Hidden Figures Gala
The Williams Forum for Diabetic Education and Healthcare, (WFDEH) (a 501 C 3) came about through the vision of Dr. Patricia Bennett. The nonprofit organization focuses on public education on health disparities and STEM careers for young girls. Their Physician Speaker’s Bureau represents all medical specialties.
This year celebrated the third “Hidden Figures” gala on November 16 at the elegant Il Tulipano in Cedar Grove, NJ.
The event highlighted the accomplishments of extraordinary women in medicine and science: Diane Ridley, MD (Anesthesiology); Jeanine Downie, MD (Dermatology); Norma Rae, MD (Obstetrics & Gynecology); Erica David-Parks, MD (Rehabilitative Medicine); Debora Golden-Prophete, MD (Internal Medicine); Sonja Hutchins-Eke, MD, MPH, Dr. PH (Preventive Medicine); and Sandra Adams, PhD (Molecular Genetics & Virology).
Keynote speaker Renee Baskerville, MD (Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine) made an exhilarating presentation on the historical participation of women in medicine and science. The life stories and career pathways described by the honorees mesmerized the approximately 200 guests.They also spoke about the profound health disparities that exist in their medical and scientific specialties.
With cameras flashing and friends reacquainting, guests dined, danced, and closed the night with promises to stay involved with the foundation. Plans are in progress for the development of a public forum on health disparities in spring 2021.
