Dr. Chris Omni

Dr. Chris Omni, affectionately known as The Health Hippie, is a keynote speaker, panel moderator, award-winning entrepreneur, and Black Joy scholar, artist, and activist. She is the go-to-source for creative and compassionate conversations that lead to community change. 

Dr. Omni’s research explores nature’s influence on the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of Black people. By blending her 25-year background in public health with her foreground in art education, Dr. Omni’s presentations provide a counter narrative to the typical deficit lens generally applied to the Black experience.

Dr. Omni’s international and national honors include the 2022 semi-finalist, 3-Minute Thesis winner presented by the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, the 2021 First place, 3-Minute Thesis winner presented by Florida State University, the 2019 International Community Ambassador presented by iChange Nations, the 2018 American Small Business Champion presented by SCORE, the 2018 Black People who Rock presented by New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, the 2015 Minority-owned business of the Year presented by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, and the 2015 Woman of Achievement and Outstanding Entrepreneur presented by Topeka Chamber of Commerce.

Outside of teaching, mentoring, and winning awards, Dr. Omni can be found tending to her 60+ potted plants, walking her three dogs, or passing out hugs to people who need and/or want an emotional release.  A single encounter with Dr. Omni will leave you feeling heard, seen, and valued.