8th Annual Women’s Health Summit shows ‘strength in numbers’

MADISON – Hosted by the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health (WAWH), the advocacy group put on its’ 8th Annual Women’s Health Summit, at the Monona Terrace in Madison on March 14.

Each year, this unique, day-long-convening unites advocates, providers, survivors, policy makers and supports for a day of networking, education and conversations around various topics that are meaningful to the status and protection of women’s health matters here in Wisconsin.

This year, the event featured a series of speakers and panelists with inspiring stories and ways to get involved.

The WAWH gave out awards to women leading the charge on women’s health in Wisconsin. Sara Finger, WAWH founder and executive director presented the following awards:

Nicole Safar,  Government Relations Director, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, 2017 Woman of Courage, “Nicole does not self-promote or seek the spotlight, rather has a deep commitment to lifting the work and leadership of others. She is the quiet force behind the protection and advancement of reproductive rights in Wisconsin.”

Adrienne White, Women’s health nurse practitioner, UW University Health Services, 2017 Woman of Character, “Adrienne has a heart for improving the lives of women worldwide. She is leader, mentor, friend and trusted colleague who inspires all, at every age, to make the world better.

Dalvery Blackwell, Executive Director of the African American Breastfeeding Network, 2017 Woman of Commitment, “Through Dalvery’s leadership and vision, she has transformed the conversation about breastfeeding in the African American community. With her commitment to normalize breastfeeding, she is ultimately improving the health outcomes for both babies and moms throughout the community.”

These women and many, many others have been instrumental in the fight for women’s health throughout the state.