"Designing Health Equity: Building the Blueprint for Stronger Outcomes"
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July 18
Saturday · 2026
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About the Event
"Designing Health Equity: Building the Blueprint for Stronger Outcomes"
2026 Theme
The 32nd Annual Women's Health Symposium Luncheon celebrates the remarkable intersection of dental excellence and women's health advocacy. Under this year's theme, this signature event brings together dental professionals, healthcare leaders, and community champions who are actively shaping the future of equitable health care.
Each year, the WHS Luncheon honors trailblazing women and organizations whose contributions have advanced the health and wellbeing of underserved communities. From the presentation of our prestigious Phenomenal Woman Awards to an inspiring keynote address, this luncheon is a celebration of vision, courage, and impact.
Join us for an afternoon of inspiration, connection, and recognition as we honor the outstanding leaders who are designing a healthier, more equitable future for all. We look forward to seeing you in Richmond.
Keynote Speaker
Photo credit: Diane Zhao
Dr. Uché Blackstock, MD, is a physician, author, and nationally recognized advocate for health equity. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she was inspired by her mother, Dr. Dale Blackstock, to pursue medicine — and together they made history as the first Black mother-daughter legacy graduates in Harvard Medical School's history.
"The first Black mother-daughter legacy graduates in Harvard Medical School's history."
After completing her residency in emergency medicine, Dr. Blackstock practiced as an attending physician and academic faculty member, where her commitment to health equity deepened. She witnessed firsthand how structural racism and systemic inequities produce devastating health disparities in communities of color.
In 2016, she founded Advancing Health Equity, a consulting firm dedicated to helping healthcare organizations address racism and achieve health equity goals. Her work has supported hospitals, health systems, and medical schools across the country in building more inclusive and equitable environments.
Dr. Blackstock is the author of the critically acclaimed book LEGACY: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine (Viking, 2023), a searingly honest memoir chronicling her journey as a Black woman in medicine while illuminating the systemic forces that perpetuate racial health disparities.
A sought-after speaker and commentator, Dr. Blackstock has appeared in The New York Times, CNN, MSNBC, and NPR. She brings to the 32nd Annual WHS Luncheon her signature blend of personal narrative, medical expertise, and unwavering commitment to a future where every patient receives the care they deserve.
Looking Back
"Leaning In to Protect our Legacy. Fertilizing the Soil for a Promising Future."
2025 WHS Luncheon Theme
Highlights from our 31st Annual Women's Health Symposium Luncheon.
Our Legacy
Four decades of Black women dentists building the platform, the awards, and the leadership that define the Women's Health Symposium today.
The first National Dental Association Women's Seminar was held in the early 1980s under the direction of Dr. Marie Holliday (Dallas, TX).
In 1982, Drs. Shirley Bailey and Emily Lee (Los Angeles, CA) founded the Association of Black Women Dentists (ABWD).
Following a successful women dentists' luncheon at the 1989 NDA convention in Washington, D.C., the host committee became the founders of the first branch of the ABWD — the Women Dentists of Metropolitan D.C.
The New York NDA Annual Convention provided a fertile opportunity to launch the first official Women Dentists' Awards Luncheon, chaired by Dr. Erica Bailey.
During that convention, Dr. Hazel Harper (Washington, DC) presented the concept for a Women's Health Symposium to be incorporated into the NDA annual convention — to the NDA Board of Trustees and House of Delegates.
The 1st Annual Women's Health Symposium was held in Boca Raton, FL under the leadership of Dr. Hazel Harper, the first National Chairperson.
This groundbreaking event was approved by the NDA Board of Trustees and House of Delegates, establishing a platform for women leaders in dentistry to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and advance the profession.
Since the first WHS, these exceptional leaders have served as National Chairpersons:
In 1997, we applauded the milestones and achievements of Dr. Hazel J. Harper, NDA's first woman President. Those who followed:
Dr. Hazel J. Harper
Dr. Cynthia Hodge
Dr. Joy Jordan
Dr. Leslie E. Grant
Dr. Sheila R. Brown
Dr. Alison P. Riddle-Fletcher
Dr. Carrie B. Brown
Dr. Judy Greenlea Taylor
Dr. Kim B. Perry
Dr. Sheila R. Armstrong
Dr. Pamela A. Alston
Dr. Cheryl Y. Lee
Dr. Nicole Cheek
In 2014, we proudly dedicated the Women Dentists' Awards Luncheon in memory of Dr. Alison P. Riddle-Fletcher, the 90th President of the NDA.
Dr. Riddle-Fletcher epitomized the virtues of phenomenal woman leadership — grace, poise, and dignity. Her contributions to the dental profession and her commitment to advancing women in dentistry continue to inspire us today.
In 2018, the NDA received a grant from the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation to create "Links to Oral Health for Expectant Moms", a program created for women by women to help improve birth outcomes in African American women.
At the 2019 NDA convention in Washington, DC, with the support of national partners, the NDA-WHS helped launch NDA-HEALTH NOW – metro DC® and hosted the first NDA Perinatal Health Event.
Over the years, the WHS has evolved to include:
Phenomenal Women
Trailblazing women across NDA programs whose leadership has shaped our profession.
2026 Honorees
Dr. Tawana K. Ware is a board-certified pediatric dentist, educator, and nationally respected leader in organized dentistry and academic health professions education. She earned her DDS from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry and completed specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at Indiana University.
Amy Kitch Bowen is the CEO of ADI Mobile Health, a family-owned leading manufacturer of mobile health clinics with headquarters in Oregon, and a longstanding member of the NDA Corporate Round Table.
Senator L. Louise Lucas is a pioneering public servant, business leader, and educator whose distinguished career has spanned government, higher education, community development, and civic leadership throughout Virginia.
Dr. Donna Grant-Mills is Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions at Howard University College of Dentistry, a dedicated educator and mentor with more than 40 years of experience in dental education and community health.
Dr. Wakeshi L. Benson is a board-certified orthodontist, entrepreneur, and leader in organized dentistry — Owner and Managing Orthodontist of WB Orthodontics in the Greater Richmond, Virginia region.
Thank You
Made possible through the generous partnership of these organizations.
Anheuser Busch
Grateful for their vision from the beginning.
Honored for their guidance.
Henry Schein, Inc.
Supporting the Dr. Alison P. Riddle-Fletcher Women Dentists' Awards Luncheon.
Proud Partners
"We welcome the support of our new partners, supporters, and friends."
Dr. Tawana K. Ware is a board-certified pediatric dentist, educator, and nationally respected leader in organized dentistry and academic health professions education. Born in Greenville, Mississippi, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Agnes Scott College before receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, where she was a National Health Service Corps Scholar and inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society.
Dr. Ware completed specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry and earned a Master of Science in Dentistry from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Following service in public health and private practice, she dedicated more than a decade to academic dentistry, teaching at both Meharry Medical College and Indiana University as an Assistant Professor.
Recognized for excellence in teaching, leadership, and community service, Dr. Ware has received numerous honors, including the Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award for Excellence. She is a past president of the American Association of Women Dentists and currently serves on the Agnes Scott College Board of Trustees.
Amy Kitch Bowen is the CEO of ADI Mobile Health, a family-owned business and leading manufacturer of mobile health clinics with headquarters in Oregon. ADI Mobile Health designs and builds custom mobile medical and dental clinics, specializing in transforming vehicles like RVs, trailers, and box trucks into fully functional healthcare facilities. Operating for over 40 years, they create clinics used globally for dentistry, primary care, and screenings to improve community access to healthcare.
Bowen is a longstanding member of the NDA Corporate Round Table, serving in an advisory capacity to encourage the organization's growth and development. She attended George Fox University where she majored in Organizational Communications with a minor in Business Marketing, and has over 20 years of experience in all aspects of mobile health clinics including functional design, manufacturing standards, and facility management.
ADI Mobile Health and Amy Kitch Bowen are committed to maintaining long-term relationships with their customers and community. She serves on the Mobile Health Clinic Association Regional Leadership Board for the Pacific Northwest and is a member of the Portland/Metro Coalition for Mobile Outreach. She was recently honored by the Oregon Dental Foundation for Outstanding Leadership and Community Collaboration. Amy's personal passion is volunteering — she and her family have been involved in a sister church relationship in Les Anglais, Haiti for more than 30 years.
Senator L. Louise Lucas is a pioneering public servant, business leader, and educator whose distinguished career has spanned government, higher education, community development, and civic leadership. A native of Portsmouth, Virginia, Senator Lucas currently serves as President and CEO of several organizations, including Lucas Lodge, Lucas Transportation, Portsmouth Day Support, and Southside Direct Care Providers.
Senator Lucas began her federal career at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where she became the first female Shipfitter, later advancing into leadership and equal employment management roles within the federal government. She earned both her Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational-Industrial Education and Master of Arts degree in Urban Affairs from Norfolk State University, graduating with honors.
First elected to the Virginia General Assembly in 1991, Senator Lucas has become one of the Commonwealth's most influential legislators and currently serves on several major Senate committees, including Finance, Education & Health, Courts of Justice, and Commerce & Labor. Prior to her Senate service, she made history as the first African American woman elected to the Portsmouth City Council.
A lifelong advocate for equity, education, and community empowerment, Senator Lucas has devoted more than four decades to public service and civic engagement throughout Virginia.
Dr. Donna Grant-Mills is Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions at the Howard University College of Dentistry and serves as Project Director for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Summer Medical and Dental Education Program at Howard University. A dedicated educator, administrator, and mentor, Dr. Grant-Mills has more than 40 years of experience spanning dental assisting, dental hygiene, general dentistry, hospital-based oral healthcare management, dental education, and community health program development.
A nationally recognized leader in dental education and service, Dr. Grant-Mills has played a vital role in expanding opportunities for underserved and underrepresented students pursuing careers in healthcare. She also serves as Faculty Liaison to the District of Columbia Dental Society for the coordination of Give Kids a Smile Day and remains actively involved in community health initiatives and advisory boards.
Her many honors include the District of Columbia Dental Society Humanitarian of the Year Award, the National Dental Association Foundation/Colgate-Palmolive Outstanding Teacher Award, and the Community Spirit Award. Dr. Grant-Mills is also a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and a respected scholar who has presented internationally on oral health and dental education.
Dr. Wakeshi Lanise Benson, DDS, Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics, is a board-certified orthodontist, entrepreneur, innovator, and leader in organized dentistry. She is the Owner and Managing Orthodontist of WB Orthodontics in the Greater Richmond, Virginia region.
Dr. Benson is the first Black female dentist and orthodontist from Battle Creek, Michigan and the first Black female orthodontist to practice and own a practice in the Greater Richmond, Virginia area. She has been a member of the National Dental Association for more than 25 years and previously served as Vice President of the NDA student chapter at The University of Michigan School of Dentistry.
She was the youngest dentist elected President of the Detroit District Dental Society – Central Branch and was selected as a delegate to the Michigan Dental Association House of Delegates. She later served as President of the Peter B. Ramsey Dental Society and Treasurer of the Old Dominion Dental Society, the Virginia state component of the NDA. Dr. Benson completed her orthodontic training at Howard University College of Dentistry, where she served as Chief Resident. She currently serves as President of the Continental Orthodontic Study Club, Incorporated, the oldest minority orthodontic study club in the United States.
She has mentored more than 30 students accepted to dental school and trained more than 50 high school students in dental assisting. She is also the inventor of the WB Orthodontic Whitening Kit and founder of WB Inspirations, a philanthropic jewelry brand supporting community causes.