VELVET Women’s Conference 2027 · Keynote Speakers

Alvin “Al” Carter Jr.
& Brenda Buhr

Two journeys. One united front. Turning pain into purpose.

Get your VELVET tickets Listen to the Fit & Fire podcast ↗

April 26–28, 2027 · DoubleTree by Hilton Ontario Airport · Ontario, CA

Purpose & Empowerment

Fit and Fire: Rising Together — Turning Pain Into Purpose

Breaking the silence surrounding prostate cancer, empowering women to advocate for the men they love, and building a united front in cancer awareness, early detection, faith, healing, and resilience. Through the symbolism of the Phoenix rising from the ashes, Al and Brenda share how love, courage, and unwavering support can transform life’s greatest challenges into a powerful purpose.

Al and Brenda are passionate advocates for cancer awareness, early detection, faith, resilience, and the power of standing together through life’s greatest challenges.

Their message bridges the awareness surrounding breast cancer and prostate cancer, challenging the silence, stigma, and fear that too often prevent men from seeking help.

Together, they emphasize the vital role women play in encouraging the men they love to get screened, seek treatment, and embrace healing—just as men must stand beside women facing breast cancer.

Through their personal journey, they bring a message of hope, love, unity, and transformation. Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, they believe that life’s greatest pain can become the foundation for a greater purpose.

“Two journeys. One united front. Turning pain into purpose.”

Meet the speakers

Alvin “Al” Carter Jr.

Sergeant First Class (E-7), U.S. Army, Retired · Executive Chef · Speaker & Advocate

Alvin “Al” Carter Jr. is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (E-7), executive chef, education professional, and advocate. During 20 years of military service, he worked in food service and executive enlisted-aide assignments supporting senior military and government leadership.

His journey through prostate cancer has challenged him physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Through treatment, uncertainty, and the support of Brenda, Al has found renewed conviction that courage includes asking questions, seeking care, and speaking openly.

Today, his mission through Fit & Fire is to encourage men and the people who love them to make informed health decisions, confront silence and stigma, and find hope through faith, love, and shared purpose.

“Strength is not silence. Faith gives our story a voice.”

Brenda Buhr

Educator · Mentor · Advocate · Speaker

Brenda is an educator, mentor, and advocate whose career has been dedicated to opening doors for others. With more than two decades in education, including 17 years in higher education, she has supported students, emerging professionals, and military-connected families through guidance, encouragement, and opportunity.

Her calling reaches beyond the classroom. As she walks beside Al through prostate cancer, Brenda brings a vital voice to the experience of partners and families: the people who carry questions, offer comfort, and discover strength in love and faith.

Through Fit & Fire, she hopes to help families speak openly about health, embrace compassionate support, and trust God for direction even in uncertain seasons.

“Faith gives us the courage to care, connect, and keep going.”

Hear Al & Brenda live at VELVET

Join 250 women for three days of connection, healing and purpose in Ontario, California, April 26–28, 2027.

Get your VELVET tickets Fit & Fire: The Prostate Cancer Comeback Podcast ↗VELVET conference home

VELVET Women’s Conference · presented by BWA Magazine & Publishing · bwamagazine.com/velvet-womens-conference