​Tanya T. Bennett is a passionate advocate for women's health, an experienced event planner, and the founder of the Hot Flashes & Cool Conversations Foundation. With nearly 30 years of experience as a nurse, Tanya has dedicated her career to addressing healthcare disparities, particularly those affecting African-American women. Drawing from her own journey through menopause, she created the foundation to break the silence surrounding this life stage and empower women with education, support, and community. Tanya is also the CEO of PUSH 365 Event Group LLC, where she combines her expertise in planning and her commitment to fostering meaningful connections to create extraordinary experiences. A Chicago native and proud honoree of the Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence award, Tanya is on a mission to inspire and uplift women at every stage of their journey. Tanya's journey into founding the Hot Flashes & Cool Conversations Foundation is deeply personal, driven by both her professional experience and her own lived reality as a woman navigating menopause. With nearly 30 years of experience as a nurse, Tanya has been at the forefront of healthcare disparities, especially among African-American women. She’s seen firsthand the challenges these women face in accessing quality care, and it was these disparities that fueled her desire to make a change. Tanya knew that there was a critical need for a platform that not only addressed the medical aspects of menopause but also provided a space for emotional and social support—particularly for those who, like herself, felt isolated in their experiences. ​ Her own menopause journey was marked by moments of profound self-discovery. Tanya experienced periods of depression, mood swings, and feelings of not having a safe space to talk about the changes she was going through. The emotional rollercoaster she encountered made her feel as though she was navigating it all alone, without a community to lean on. Yet, as she began to open up to friends and peers, she discovered something surprising: so many women—especially those in her inner circle—were dealing with the same challenges. Despite being surrounded by people she trusted, she hadn't realized just how many were silently experiencing the same symptoms, from hot flashes to mood swings, and grappling with the same feelings of uncertainty and frustration. This realization became a catalyst for Tanya’s mission to break down the silence and stigma surrounding menopause. ​ As someone with a background in event planning, Tanya saw an opportunity to create a safe, open space for women to share their experiences, receive education, and find comfort in knowing they were not alone. This vision became the foundation of Hot Flashes & Cool Conversations, a space where women could embrace the transformative journey of menopause without fear or shame. Through the foundation, Tanya hopes to empower women with the knowledge, resources, and community they need to confidently navigate this life stage. By fostering these connections, Tanya is helping to rewrite the narrative around menopause, turning what was once a taboo subject into one of conversation, support, and empowerment. ​ Under Tanya’s leadership, the foundation is not only addressing the physical challenges of menopause but also offering women a sense of solidarity—a place to share their stories, connect with others, and build a supportive community. Her mission is clear: to create an inclusive, informed, and supportive world for women, where no one feels they have to suffer in silence.