The 10th Annual Women’s Health Summit, themed Charting the Course of Women’s Health, welcomed a full house of 200 attendees, including students, faculty from diverse disciplines, community organizations, and public health peers. This landmark event underscored a sobering reality: research on women’s health continues to be undervalued, underfunded, and frequently sidelined in both policy and academic spaces.
Spotlight on Inspiring Speakers
The event began with an insightful keynote address by Dr. Amy Towfighi, who offered a compelling life course perspective on women’s health and social justice (access slides). Based on data presented, Towfighi considers social and economic factors to be 40% of what determines health and sets the tone for the stark projection of mortality and morbidity of women. Her presentation sheds light on the critical need for policies and research that center the unique health challenges women face throughout their lives.
A dynamic panel followed the keynote address, featuring Tabetha Harken (access slides), Jane Stoever (access slides), and Lisa Wright Jenkins (access magazine), who guided attendees through the multifaceted health issues women encounter at different life stages. Their discussion highlighted systemic gaps and opportunities for change, leaving the audience motivated to advocate for solutions.
A Platform for Emerging Voices
Student scientific poster presenters were a standout to this year’s summit, offering fresh perspectives on pressing issues in women’s health. Topics ranged from doula access care in California, to health policy literacy among medical students, to enhancing reporting quality in cervical cancer staging. Their presentations not only impressed attendees but also reinforced the vital role of student researchers in shaping the future of women’s health.
Conversations That Matter
One of the summit’s most celebrated features was the Conversations That Matter lunch discussion, where participants dove deep into important topics, such as the physical and mental health impacts of menopause; the importance of starting nutrition education earlier in life especially for women; and the potential consequences of political shifts that could deprioritize women’s research and services.
Participants appreciated the open dialogue, with many sharing insights that emphasized the urgency of addressing these areas in future research and advocacy. The interactive format sparked candid exchanges, with attendees sharing key topics that will be addressed in future Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health programming.
Advancing Women’s Health Together
The summit reaffirmed the collective dedication of our academic and community networks to ensuring women’s health takes center stage in conversations on a local, state, and federal level. The energy in the room was a reminder that meaningful change begins with gatherings like this—spaces where barriers are named, solutions are imagined, and connections are built to advance equity in research and care. From our thought-provoking speakers to the vibrant discussions, the day left attendees inspired to drive change and ensure women’s health remains a priority in research, policy, and care.
We thank everyone who joined us and contributed to the momentum for a healthier future for all women and look forward to continuing the conversation at next year’s summit.
