2011 Conference
"Wholistic-U," the11th Women’s Leadership Conference focused on women’s health issues. Phyllis Greenberger, President and CEO of the Society for Women’s Health Research, kicked off the conference with a keynote address titled “The Evolution of Women’s Health.” One of the United States’ leading advocates for women’s health, she has led the Washington-based organization since its founding in 1990. Ms. Greenberger said that thanks to the society’s efforts, women are now routinely included in most major medical research studies and scientists are beginning to consider biological sex as a variable in their research. She encouraged the conference participants to educate their physicians about the importance of treating women differently than men and to volunteer for clinical trials. “In some cases, you’ll be helping yourself, but in all cases, you’ll be helping future generations of women,” she said.
he afternoon address was delivered by Dr. Kira Fortune of the Pan-American Health Organization, who offered a global perspective on women’s health and gender equality in her talk titled “Women’s Health: Today’s Challenges, Tomorrow’s Agenda.” Dr. Fortune spoke about the state of women’s health and equity across the world, with an emphasis on the Americas. She called for continued work with policymakers to address women’s health issues and the important of gender-sensitive health policies.
Also on the agenda were three professional development sessions: Patricia Bannan, a Los Angeles-based registered dietician specializing in nutrition and health communications, led a workshop focusing on practical tips and strategies for healthier eating; Patti Plaza and Jacque Johnson of the George Washington University's (GW) Department of Exercise Science, offered a holistic approach to stress management; and Susan Lutz, a national expert on independent living and aging issues, led the third workshop, focusing on caring for aging parents.
The conference concluded with a panel discussion titled “Leadership: Whole-istic U,” moderated by Laura Taddeucci Downs, BA ’92, MA ’95, president of the GW Alumni Association and featuring panelists Katherine Holeman, BA ’07, a GW medical student and alumna of the Women’s Leadership Program; Jean Johnson, dean of GW’s School of Nursing; Lori Lerman, a registered nurse, international board certified lactation consultant, and music teacher; and Jacqueline Watson, MBA ’81, executive director of the District of Columbia Health Regulation and Licensing Administration Board of Medicine and president of Jamaican Women of Washington Inc., a philanthropic association dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of underserved women and children.
2011 Panel with Rachelle Heller
The members of the panel discussion pose with Associate Provost Rachelle Heller, who organizes the annual conference.
Dr. Kira Fortune
Dr. Kira Fortune of the Pan-American Health Organization offered a global perspective on women’s health in her afternoon address.
Dean Jean Johnson
The panel included Jean Johnson, dean of the George Washington University's School of Nursing.
Dietician Patricia Bannan
Patricia Bannan, a registered dietician, led a workshop focusing on practical tips and strategies for healthier eating.
Registered Nurse Lori Lerman
Lori Lerman, a registered nurse, shared her opinions during the health-themed panel discussion.
Jacqueline Watson of the DC Health Regulation and Licensing Administration
Jacqueline Watson, executive director of the District of Columbia Health Regulation and Licensing Administration Board of Medicine, took part in the panel discussion.
Whole-istic U Discussion
The conference concluded with a panel discussion titled “Leadership: Whole-istic U."
GW Student Katherine Holeman
The Women’s Leadership Program was represented on the panel by Katherine Holeman.
Rachelle Heller and Alumna
Associate Provost Rachelle Heller poses with an alumna of Mount Vernon College.
Annual Resource Fair
Every year, the conference includes a resource fair that offers valuable information to attendees.