Dr. Meghna Bhat

Many of us move through the world carrying pressures from urgency culture, capitalism, and narrow definitions of justice that leave little room for rest, agency, or authentic healing. Dominant narratives shaped by white supremacy, patriarchy, and tokenism often flatten our experiences and silence those with marginalized identities—deepening stress, disconnection, and mental health challenges. In this keynote, Dr. Meghna Bhat invites community members to reflect on what it means to move from merely getting by to truly thriving, even when thriving feels distant. Together, we explore how trauma‑informed cultures of care can honor lived realities and support self‑directed pathways to healing, joy, and belonging. Grounded in anti‑oppressive and ancestral frameworks, Dr. Bhat shares insights from Gulabi Stories and highlights storytelling as a powerful tool for connection, empathy, and collective well‑being—helping communities reclaim what healing can look like on their own terms.