Actress and author Maria Bello presents...
Rising Together: Women Embracing Change
Mar 24 - Mar 29, 2025 in Baja, Mexico Led by: Maria Bello, Christine Sperber, Caitlin Allen
Join Maria Bello in a circle of wise women ready to celebrate growth, wisdom, and reinvention in midlife
In today’s male-centric world—where the word “menopause” is barely whispered, and aging is treated like something to resist rather than embrace—midlife can feel isolating.
Your body is changing, your desires are shifting, your identity is evolving—but where is the roadmap? Who are the guides to show you how to step into this chapter with confidence, vitality, and joy?
When actor, producer, and writer Maria Bello found herself navigating these changes, she was fortunate to have wise, older friends who mentored her through the transition and showed her that the second half of life can be a time of power, sensuality, and reinvention.
Their support transformed her experience—turning uncertainty into possibility and isolation into a celebration of growth, beauty, and adventure.
Now, Maria wants to share that experience with you.
In this powerful workshop, co-facilitated by Maria Bello and MEA’s Chief Experience Officer Christine Sperber, you’ll gain invaluable mentorship, insight, and tools to embrace midlife with confidence, style, and purpose.
What you’ll gain
Through experiential activities, guided discussions, and deep connection, you will:
Plus you’ll get a beauty & style session with one of Hollywood’s top hairstylists! (More on that below.)
Meet your faculty
Maria Bello
Actor | Producer | Writer | Midlife Activist
Maria Bello is an internationally acclaimed actor, author and activist. As an actor Maria has appeared in countless films and tv series, including A History of Violence, Coyote Ugly, ER, NCIS and the Netflix series Beef for which she was nominated for an Emmy and won the Critics Choice Award in 2023.
Her writing has appeared in The New York Times and in her book “Whatever Love is Love – Questioning the Labels We Give Ourselves”. She wrote the story for and also produced the Sony feature film The Woman King starring Viola Davis.
As an activist Maria was named one of Variety’s most powerful women in Hollywood for her work with Save Darfur. She has worked in disaster relief around the world and started the NGO, We Advance, in Haiti after the devastating earthquake there in 2010. She has also advocated for equal pay and opportunity for women in the entertainment industry for 30 years.
Maria became a “Midlife Midwife” in the midst of crossing over to her second half of life. She left Hollywood and all social media in 2021 and moved to Paris to consciously walk through the Pause in menopause, which lead her to become an outspoken midlife advocate.
Christine Sperber
MEA Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer
Christine Sperber is chief architect of the experiential aspects of our workshops and programs. She is a former World Cup snowboarder and serial entrepreneur and innovator who has launched and grown award-winning hotels, businesses, and industry-evolving ideas in the sports and hospitality worlds and beyond. The word her workshop participants use most often to describe her is “badass” in recognition of her irrepressible energy and ability to make shit happen.
As one of MEA’s founders, Christine co-created the company and was critical in transforming the concept of a Modern Elder Academy into reality. Christine is a devoted team builder whose authenticity, values-based leadership skills, and empathetic engagement create community wherever she focuses her attention. She is a passionate activist and steward of the land and is dedicated to creating transformative experiences that change people’s lives.
She makes everything she gets involved in more fun, more meaningful, and more human.
Plus you will get a beauty & style session with one of Hollywood’s top hairstylists:
Philip Carreon
Philip Carreon is one of the most skilled and widely respected hairstylists in the fashion and entertainment industries. His clientele includes Anne Hathaway, Annette Bening, Maria Bello, Milla Jovovich, Demi Moore, Christina Hendricks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Candice Bergen, Winona Ryder, Britney Spears, and Miguel. His work has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, In Style, People, Rolling Stone, and more.
Philip is well known for creating Prince’s iconic looks throughout the legendary musician’s career. He appeared as a Celebrity Stylist in seasons nine and ten of the Emmy-winning show, Project Runway, alongside Tim Gunn and host Heidi Klum.
In 1991, Philip opened the legendary Estilo Salon, now Ramos Carreon Salon. He is credited with fostering the careers of many celebrated top stylists in Los Angeles. Working with a wide range of clients at both Ramos Carreon Salon and on-set, Philip developed his signature stylized haircutting, combining form with energetic texture and movement. His style of hair color is famous for artistic placement, balance and hue.
His creative roots came from industry trail blazer Sebastian Professional, where he served as Artistic Director for 18 years. Philip Carreon’s creative vision established Eufora Professional as a top image trend-setting brand in the professional world of hair. He also gave his master touch to mass brand Garnier.
This workshop is for you if...
You’re feeling lost or unsupported as you navigate the changes that come with midlife
You’re ready to change the stories you have about aging and the second half of life
You’re prepared to release old habits and behaviors that no longer serve you
You’re looking for a community of supportive women who are going through the experience and committed to thriving in midlife
You’re excited to discover all of the wonder, hotness and adventure that can be found in the second half of life
You’re ready to embrace your next chapter and learn how to share your own wisdom and experiences with others
Baja, Mexico
El Pescadero Resort
A stunning oceanfront property offering all of the amenities of a luxury hotel with beautiful beaches perfect for swimming or surfing. Located on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, just a short drive from Todo Santos, the “Pueblo Magico”.
Meet your MEA facilitators
In addition to the powerful sessions conducted by Maria, you will be guided through the core MEA Owning Wisdom curriculum by our faculty members:
We have midwives for bringing us into and out of the world – so why not for our midlife transition?
Going through menopause and entering into our second half of life is a time when so many of us feel alone and in the dark. But when you come together in community with other wise-hearted individuals and share your knowledge and experience with each other, the transition becomes joyful and empowering – and full of possibility.
