During the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards, Sonya Young Aadam, CEO of California Black Women's Health Project, was honored with this year’s “Unsung Heroes” award. The NAACP and Metamucil presented the “Unsung Heroes” honors to individuals who, like Sonya, make exceptional contributions to society and the success of missions or projects, but who do not receive widespread recognition for their efforts. The sunset on ‘Women’s History Month’ and the sunrise on ‘National Minority Health Month’, presents an opportunity to celebrate Sonya’s nearly 9 years of leadership and dedication to Black women’s health advocacy, health disparities reduction, and better health and wellness for Black communities.
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NAACP Image Awards Honors the CEO of California Black Women’s Health Project, Sonya Young Aadam
Photo courtesy of Sonya Young Aadam, California Black Women’s Health Project
March 28, 2023 - During the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards, Sonya Young Aadam, CEO of California Black Women's Health Project, was honored with this year’s “Unsung Heroes” award. The NAACP and Metamucil presented the “Unsung Heroes” honors to individuals who, like Sonya, make exceptional contributions to society and the success of missions or projects, but who do not receive widespread recognition for their efforts. The sunset on ‘Women’s History Month’ and the sunrise on ‘National Minority Health Month’, presents an opportunity to celebrate Sonya’s nearly 9 years of leadership and dedication to Black women’s health advocacy, health disparities reduction, and better health and wellness for Black communities.
As the CEO of California Black Women's Health Project (CABWHP), the only statewide non-profit organization solely committed to improving the health of California's 1.2 million Black women and girls through advocacy, education, outreach and policy, Sonya is committed to supporting and uplifting efforts that promote and improve the mental, physical, and emotional health of Black women and girls in California.
Sonya’s deep passion for the wellness of Black women, girls, families and communities is driven by her rearing as a woman of deep faith, commitment to social equity, and the heartfelt sentiment that “…we lift as we climb.”
On receiving this honor, Sonya shared “our programmatic evaluations and testimonies from community members tell us California Black Women’s Health Project is making a crucial impact in health equity, social justice and public health. Too often, the work and impact of Black women-led organizations goes overlooked and unacknowledged. I, alongside the CABWHP Board and team, am truly honored that our passionate and committed efforts are receiving this recognition.”
To view Sonya’s “Unsung Heroes” segment visit: www.cabwhp.org/ourstories.
CABWHP fosters the practice of honoring those supporting the health and wellness of Black women, girls, families and communities in various ways, including through their ‘Women Who Dared’ gala events. The "Women Who Dared" celebration honors exceptional Black women who dare to make a difference and uplift wellness in the lives of Black women, girls, families, and communities.
Honorees for the 2023 “Women Who Dared: A Time to Care Affair” include the California Black Women’s Collective and Denise Pines, MBA, with Women in the Room Productions. Other dynamic honorees will be announced soon.
CABWHP invites you to join them in celebrating incredible Black women and supporting California's 1.2 million Black women and girls during the “Women Who Dared: A Time to Care Affair” on Tuesday, May 23rd at The Miracle Theater in Inglewood, CA. To purchase tickets or become a “Women Who Dared” sponsor visit: www.cabwhp.org/attca.
About California Black Women’s Health Project: California Black Women's Health Project is the only statewide, non-profit organization that is solely committed to improving the health of California's 1.2 million Black women and girls through advocacy, education, outreach and policy.
As the CEO of California Black Women's Health Project (CABWHP), the only statewide non-profit organization solely committed to improving the health of California's 1.2 million Black women and girls through advocacy, education, outreach and policy, Sonya is committed to supporting and uplifting efforts that promote and improve the mental, physical, and emotional health of Black women and girls in California.
Sonya’s deep passion for the wellness of Black women, girls, families and communities is driven by her rearing as a woman of deep faith, commitment to social equity, and the heartfelt sentiment that “…we lift as we climb.”
On receiving this honor, Sonya shared “our programmatic evaluations and testimonies from community members tell us California Black Women’s Health Project is making a crucial impact in health equity, social justice and public health. Too often, the work and impact of Black women-led organizations goes overlooked and unacknowledged. I, alongside the CABWHP Board and team, am truly honored that our passionate and committed efforts are receiving this recognition.”
To view Sonya’s “Unsung Heroes” segment visit: www.cabwhp.org/ourstories.
CABWHP fosters the practice of honoring those supporting the health and wellness of Black women, girls, families and communities in various ways, including through their ‘Women Who Dared’ gala events. The "Women Who Dared" celebration honors exceptional Black women who dare to make a difference and uplift wellness in the lives of Black women, girls, families, and communities.
Honorees for the 2023 “Women Who Dared: A Time to Care Affair” include the California Black Women’s Collective and Denise Pines, MBA, with Women in the Room Productions. Other dynamic honorees will be announced soon.
CABWHP invites you to join them in celebrating incredible Black women and supporting California's 1.2 million Black women and girls during the “Women Who Dared: A Time to Care Affair” on Tuesday, May 23rd at The Miracle Theater in Inglewood, CA. To purchase tickets or become a “Women Who Dared” sponsor visit: www.cabwhp.org/attca.
About California Black Women’s Health Project: California Black Women's Health Project is the only statewide, non-profit organization that is solely committed to improving the health of California's 1.2 million Black women and girls through advocacy, education, outreach and policy.
California Black Women’s Health Project
9800 S. La Cienega Blvd., Suite 905 Inglewood, CA 90301
General Contact: (310) 412-1828 | wellwoman@cabwhp.org
Media Contact: geneses@cabwhp.org
Women Who Dared Contact: givingforward@cabwhp.org
REPUBLISH THIS PRESS RELEASE
Despite the increasing, albeit minimal, advances in maternal health support and services, Black maternal mortality continues to rise; with the COVID-19 pandemic being a major factor in the increase.
The CDC’S recently released report highlights the need for action toward what we have been championing for decades: equitable access to healthcare and safe birthing outcomes for Black women and birthing people.
The CDC’S recently released report highlights the need for action toward what we have been championing for decades: equitable access to healthcare and safe birthing outcomes for Black women and birthing people.
read full article
| In 2023 Black women are still dying from childbirth |
California Black Women’s Health Project (CABWHP) is excited to announce the expansion of the Board of Directors with the appointment of three new members: William Covington, a finance and operations executive; Dorian L. Harriston, an executive marketing and communications leader; and Rochelle McLaurin, an experienced public and private sector grants and contract director.
The Board of Directors play an instrumental role in advancing the organization’s work and mission to improve the health and wellness of California’s 1.2 million Black women and girls through advocacy, education, outreach and policy. These appointments reflect the enrichment and advancement of the non-profit organization’s vital and impactful initiatives and projects.
The Board of Directors play an instrumental role in advancing the organization’s work and mission to improve the health and wellness of California’s 1.2 million Black women and girls through advocacy, education, outreach and policy. These appointments reflect the enrichment and advancement of the non-profit organization’s vital and impactful initiatives and projects.
read full press release
November 2022
California Black Women’s Health Project (CABWHP) is excited to announce the expansion of the Board of Directors with the appointment of three new members: William Covington, a finance and operations executive; Dorian L. Harriston, an executive marketing and communications leader; and Rochelle McLaurin, an experienced public and private sector grants and contract director.
The Board of Directors play an instrumental role in advancing the organization’s work and mission to improve the health and wellness of California’s 1.2 million Black women and girls through advocacy, education, outreach and policy. These appointments reflect the enrichment and advancement of the non-profit organization’s vital and impactful initiatives and projects.
As CABWHP approaches its 30-year anniversary, the newly appointed Board members will join our legacy Board members to provide expertise, passion and commitment necessary to drive the organization forward.
“This work is very personal to me, and I am honored to support this incredible organization in its continued movement forward in health equity and policy,” said Dorian L. Harriston. “The work of the California Black Women’s Health Project is vital not only to Black women and girls, but to our community at large.”
William “Will” Covington is the Senior Vice President of Finance for The Children’s Institute, Inc. overseeing finance for this $100M+ educational & social services and community development entity. In addition to his current role, Will has held several executive level finance and operations positions in technology, entertainment/media and not-for-profit at entities such as Fox, NBC Universal, DirecTV and Initiative Media. With over twenty years of finance, business planning, strategy and operations experience, Will brings a broad depth of knowledge in developing and building business infrastructures of entrepreneurial ventures within large fortune 500 organizations and not-for-profit entities. He received his MBA from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business, and his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from UCLA. He currently sits on the board of CharterSAFE, a $55M a Joint Powers Authority insurance and risk management organization. In his spare time, Will enjoys traveling, golf and volunteering in the community.
Dorian L. Harriston is an executive marketing and communications leader with over 15 years of experience in driving local, national and global strategic healthcare and academic medicine marketing, Dorian leverages brand stories, visual media campaigns and community partnerships to drive cultural inclusion and community engagement. In her role as Director of Academic and Community Marketing at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, Dorian crafts national reputation marketing and communications strategy for Research and Education, Community Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion and Health Equity. Her career span includes communication and marketing positions in radio, the hospitality industry and non-profit management. She launched her healthcare journey with Ohio KePRO, Inc., designing community health education programming and culturally competent Medicare collateral for the state of Ohio. To add to her accomplished leadership, Dorian won the “Best in Show” and Gold awards from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Group on Institutional Advancement for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for her work on combating vaccine hesitancy in communities of color, coined “Doses of Hope.”
Rochelle McLaurin is the Director of Contracts and Grants Management at Heluna Health where she was honored during National Women’s History Month 2021 for her achievements and enormous contributions made towards improving the health of entire communities. Rochelle has worked as a leader in the public and private sector, leading the way in designing, developing and teaching various contract and grant policies and procedures. She obtained her MBA from the University of Redlands, School of Business. She has nearly 20 years of experience in contract and grant management. Rochelle is a 2018 graduate of the Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program, an organizational partner of the USC Marshall School of Business, completed the 2021 Board Leadership Program of the African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI), and is an active member of the National Black MBA Association, Inc.-Los Angeles Chapter.
Tyan Parker-Dominquez, Chairperson of CABWHP’s Board of Directors, expressed a great deal of hope and enthusiasm for the organization's continued growth and development with the addition of such talented, well-rounded, and dedicated individuals joining the Board.
CABWHP is currently accepting applications for the Advisory Board. Interested parties should contact wellwoman@cabwhp.org.
California Black Women’s Health Project (CABWHP) is excited to announce the expansion of the Board of Directors with the appointment of three new members: William Covington, a finance and operations executive; Dorian L. Harriston, an executive marketing and communications leader; and Rochelle McLaurin, an experienced public and private sector grants and contract director.
The Board of Directors play an instrumental role in advancing the organization’s work and mission to improve the health and wellness of California’s 1.2 million Black women and girls through advocacy, education, outreach and policy. These appointments reflect the enrichment and advancement of the non-profit organization’s vital and impactful initiatives and projects.
As CABWHP approaches its 30-year anniversary, the newly appointed Board members will join our legacy Board members to provide expertise, passion and commitment necessary to drive the organization forward.
“This work is very personal to me, and I am honored to support this incredible organization in its continued movement forward in health equity and policy,” said Dorian L. Harriston. “The work of the California Black Women’s Health Project is vital not only to Black women and girls, but to our community at large.”
William “Will” Covington is the Senior Vice President of Finance for The Children’s Institute, Inc. overseeing finance for this $100M+ educational & social services and community development entity. In addition to his current role, Will has held several executive level finance and operations positions in technology, entertainment/media and not-for-profit at entities such as Fox, NBC Universal, DirecTV and Initiative Media. With over twenty years of finance, business planning, strategy and operations experience, Will brings a broad depth of knowledge in developing and building business infrastructures of entrepreneurial ventures within large fortune 500 organizations and not-for-profit entities. He received his MBA from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business, and his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from UCLA. He currently sits on the board of CharterSAFE, a $55M a Joint Powers Authority insurance and risk management organization. In his spare time, Will enjoys traveling, golf and volunteering in the community.
Dorian L. Harriston is an executive marketing and communications leader with over 15 years of experience in driving local, national and global strategic healthcare and academic medicine marketing, Dorian leverages brand stories, visual media campaigns and community partnerships to drive cultural inclusion and community engagement. In her role as Director of Academic and Community Marketing at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, Dorian crafts national reputation marketing and communications strategy for Research and Education, Community Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion and Health Equity. Her career span includes communication and marketing positions in radio, the hospitality industry and non-profit management. She launched her healthcare journey with Ohio KePRO, Inc., designing community health education programming and culturally competent Medicare collateral for the state of Ohio. To add to her accomplished leadership, Dorian won the “Best in Show” and Gold awards from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Group on Institutional Advancement for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for her work on combating vaccine hesitancy in communities of color, coined “Doses of Hope.”
Rochelle McLaurin is the Director of Contracts and Grants Management at Heluna Health where she was honored during National Women’s History Month 2021 for her achievements and enormous contributions made towards improving the health of entire communities. Rochelle has worked as a leader in the public and private sector, leading the way in designing, developing and teaching various contract and grant policies and procedures. She obtained her MBA from the University of Redlands, School of Business. She has nearly 20 years of experience in contract and grant management. Rochelle is a 2018 graduate of the Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program, an organizational partner of the USC Marshall School of Business, completed the 2021 Board Leadership Program of the African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI), and is an active member of the National Black MBA Association, Inc.-Los Angeles Chapter.
Tyan Parker-Dominquez, Chairperson of CABWHP’s Board of Directors, expressed a great deal of hope and enthusiasm for the organization's continued growth and development with the addition of such talented, well-rounded, and dedicated individuals joining the Board.
CABWHP is currently accepting applications for the Advisory Board. Interested parties should contact wellwoman@cabwhp.org.
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