The DESIRE+ Collective
Affirming, empowering, and centering (plus-sized) Black women by building communities of healing, leadership, and justice!
A Letter from the Founder, Nijeria Jones
The DESIRE+ Collective, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was born from both research and lived experience, along with a truth too many of us know well: Black women’s bodies are often politicized, pathologized, and commodified, yet rarely celebrated as sites of wisdom, beauty, and power. As your reigning Ms. Voluptuous America 2025/2026, Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Sexologist, Human Rights Consultant and community advocate raised in the U.S. South, I have witnessed how racism, sexism, and fatphobia shape how Black women see themselves and are seen by others—especially those of us who are plus-size.
This foundation is my response to that reality and my invitation to choose ourselves, centering Black women’s stories, bodies, and brilliance so we can move from invisibility to impact, from survival to wholeness, wellness, and joy. Through sacred spaces, movement and wellness programming, mentorship, advocacy, and research, The DESIRE+ Collective advances body justice and leadership for Black women across the South and beyond, affirming that every curve, every voice, and every truth is already enough.
What We Offer
-
Sacred Spaces
Intimate, facilitated circles where Black women gather to share stories, tend to grief, and practice collective healing without judgment. These spaces center rest, reflection, and connection so participants leave feeling seen, grounded, and supported.
-
Embodiment Workshops
Interactive workshops that invite women back into their bodies through mindfulness, breathwork, creative practices, and gentle somatic exercises. Each session focuses on cultivating self-worth, pleasure, and presence beyond harmful beauty standards.
-
Movement & Wellness
Joy-focused movement classes—like yoga, stretching, and dance—that honor every curve and capacity level. These offerings emphasize accessibility, body-neutral language, and community care over performance or perfection.
-
Conferences & Retreats
Annual gatherings and pop-up retreats that blend learning, art, rest, and celebration for Black women across the South and beyond. These spaces amplify research, build community, and offer room to imagine freer futures together.
-
Mentorship for Emerging Leaders
Intergenerational mentorship circles connecting young and emerging Black women leaders with professionals, creatives, and advocates who model authentic leadership. Together, they build skills, confidence, and networks to lead boldly in their communities.
-
Advocacy & Policy Engagement
Organized efforts to address weight-based discrimination, medical bias, and harmful narratives about Black women’s bodies. Through campaigns, education, and policy engagement, the Collective works to shift systems—not just individual stories.
Who We Serve
The DESIRE+ Collective serves Black women—especially plus-size Black women across the U.S. South—whose bodies, brilliance, and stories have too often been ignored, misunderstood, or treated as “too much.” This community is for the women who have navigated exam rooms, workplaces, and relationships where their bodies were scrutinized but their pain and genius were overlooked, and who still dare to seek joy, softness, and power on their own terms. Here, Black women are not an afterthought or a checkbox; they are the center, the standard, and the reason every program, circle, and gathering exists.
Ways to Get Involved
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!