cost?

The full investment is $475, with a $100 deposit to secure your spot after acceptance. Flexible payment plans are available so this stays accessible.

Is this therapy or medical care?

No. This is a cohort program and is not a substitute for medical or mental health treatment.

What happens after I apply?

Applications close July 31, 2026. We review every application personally and notify you by August 14, 2026.