Second-annual OBGIG Women's Day celebration was a success

The second annual Women’s Day Event was held on Saturday, October 5, in Cook Alumni Hall. Over 65 people attended the celebration of women and women support systems. A delicious brunch buffet was served, and an exciting silent auction was held for different baskets graciously donated by different NEOMED departments, staff, and faculty (the bidding wars got quite intense!).

The event was organized by the NEOMED Obstetrics and Gynecology Interest Group (OBGIG) in collaboration with NEOMED’s American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), NEOMED’s Association of Women Surgeons (AWS), and NEOMED’s Office of Student Services: Inclusion and Engagement. 

Attendees had the honor of listening to Dr. Amy Burkett (‘03), Vice Chair of the Department of Ob/Gyn Specialist (South Region) at Cleveland Clinic and the NEOMED OBGIG faculty advisor, give a powerful speech about reproductive advocacy and activism, empowering individuals and reminding them of their abilities to create change. Dr. Corrie Stofcho (‘06), Assistant Dean of Student Affairs in the College of Medicine, shared touching stories of her mother and the other powerful women in her life, celebrating the important people who have shaped her today. Dr. Amy Lee (‘88) M.P.H., M.B.A., professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, provided the music which contributed to the celebration’s lively environment. 

Over $1,000 was raised for ACCESS, Inc., a women’s shelter based in Akron. ACCESS (Akron Citizen's Coalition for Emergency Shelter Services) provides emergency shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness. They support individuals in finding permanent housing and provide other services such as counseling and free meals. 

The following is a list of sponsors who helped make this event possible: 

• American Medical Women’s Association 
• Association of Women’s Surgeons 
• Office of Student Services: Inclusion and Engagement 
• NEOMED Event Services 
• College of Medicine 
• College of Pharmacy 
• College of Graduate Studies 
• Office of the President 
• Office of Student Services 
• NEOMED Diversity Council 
• NEOMED Free Clinic 
• Dr. Amy Lee, M.D. 
• Dr. Amy Burkett, M.D. 
• Dr. Corrie Stofcho, M.D. 
• Eleni Pamboukis 
• Jeanne Hoban and Julia Colecchi 
• Madeline Evan 
• The Wasson Center 
• Office of Alumni Relations 
• The Pod Campus Store 
• The Writing Center 
• The Learning Center 
• Library Services 
• Lambda Kappa Sigma (COP) 
• Sequoia Wellness Center 
• Office of Marketing and Communications 
• Brimfield Bread Oven 
• Department of Family and Community Medicine 
• Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology 

Thank you again to everyone who supported our event and who came to celebrate with us! We look forward to celebrating with everyone next year! 

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-- Submitted by Shannon Lam, slam2@neomed.edu