Expert Series – Obesity, Health Equity & Advocacy: Stories of Change, Strategies for Action
Join DiabetesSisters for an important webinar featuring Millicent Gorham, CEO of the Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention, a leading voice in women’s health advocacy and the driving force behind the EveryBODY Covered campaign—an effort to ensure that everybody has coverage for obesity care. She will be joined by Shenese Colwell, a passionate obesity care advocate and bariatric coach dedicated to expanding access to treatment and support. Together, they will share insights on the impact of obesity on women and how you can raise your voice in support of expanded obesity care coverage.
This session will dive into:
• The critical connections between women’s health, obesity, health equity, and access to care
• The health disparities that impact women – especially those living with diabetes
• Strategies for self-advocacy, navigating barriers to obesity treatment, and driving policy changes that ensure everyone has access to the care they need
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experts leading the fight for equitable obesity care!
About the Speakers
Millicent Gorham, PhD (Hon), MBA, FAAN
Millicent Gorham is the inaugural CEO of the Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention,
previously serving as its Board Chair. With over 35 years in government relations, she has
shaped health policy through roles with the Congressional Black Caucus, American
Optometric Association, and National Rural Health Association. She led the National Black
Nurses Association for 25 years, overseeing advocacy and operations for 308,000 nurses. As
Executive Director of Movement is Life, she advanced health equity and mobility initiatives. A
trusted advisor, she has served on boards for Yale, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Pfizer.
Honored with numerous awards, she holds an MBA from Howard University.
Shenese Colwell, MBA
Shenese Colwell is a passionate obesity care advocate, author, and bariatric coach
dedicated to expanding access to treatment and support. After undergoing bariatric surgery
and maintaining a weight loss of over 115 pounds, she founded L.A.B. Work & Fitness (Life After
Bariatrics) to help others navigate post-surgery life. She is an active member of the Obesity
Action Coalition, sharing her insights as a patient advocate and speaker.
Meet the Hosts
