WAWH Leader Awards

2017 WAWH Women's Health Leader Awards

Nicole Safar, 2017 Woman of Courage

Nicole has been working for Planned Parenthood and on women's health care throughout her career. She has worked to pass contraceptive equity laws and science based sexual education in schools, as well as being instrumental in defending a women's right to access abortion services. Because of the work she has done and continues to do, health outcomes for women and girls are impacted positively. She challenges herself and her team to look for intersectionality in our work, as reproductive health care access is a part of a larger whole in our communities.

“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, 2017 Woman Character

Adrienne is a women’s health nurse practitioner for UW University Health Services. Her love of service and equal health care stems from her adolescence in Chicago. She grew up during the civil rights movement. Her mother would open up their apartment to whole families to feed and shelter them during the tough times for people of color, White said. When she learned about Starfish, White decided she could use her love of service to help others in her global health advocacy.

"Adrienne has a heart for improving the lives of women worldwide. She is a leader, mentor, friend and trusted colleague who inspires all, at every age, to make the world better."

Dalvery Blackwell, 2017 Woman of Commitment

Dalvery is the Executive Director of the African American Breastfeeding Network (AABN) which she helped found in 2008. The network was established to address breastfeeding disparities by increasing awareness of the benefits and value of mother’s milk, building community allies, and de-normalizing formula use. She has been instrumental in creating and building AABN’s core program, Community Breastfeeding Gatherings, which has reached over 1,000 families.

"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.”

As we gather together at the 8th Annual Women’s Health Advocacy Summit on March 14th at the Monona Terrace in Madison, WI, we look forward to honoring three individuals as outstanding Wisconsin Women’s Health Leaders. Award categories will celebrate women of Character, Courage, and Commitment.

NOMINATION INSTRUCTIONS: Please complete the nomination form, and attach up to 3 letters of support for your nominee. Letters should not exceed 1 page. All nominations must be received by 4pm on Friday, February 10th, 2017.

SELECTION PROCESS: Award recipients will be selected by a panel of WAWH Board Members in February. Decisions will be made to reflect diverse identities, regions, and impacts. Recipients will be notified of their selection by March 1, 2017.

AWARD CEREMONY: Winners must be present at the 8th Annual Wisconsin Women’s Health Policy Summit on Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 at the Monona Terrace in Milwaukee WI to receive their award.

ADDITIONAL RULES & DISCLAIMERS: Only 3 award recipients will be selected; At the time of nomination, the nominee must live, work, or volunteer in Wisconsin; Incomplete or late nominations will not be considered; WAWH Staff and Board Members are not eligible to receive the awards, nor may they nominate an individual; All nomination materials are confidential and will only be shared with the review panel.

2016 WAWH Women's Health Leaders

Erin Thornley-Parisi, 2016 Woman of Courage

Erin has been involved in violence against women prevention efforts since 1986. While leading the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, she directed the development of the Wisconsin Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners training program, helped developed the statewide Law Enforcement Sexual Assault Investigation program to improve prosecution of perpetrators and support for victims and developed the Wisconsin Sexual Assault Victim Advocates School. Now in her role as Executive Director of the Rape Crisis Center, she continues to raise awareness about the impact of sexual assault on women and is focused on improving diversity and inclusion in the anti-sexual assault movement.

"Erin's work has changed the landscape for women and girls who are sexually assaulted in Wisconsin. Her commitment to the health and well-being of women and girls, specifically in the area of sexual assault, seems to have no end."

Katherine O'Rourke, 2016 Woman of Character

Recognizing that many women in Madison and South Central Wisconsin were unable to afford and access the critical gynecological care needed, in 2013, Katherine helped launched the Share the Health Gynecology Clinic to provide uninsured patients compassionate, quality, lifesaving care. Many of the patients seen at this clinic live in poverty and have had to choose between rent and paying for health care. Many of them faced challenges with transportation and struggled to find culturally competent care. Even while completing her medical residency, Katherine found the time and energy to lead this charge to offer free GYN specialty care.

"As a busy Fourth Year Medical Resident, Katherine chose to use what precious little free time she had to work on taking action to counter a clear women's health injustice. Instead of grumbling about the state of health care in this state and country, she mobilized and recruited some colleagues into helping make her vision of a free gynecology clinic a reality."

Gwen Perry-Brye, 2016 Woman of Commitment

Gwen, the Kenosha County Division of Health Director, has dedicated her career to improve access to health care for women and girls in Wisconsin. Her tireless efforts have included work with the Racine-Kenosha Birthing Project, infant mortality prevention among African American women, the Kenosha Breast/Cervical Health Fund and an innovative model to pregnancy care to Latina women. Gwen volunteers and provides countless hours of community presentations to educate women on their personal healthcare, assists individuals in navigating the healthcare system, and provides mentorship and support for aspiring nurses and public health professionals in Wisconsin.

"Gwen has a passion and commitment for caring for those most vulnerable citizens in our society. She demonstrates outstanding leadership by collaborating with community partners and challenging the movement to address the existing health disparities to improve health outcomes."

2015 WAWH Women's Health Leaders

Teri Huyck, 2015 Woman of Courage

Teri has been leading Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin since 2008 as President and CEO. She is a mentor and a friend. And her commitment to the women, men and youth and families is unsurpassed. She has dedicated her life to ensure people have quality, safe, compassionate care they need and deserve. She does this work knowing that this work comes with risk of threat and intimidation on a fairly regular basis. And she does this without expectation of personal recognition.

“Despite the challenging political times we are in and the relentless attack on women and reproductive health, Teri remains unflustered. She is willing to do what needs to be done to keep PPWI’s services available and accessible.”

Lisa Peyton-Caire, 2015 Woman of Character

In just 3 years, Lisa has managed to start a movement in Greater Madison among Black women to radically improve their health and quality of life. She has raised the community’s consciousness on the issue of health disparities impacting Black women and their communities, and has enlisted the support of the local health community and community at large in advancing this work. She has established a powerful vehicle, the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness, to radically improve the health outcomes of African American women through education and outreach, and is impacting the lives of thousands of women and girls.

“Lisa has taken the discussion of “health” amongst Black women and others in Madison from a whisper, to a movement. Women are now walking together, talking together, supporting each other and becoming healthier together”

Dawn Anderson, 2015 Woman of Commitment

Dawn has served as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition for the past eight years. Under Dawn’s expert guidance, this organization leads, it doesn’t follow. Her commitment is rooted in her devotion to her mother and grandmother, who both lost their personal battles with breast cancer. Her commitment is reinforced by the bonds she forms with those who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Her resolve is fueled by anger and impatience because far too many families continue to lose their mothers, sisters, wives and daughters to this horrific disease, in spite of advances in screening and treatment. Dawn doesn’t give up or give in, though, and continues to educate and advocate for breast cancer issues at the individual, community, state and Federal levels.

“She works hard so the future generations won’t have to go through this. Her positive attitude and energy is contagious and she truly is the backbone of our organization.”