Martha Minerva Franklin, R.N., who grew up in Meriden, practiced nursing at the turn of the century and felt first hand the effects of discrimination against black nurses. At that time no nurse of color was allowed to join a professional nursing association of any kind, and there existed a wide disparity in standards between nursing schools for whites and nursing schools for blacks. In 1906, Martha embarked on a two year survey to collect data on the status of black nurses, and as a result, she concluded that unification was the only way to elevate educational standards and broaden employment opportunities. She achieved a significant milestone in the movement for equality by organizing a meeting of fifty-two nurses in 1908 and, as a result, formed the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN). Elected its first president, Martha was recognized for her vision and leadership, a true pioneer in nursing. She died at the age of ninety-six in 1968.

Carolyn M. Mazure, Ph.D. Is a distinguished and nationally recognized leader in the women’s health movement. In addition to being Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at Yale School of Medicine, she is the founder and director of Women’s Health Research at Yale (WHRY), the largest interdisciplinary women’s health research program in the country. WHRY initiates new research answering pressing health questions for women and focusing on the importance of gender difference in understanding a variety of conditions affecting women, including cancers, osteoporosis and heart disease. WHRY builds research collaborations nationally and launches new investigators into careers studying gender and health. A prolific author and expert on stress and depression in women, Dr. Mazure has won numerous awards for her research including the Marion Spencer Fay Award from the Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership and the Distinguished Leadership Award for Scholarship from the American Psychological Association. She has been an invited speaker at diverse venues ranging from NASA to the Smithsonian Institution. She has testified to the U.S. Congress on funding women’s health research, served as a Public Health Policy Fellow in Congress, and was a member of the Surgeon General’s workshop on women’s mental health.

 

Helen L. Smits, M.D. is an internist who has dedicated her life to public health and healthcare management. Graduating from Yale University School of Medicine in 1967, she completed her residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where she was the program’s first woman chief resident. She served on the faculty at both the Yale University School of Medicine and UConn’s Medical School and was subsequently appointed Director of the John Dempsey Hospital at UConn. She was a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, serving as its first woman chair. From 1993 to 1996, she was Deputy Administrator of HCFA, the government agency that administers Medicare and Medicaid. In 2002, she moved to Mozambique to teach in a new Masters in Public Health program at the Eduardo Mondlane University. Working with the Clinton Foundation, she helped in the development of Mozambique’s AIDS plan, and she served as vice chairman of the Institute of Medicine’s Assessment of PEPFAR, the Bush administration’s plan for AIDS relief. She continues to work on projects that focus on improving the quality of care in African countries.

Dr. Helen Smits, Dr. Carolyn Mazure and Ena Williams

 

Special Recognition Awards

Katherine Wiltshire, Lucille Janatka, Dr. Helen Smits, Susan Davis, Marna Borgstrom

Marna P. Borgstrom was appointed President and CEO of Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH) and Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS), making her the first woman in its history to be named president and chief executive officer. YNHH is a 944-bed private, nonprofit facility that ranks among the premier medical centers in the country. Borgstrom also heads Greenwich and Bridgeport Hospitals, both of which are YNHHS members. She began her long standing and distinguished career at YNHH 30 years ago, serving in many administrative roles, including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 1993 to 2005. She holds a Master of Public Health degree in Hospital Administration from the Yale University School of Medicine and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Biology from Stanford University.

Susan L. Davis R.N., Ed.D. was appointed President and CEO of St. Vincent’s Medical Center and St. Vincent’s Health Services in Bridgeport in 2004. St. Vincent’s Medical Center is a 473-bed acute care hospital and a leading referral center for open-heart surgery serving southwestern Connecticut. St. Vincent’s Health Services includes St. Vincent’s College, St. Vincent’s Special Needs and Hall Brooke Behavioral Health Services. Prior to her appointment, Dr. Davis held senior management positions at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie for 18 years, including serving as its CEO since 2001. She received her Master of Arts in Nursing Administration and Doctorate of Education from Columbia University with an emphasis in management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mt. Saint Mary College.

 

Lucille Janatka has been President and CEO of MidState Medical Center since 1999. She is credited with many professional achievements and is a selfless mentor to dozens of young healthcare leaders. Janatka was recently nationally recognized as one of the Top 25 Women in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare magazine. Additionally, she is the 2008 recipient of the Athena Award, which honors women who demonstrate excellence in their work. Prior to joining MidState, Janatka was the Vice President of Waterbury Hospital. She has also held leadership positions at The Hospital of Saint Raphael, Greenwich Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital and the former Meriden-Wallingford Hospital. She received her BSN degree from St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, and her MSN Degree from Boston College.

 

Honorary Co-Chairs

MARY C. FOX is Senior Vice President, Aetna Product Group. In this role, she reports directly to the President of Aetna, and she is responsible for overseeing management across all Aetna Product areas including Aetna Pharmacy Management, Aetna Pharmacy Fulfillment Operations, Product Portfolio Strategy, Aetna Worker’s Compensation Access, Disability, Life Long Term Care and Product Development. Previously, Ms. Fox served as Vice President and head of Aetna Behavioral Health where she had profit and loss responsibility for the division. Prior to that appointment, she was head of the Operational Excellence Group (OEG) and was responsible for internal business consulting, project management and process improvement. Ms. Fox holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Economics from Connecticut College. She is a Trustee of the Wadsworth Atheneum, and she serves on the Hartford Hospital Board of Governors, Quality and Safety Committee.

DR. TONI HOOVER is Senior Vice President and Director for Pfizer Global Research and Development Groton/New London Laboratories. She joined Pfizer in 2000 as Worldwide Portfolio Lead and Vice President of Global Project Management. Prior to her current position, Dr. Hoover was the Development Site Head for the Michigan and Groton/New London Laboratories. Originally from New Orleans, she received her B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. in psychology from Harvard University. She began her career in the pharmaceutical industry as a clinical scientist for Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Division. In 2007, Toni was named one of the “Top 50 Women to Watch” by the Wall Street Journal, and in 2004, she received the YMCA’s Black Achiever in Industry Award. She serves on the Board of Directors for Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, the Advisory Board of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, the American Heart Association Founders Affiliate, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, and the New York Academy of Sciences.

 

 

A New Century of Women in Healthcare

Seated (L - R) Kristen Zarfos, Donna Galluzo
Standing (L-R) Maire Spivey, Sheryl Beetz, Martha Dale, Elizabeth Brady, Kathleen Grimaud, Debora Kustron,
Linda Spoonster Schwartz, Mary Jan Minkin, Kathleen LaVorgna, Deborah Watts Miles and Elizabeth Bozzuto

Elizabeth Bozzuto, R.N., M.B.A.,C.A.S.C., recently named Vice President of Surgical Services at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury has been Executive Director of Naugatuck Valley Surgical Center for over twenty-two years. Her effective leadership and steadfast commitment to excellence in ambulatory surgical services has been credited with the center’s success. Ms. Bozzuto has been an important contributor to the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s efforts and also acts as a mentor, surveyor and board member of the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Healthcare. She currently serves as the President of the State Patient Safety Organization for Ambulatory Surgery and is the past President of the Connecticut Association of Ambulatory Surgical Centers.

Elizabeth W. Brady, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S., is a renowned surgeon committed to compassionate care in the education and treatment of women with breast disease including breast cancer. Dr. Brady completed four years active military service including Operation Desert Storm and ten years in the US Naval Reserves serving at naval hospitals around the world. Dr. Brady is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at both UCONN and Dartmouth Schools of Medicine. She has published numerous professional articles and is a much sought after keynote speaker nationwide. Dr. Brady has repeatedly made Hartford and Connecticut Magazines’ “Top Docs” list. Easter Seals Hartford is proud to have Dr. Brady as this year’s Honorary Committee Chair, hosting the Crystal Ball in the spring of 2010.

Sheryl L. Breetz, M.A., Executive Director of North Central Regional Mental Health Board, is dedicated to assessing and improving state mental health care through direct feedback from the people who need those services. She has served on many Connecticut task forces, including the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission, Lt. Governor’s Mental Health Cabinet, and Legislative Task Force on Involuntary Commitment. As a lifelong mental health advocate, she is a skilled consensus builder, known for her ability to integrate divergent viewpoints promoting decisions and policies that benefit mental health consumers. Ms. Breetz tirelessly supports the development and delivery of effective mental health services for often overlooked mental health needs. Her special focus on young adults and their families has contributed to major service developments in our state.

Martha G. Dale, M.P.H., is Executive Director of Leeway, Connecticut’s AIDS dedicated skilled nursing facility and AIDS supportive housing provider. Ms. Dale has established exemplary models of care for the chronically ill and the elderly while passionately addressing the policy issues integral to equitable, cost-effective and compassionate health services. She also works with the Yale University Global Health Leadership Institute on programs of health services research and implementation in Ethiopia, Liberia and China. She is a lecturer at the Yale School of Public Health and has served as the long-term care administration program director at University of New Haven. A founding member of Connecticut Women in Health Care Management , she has previously served as the Executive Director of Woodlake at Tolland, Duncaster, and as Vice President of Hartford Hospital.

Donna R. Galluzzo, Ph.D., R.D., has more than 26 years of healthcare experience spending the majority of her career overseeing the establishment and growth of several healthcare provider entities serving thousands of Connecticut residents. Dr. Galluzzo is currently President and CEO of Homecare Management Strategies, Inc. and OMNI Medical Billing Plus of Wallingford, CT. Both groups offer a wide range of core support services to home health agencies, hospitals and physicians’ practices. She served on former President Bush’s National Health Care task force and received The Connecticut General Assembly Official Citation, the U.S. Congressional Special Recognition Certificate and the Official Statement of Honor and Recognition by the Governor of Connecticut. Dr. Galluzzo is an esteemed lecturer, author, medical seminar organizer and solicited television healthcare expert.

Kathleen Tracy Grimaud, F.N.P.-B.C., M.S.N., is revered for her leadership in establishing the Community Health and Wellness Center of Greater Torrington, providing outpatient primary health and dental care services to low and middle-income residents, the underserved and the elderly. For over fifteen year, Ms. Grimaud has dedicated her efforts to expanding the spectrum of healthcare opportunity available to residents of northwestern Connecticut. In 2009, the center’s facility was renamed the Kathleen Grimaud Center for Community Health. Ms. Grimaud has held faculty positions at Quinnipiac University, St. Joseph’s College and UCONN Storrs and has been honored by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.

Debora A. Kustron, Psy.D., is Vice President of Child and Family Services of Community Mental Health Affiliates in New Britain, Connecticut. Dr. Kustron has dedicated her professional skills as a psychologist to the needs of children, adolescents and their families. Her invaluable work ensures a continuum of behavioral health services to our state’s youngest citizens. In her faculty position at the University of Hartford’s Graduate Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, she has served as a mentor and dissertation supervisor to doctoral candidates while implementing the department’s Child and Adolescent Proficiency Track and revamping outdated curriculum. Dr. Kustron, published author and public presenter, is a fellow and board member of The Connecticut Psychological Association.

Kathleen LaVorgna, M.D., F.A.C.S., is Assistant Chairman of the Department of Surgery, Director of Trauma Service and Senior Attending Surgeon at Norwalk Hospital in Connecticut. Dr. LaVorgna is also the Medical Director of the Norwalk Hospital/Yale University School of Medical Physicians Assistant Surgical Residency Program. An outstanding role model for students and residents as well as practicing women surgeons, Dr. LaVorgna is a researcher, author and lecturer. She is celebrated for her tireless dedication to patient treatment and care and selfless service to the community. As the newly elected President of the Connecticut State Medical Society, Dr. LaVorgna is the first woman to lead this organization in its 217 year history.

Deborah Watts Miles, MSN, APRN-B.C., is a Nurse Practitioner in VA Connecticut Health Care Center. For nearly twenty years, Mrs. Miles has served the needs of veterans with varying psychiatric diagnoses who require ongoing primary care of chronic and acute illnesses. More recently, she has joined the Chief of Staff Service as a Nurse Practitioner in the Occupational Health Department, tasked with the health, safety and well being of 2600 staff, employees, trainees and volunteers. An Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University School of Nursing, she is a copious researcher, author, and speaker who has been honored by the National Black Nurses Association and the National Honor Society of Nursing.

Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine. Considered an expert on menopause, Dr. Minkin is a renowned obstetrician/gynecologist in private practice in New Haven. She is a leader in women’s health education and has been awarded the Resident's Teaching Award for best community attending physician three times. Dr. Minkin has also received the Irving Friedman Award, given by Yale School of Medicine's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, for excellence in clinical abilities and patient care. A lead author of articles in numerous peer-reviewed journals and coauthor of What Every Woman Needs to Know About Menopause, Dr. Minkin lectures widely to both women and their clinicians. She is the trusted women’s health advisor and monthly columnist for Prevention Magazine.

Linda Spoonster Schwartz R.N., M.S.N., Dr.P.H., F.A.A.N., USAF, NC (Ret.) is Connecticut’s Commissioner of the Department of Veteran Affairs. Dr. Schwartz is an advocate and activist who has dedicated her nursing practice to healing the ”wounds of war” for America’s 24 million veterans. She has represented their interests in testimony before both Houses of Congress, the National Academy of Science, the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of State. In Connecticut’s 146 years of service to veterans, Dr. Schwartz is the first woman to direct these programs. She has served on the National Boards of the American Nurses Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, Vietnam Womens Memorial and is presently Vice-President of the National Association of State Directors of Veteran Affairs. Her numerous honors include: the National Commendation Medal of Vietnam Veterans of America for Justice, Integrity and Meaningful Achievement and the Legion of Honor Bronze Medallion from the Chapel of the Four Chaplains for her services to all people, regardless of race or faith.

Marie M. Spivey, R.N, M.P.A., Ed.D., has dedicated her illustrious career to expanding the educational opportunities for motivated, nontraditional adult learners interested in healthcare careers. As Administrator of Allied Health/Nursing Initiatives & Programs for Capital Workforce Partners, Inc., Dr. Spivey has spearheaded collaborative initiatives with various sectors of the industry to address the shortages of healthcare professionals in the state. As an educational leader, a registered nurse, and program organizer, she has worked to eliminate healthcare inequities and racial/ethnic disparities in health services. Her awards include the CWEALF Maria Stewart Award for Healthcare and Institutional Change, the Urban League of Greater Hartford’s Community Service Award, and the University of Hartford’s Joanne Andershonis Reich Award for Excellence in Educational Leadership.

Kristen A. Zarfos, M.D., F.A.C.S, Director of the Comprehensive Breast Health Center at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center is Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and has an active practice in general and endocrine surgery, and breast care. Her numerous awards include: the Official Citation for Outstanding Dedication, Commitment, and Advocacy for the Women of Connecticut from the State General Assembly, and a Distinguished Service Award from the Connecticut Division of the American Cancer Society. She was introduced by President Clinton at the 1997 State of the Union Address for her advocacy on behalf of women with breast cancer. Dr. Zarfos was instrumental in passing legislation that restored a woman’s right to hospitalization the day of a mastectomy in Connecticut, and subsequently, nineteen other states. In 2008, she worked with Governor Rell to launch a statewide colon cancer awareness and early detection campaign and is currently working on prevention and earlier detection initiatives for women in high risk categories for breast cancer.

 

Ceremony Photos

Geena Clonan & Katherine Wiltshire

 

Linda Spoonster Schwartz and friends

 

Dr. Elizabeth Brady, Deborah Watts Miles, B.J. Peters

 

 

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