Digital Award Booklet

THE

VERSION OF THIS BOOKLET CAN

FOUND

Mission Statement

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Dr Delgado has spent the past 10 years dedicating her time to understanding complex and persistent pelvic pain She specializes in treating endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and their co occurring chronic conditions. She is an expert in minimally invasive, excisional robot assisted surgery Her approach to patient care combines traditional Western medicine treatments and alternative modalities for the best patient outcome possible. She understands her patients not just as a doctor, but as a woman The Chronic Pelvic Pain of Northern Virginia is proud to offer a refreshing alternative to exceptional and personal healthcare.

She earned her medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara and New York Medical College before completing her OB/GYN residency at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Virginia, where she served as Chief Resident. Dr. Delgado is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, COEMIG certified robotic surgeon, and member of American Academy of Ozonotherapy (AAOT), ACOG and AAGL

We look forward to collaborating with you on many levels With Gratitude, Melissa A Delgado, MD, FACOG

RESENTING SPONSOR:

Porg

THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

A MESSAGE FROM OUR

Greetings, Welcome to the Endo Black Award Gala!

We are here to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of those within our endo community who are thriving and making strides.

Here at Endo Black, our mission is to advocate for African American women and women of color affected by endometriosis. We believe in bringing advocates, community workers, and allys' to the forefront And though we cannot honor all of them, we are still celebrating the efforts that many display daily, fighting for change for those living with endometriosis

It truly is an honor to have each of you present to help us acknowledge outstanding community members.

I hope you are inspired and encouraged to continue your purpose of working together in partnership tonight, for we can go much further when we come together.

Again, thank you for joining me tonight in celebration, advocacy, and education. As we embark on a new and exciting journey, I am grateful for your partnership and continued support. I look towards the future as we aim to work collectively together for a common goal, advocacy, and education on endometriosis.

In Endo Sisterly Love, Lauren R. Kornegay Founder & Executive Director

Courtesy of LilyAnnRivers Photography

Founder

Porg

RESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Thank you

Dear Sponsors, Donors, and Guests,

We, Endo Black, would like to express our deepest gratitude for your kind contributions to our First Award Gala We genuinely appreciate your support in helping us acknowledge the individuals raising awareness, expanding research, and advocating for Black women with endometriosis

Our mission is to create safe spaces where our Endo sisters can find support and build lasting relationships, offer opportunities to learn about women ’ s reproductive health and advocate for the policies, laws, and regulations that need to be changed to meet the needs of Black women affected by endometriosis.

We are passionate about engaging in this work due to the lack of support offered through our current medical system. Black women affected by endometriosis are often misdiagnosed and have limited access to resources for symptom management According to the Black Women’s Health Imperative, this is due to health providers' misperception of pain tolerance in Black women The misconception of pain is the primary reason women of different races with the same symptoms are often diagnosed and treated differently This is harmful because it prevents Black women from receiving proper treatment and care Meanwhile, being misdiagnosed prolongs severe symptoms and increases health risks for Black women.

With your help, we can expand our capacity to encourage and empower medical providers to offer culturally sensitive care to the women they treat Additionally, we can continue to increase accessibility to education and resources about women's reproductive health

With much gratitude,

Tyra HintonMAJOR FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE CHAIR

Jasmine Jones MAJOR FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR

SPONSOR:

PELVIC PAIN

OF

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

PELVIC PAIN CENTER

ELIZABETH L. SMITH

Mistress of Ceremony

Elizabeth L Smith is an American radio personality, media correspondent, producer and writer

Elizabeth pursued her career in Journalism at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, receiving her degree in Journalism & Electronic Media in 2014. Soon after, she established a position in promotions with 92.9 The Game. After gaining a few years of experience, Elizabeth sought an opportunity with its sister station, WVEE, The People’s Station V103 She began working as a board operator and took up an interest in producing

She was then afforded a promotion as the producer of The Ramona Debreaux Show (V103). Within her first few years of working in one of the top 10 market radio industries, Elizabeth earned time on air as a weekend personality “LiLi,” media correspondent, and a daily contributor to articles online for Entercom at www.Radio.com.

In 2019 she created a back to school giveaway with her girlfriends, entitled “Squad Goals Back to School Giveaway,” and gifted one young lady between the ages of 14 18 years old a free back to school hairstyle The mission behind the giveaway was to inspire, encourage and uplift young girls in their teenage years, serving as a mentor to them for years to come In her free time, Elizabeth loves traveling the world with her friends, spending time with family, and watching the latest in sports and entertainment.

RESENTING SPONSOR:

Porg

CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF

SAMANTHA DENÄE

Panelist Moderator

Samantha Denäe, CHHP, is a certified holistic health and yoni steam practitioner, spiritual womb counselor, herbalist, Endometriosis advocate, educator, and survivor. Her personal journey and experience with Endometriosis has led her to the destination and purpose of a womb healer As the owner of Samantha Denâe, LLC, Samantha provides spiritual healing services such as yoni

to create a healthier period for self, apsules for healing, yoni steam ore spare time, she educates high school riod and reproductive health and te for themselves with doctors and onally, as a womb motivational ntha provides her audience with a t trauma and how it plays a role in nd physical ailments, how to begin relating the physical and spiritual to uma plays the biggest role in your your motivational guide to healing womb!

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF

VIRGINIA

Art Auré

Positive Pop Soul recording artist Art Auré is a classically trained vocalist, songwriter, and music producer from Washington, DC. She is one of those gifted graduates from the prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts

Art was chosen as one of 10 Artists in the country by the Grammys for their “Grammy Next” program She has prepared to enter her own spotlight by opening for such superstars as Kanye West, Miguel, Faith Evans and many more.

In 2020 Art Auré released her single, "Keep On," which was selected by the group “Black Women for Biden” as its theme song leading up to the November presidential election She’s also been featured and appeared on Fox 5’s Good Day New York, Music Choice, MTV, Netflix, BET and so much more.

In 2020 Art started the entertainment & production company “ITS ART ENTERTAINMENT”

Living with Endometriosis her entire life, Art knows the feeling of wanting to give up when times are tough but she has learned how to overcome many hurdles and encourages others to do the same. Art Auré continues to shine her bright light and empower others through her music

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

PAIN

Craig Beachman

Craig Beacham is a professional saxophonist and music educator from the DMV He is a product of Prince George's County schools which nurtured his love for music and education.

Craig attended Florida A & M University, where he served as Drum Major for the world renowned "Marching 100" marching band Being a member of the "Marching 100" afforded him extraordinary opportunities, such as performing in the Super Bowl halftime show with Prince Rogers Nelson and being a part of the presidential inaugural parade for Barack Obama. Craig performs nationally and internationally to a wide array of audiences and loves how the "universal language" of music speaks to everyone.

SPONSOR:

ABOUT ENDO BLACK

Endo Black, Incorporated is a black women led organization advocating for African American women and women of color affected by endometriosis in Oxon Hill, MD and established in April 2019, incorporated in April 2020, and gained nonprofit status in May 2021 The organization addresses advocacy for endometriosis among African American women and women of color, providing a safe space, producing opportunities for endo sisterly love, educational and enriching programs with a wealth load of beneficial resources.

The problems Endo Black, Inc solves are African American women are constantly being misdiagnosed, have limited resources, and have little research for African American women The organization makes a difference within the community and is committed to advocacy work around endometriosis and fighting for health equity

The organization plays a vital role in the lives of many women battling endometriosis, as evidenced by provided feedback surveys issued within the community. They target African American women and women of color ages 18 to 45 in the Washington Baltimore. Though they are located in the DMV Area, Endo Black, Inc. has rapidly grown through its online platforms outside of the area to New York, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, North Carolina, Michigan, and California, according to metrics through their website and social media platforms

Myth

Misconceptions

ABOUT ENDOMETRIOSIS

Endometriosis is rare

One in ten individuals of reproductive age in the United States have endometriosis making it one of the most common gynecologic disorders, but that only includes women who have been diagnosed.

Women with endo only suffer pain during their period

There is pain, but when you hurt and how much aren't always accurate indicators Pain can be intermittent or ongoing

Myth

Endometriosis can be prevented

There's no clearly understood cause for endometriosis, which means there's no known way to prevent it

Surgery cures endometriosis.

There is no cure for endometriosis; however, some treatments such as excisions, ablations, or hysterectomy may help manage pain associated with endometriosis.

Myth

Myth

It's normal to have pain during your period

There's a big difference between the "normal" pain of typical period cramps and the debilitating pain of endometriosis

Endometriosis is most common among caucasian women between 20 and 40 There's no clearly understood cause for endometriosis, which means there's no known way to prevent it

Pain is the only symptom of endometriosis. Not everyone with endometriosis experiences pain, and having the condition can cause a range of deliberating symptoms for individuals. It's essential to recognize that each person's body responds differently

Endometriosis only affects the pelvic region

The most common locations for endometriosis growths are within the pelvis, but endometriosis may occur anywhere in the body as it is a complete body disorder

Endometriosis always improves after menopause. While symptoms of endometriosis improve in many women, menopause doesn't bring relief to all.

Pregnancy cures endometriosis. There is no cure for endometriosis, but there are a few cases where those who give birth may have no more pain or less pain There are also some cases where the pain comes back worse, and each case is different.

Teenagers don't suffer from endometriosis

Teenagers and young women in their early 20s are not too young to have endometriosis; most women experience symptoms during adolescence but unfortunately don't get diagnosed and treated until they are in their 20s or 30s

SPONSOR:

Award Recepients

JuliaMandeville

LesHenderson

of the

MISSION STATEMENT

OBJECTIVES

CASEY BERNA

Outstanding Ally Award

Casey Berna has been a social worker and advocate in the endometriosis and infertility communities for over a decade. In that time, Casey has provided therapy to individuals and families struggling with endometriosis as well as offer free support groups for patients through EndoWarriros and RESOLVE Casey served as the producer and editor of the documentary, "Endotruths: The Impact of Endometriosis and Infertility on Mental Health," a film that was accepted into the Unmentionables Film Festival in Harlem, New York and featured in courses at the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine Casey has lectured at universities as well as spoken on many panels at leading conferences throughout the years highlighting endometriosis and its impact on mental health

Last summer, Casey served as a Consumer Reviewer for the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs focusing on allocating endometriosis funding to leading, inclusive, and innovative research Casey has enjoyed collaborating with leaders of the many of the incredible nonprofits in the endometriosis and infertility spaces that are striving towards making care more accessible and equitable for all, including the Endometriosis Coalition, SisterGirl Foundation and Endoqueer

SPONSOR:

Endo Medical DisruptorDR. JESSICA OPOKU-ANANE

Dr. Jessica Opoku Anane is a Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. She is the Director of the Comprehensive Endometriosis Center and a provider in the Center for Research and Advanced Fibroid Treatment She is also a Co Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Department of Ob/Gyn Prior to joining Columbia University in January 2022, Dr Opoku Anane was as an associate professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) where she served as the Chief of Minimally Invasive Gynecology and Urogynecology and Director of the UCSF Endometriosis Center.

With the development of the Columbia University Comprehensive Endometriosis Center, Dr Opoku Anane will oversee the department’s leading edge clinical and surgical offerings for patients with endometriosis The goal of the center is early diagnosis of endometriosis, holistic care, and the least invasive treatment possible, including fertility sparing options. It will also make more accessible other therapies and pain management strategies to patients.

An advocate for health equity, Dr Opoku Anane, works alongside the OB/GYN department to do outreach and education among underserved populations in New York City through engaging community organizations and digital outreach

Dr. Opoku Anane, specializes in the treatment of uterine fibroids, menstrual disorders, endometriosis and pelvic pain, ovarian pathology, intrauterine scarring (Asherman's), Mullerian anomalies, alternatives to hysterectomy, and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery She has received several awards, including the prestigious AAGL award for excellence in endoscopic surgery

Dr. Opoku Anane also has a longstanding interest in global health and spent extended periods of time throughout Africa on clinical and research programs She has published a systematic review article on increasing laparoscopic surgery in developing countries and assists with the development of laparoscopic programs throughout sub Saharan Arica She is also a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and a member of the American Association of Laparoscopic Gynecologists and the World Endometriosis Society

Dr Opoku Anane obtained her medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and went on to complete her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Harvard Brigham and Women’s and Massachusetts General Hospitals She subsequently completed an AAGL fellowship in advanced minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at George Washington University and trained at the Center for Endometriosis Care in Atlanta.

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Inclusive & Connected ACommunities ward ENDO QUEER

Les Henderson (she/her/they) is the founder of endoQueer and host of the Be A Beacon Podcast. As a black masculine of center lesbian, her endo journey has been complicated due to erasure in medical and online spaces. In 2016, she survived a spontaneous pneumothorax (lung collapse) that happened due to endometriosis and once this happened, she knew that she had to get out here and tell her story and create a space to help others. Her story has been shared by Vice, Cosmo UK and she has contributed her experiences to a few medical journals and books.

endoQueer’s goal is to keep the endo community up to date with information about how endometriosis can affect anyone They also want to advocate as a community for the increased funding of research around endometriosis and its effects on on all people, not just cis women

“I started endoQueer because the other endo groups I encountered were okay but very heteronormative I wanted to have a space with other lgbtqia+ individuals going through en

Best

Award DR. LJ JOHNSON

Legislative Advancement Award

APRIL CHRISTINA ALEXANDER

Catalyst of Change Award

April Christina is a NYC based Women’s Wellness Advocate. After an exploratory laparoscopy in December of 2010, April was officially diagnosed with Stage IV Endometriosis followed by another excision surgery in 2011. These surgeries prompted April to spread her knowledge and life experiences with endometriosis to the world. In 2019, April launched The Endo Brunch, curated for others with endometriosis and reproductive health conditions to meet. She is also spreading reproductive health as co host on The V Dot Podcast.

In 2020, April started her fertility journey by having her first IVF cycle. Although her first cycle was unsuccessful, April is optimistic of being able to expand her family. She has been featured in Essence, Healthline, The Skimm, Planned Parenthood, named one of the top Endometriosis advocates by Everyday Health, and in The Endo What? Documentary April has recently partnered with Fertility Out Loud as a part of their 2022 Insider Program to continue to raise awareness around one ’ s fertility Her main objective is for everyone to have access to information that will allow them to make the best decision for themselves and expansion of their family

Received two Endo Hero awards by the Worldwide EndoMarch, created The Endo Brunch in 2019 Writing contributor to Everyday Health and Healthline, was a part of ChronicLove Series for Endometriosis with Everyday Health, national campaign for Planned Parenthood, The V Dot Podcast, spoke at The National Monument for the first Worldwide Endomarch

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF

VIRGINIA

Juna is the leading nutraceutical brand taking a problem solving approach to top women ’ s issues through science backed plants With a mission to prove that plants can be as effective as quick fix pharmaceuticals and provide lasting, long term benefits

Promo code: ENDOBLACK for 20% off first order.

SPONSORS

IN-KIND SPONSORS

SILENT AUCTION SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF

VIRGINIA

ASpecialcknowledgements

Adventist HealthCare

Adrian Russell

Aminah Baxter

Ashley Hines

Christan Breedy

Cierra Harris

Claudette Rhone

Devin Hairston

Dr. Chrystelle Vilfranc

Dr William Curtis Emmanuel Wood

Janelle Letzen

Jessica Richmond Kamille Key Kyla Canzater

Lauren Gregory & Her Poppy

Myron Jones

Prince George’s County Council

Raeshonda Swales

Robert Kornegay

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

PELVIC PAIN

Coming in November

100% of the proceeds from this necklace design will be donated to Endo Black Incorporated all year round. Each necklace is handmade one at a time by Grayling, in Portland, Oregon whose founder Katy has a history of endometriosis

Each handcrafted necklace features a radiant crystal centerpiece on a delicate chain in Endo Black Inc.'s signature colors. Both versions are safe for sensitive skin and available in sterling silver or 14 karat gold fill (that wears like solid gold). The perfect match for your favorite outfits, this necklace is equally stunning with your sequins or sweatpants