Digital Award Booklet

ENDO BLACK INCORPORATED

AWARD GALA

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2022 6:00 PM

The Yellow-Tie Affair COLLEGE PARK MARRIOTT HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER 3501 UNIVERSITY BLVD E, HYATTSVILLE, MD 20783

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS BOOKLET CAN BE FOUND AT: WWW.EB-AWARDGALA.COM/

Menu

STARTER Mixed Green Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette and Ranch dressing Assorted Rolls with Butter ENTRÉES Pan-Seared Chicken and Roasted Salmon Filet with Lemon Caper be beurre Blanc SIDE Jasmine Rice with Asparagus DESSERT Alternating Dessert of New York Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce and Carrot Cake with Caramel Sauce

@the_endoblack

TheENDOBlack

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

@endo_black

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Mission Statement Endo Black, Incorporated is a black-women-led nonprofit organization advocating for African American women and women of color affected by endometriosis.

Our philosophy is to engage, educate, and encourage endo sisters everywhere.

We anticipate connecting African American women and women of color affected by endometriosis, providing the community with accurate, enriching, and valuable resources, and continuing the fight for health equity.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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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 cooccurring 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 PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR Greetings,

Founder

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.

Courtesy of LilyAnnRivers Photography

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 PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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TONIGHT'S PROGRAM COCKTAIL HOUR & SILENT AUCTION MUSIC BY CRAIG BEACHMAN MISTRESS OF CEREMONY INTRODUCTION ELIZABETH L. SMITH OFFICIAL WELCOME FOUNDER LAUREN R. KORNEGAY DINNER SERVED MUSIC PERFORMANCE

BY ART AURÉ SPONSOR ADDRESS DR. MELISSA A. DELGAD - THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA FOUNDERS' ADDRESS LAUREN R KORNEGAY

AWARD PRESENTATION ENDOMETRIOSIS ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR: BARBADOS ASSOCIATION OF ENDOMETRIOSIS & PCOS OUTSTANDING ALLY AWARD: CASEY BERNA

ENDO MEDICAL DISRUPTOR: DR. JESSICA OPOKU-ANANE INCLUSIVE & CONNECTED COMMUNITIES AWARD: ENDO QUEER BEST CONTENT AWARD: DR. LJ JOHNSON LEGISLATIVE ADVANCEMENT AWARD: REP. JILLIAN GILCHREST CATALYST OF CHANGE AWARD: APRIL CHRISTINA ALEXANDER DESSERT SERVED PANEL DISCUSSION MODERATED BY SAMANTHA DENÄE SILENT AUCTION WINNERS ANNOUNCED CLOSING ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AFTER PARTY MUSIC BY DJ SOUNDTHINKER

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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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 Hinton

MAJOR FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE CHAIR

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Jasmine Jones

MAJOR FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR

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PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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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.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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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 steaming, reiki, spiritual massage cleanses and more to work towards the goal of unlearning to learn and love self and your womb. She also creates holistic products like ENtouch Womb Detox Capsules, a special herbal blend suited for reproductive healing of stagnant blood flow and tissue in the uterine cavity to create a healthier period for self, other herbal capsules for healing, yoni steam blends, and more.

In Samantha's spare time, she educates high school students on period and reproductive health and how to advocate for themselves with doctors and family. Additionally, as a womb motivational speaker, Samantha provides her audience with a real life look at trauma and how it plays a role in your health and physical ailments, how to begin healing by correlating the physical and spiritual to learn how trauma plays the biggest role in your life.

Simply, she is your motivational guide to healing yourself and womb!

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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ENTERTAINMENT

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: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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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 worldrenowned "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.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

www.endoblack.org www.eb-awardgala.com

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 endosisterly 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.

ENDO BLACK Highlights

Since the founding, we've been able to achieve the following: Developed an outstanding Board of Directors.

Finalize and introduce the Social Impact Committee (SIC) Advisory Board.

Launch the third year of the Ambassador Program; recruited and trained 11 new ambassadors located in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.

Collected and donated over 15,000 period care products for young girls and domestic violence survivors in the Washington - Baltimore Region through the Social Impact Target program, Period Care Initiative.

Successfully conducted ten presentations and pop-ups combined in the local community to raise awareness about Endo Black, Inc. Hosted more than 20 events, including CBD in the African American Community, African American and Endometriosis Workshop, Mocktails and Cocktails Series (Let's Talk Sex, Let's Talk Mental Health, Let's Talk Relationships, and Let's Talk Marriage and Relationships), Health Equity and Racial Injustice in the African American Community, and more.

Hosted major fundraising events, Endo Black Conference and Endo Black Meet and Greet.

Implemented the Endo League, a collaborative group of business owners focused on supporting and providing resources to those with endometriosis. The Endo League includes UndieWash, October Lotus, Semaine Health, Akenis, LLC., Juna, and Red Rose Naturals.

Collaborated with organizations ​Pretty Periods, Mensturally Well, Barbados Association of Endometriosis & PCOS (BAEP) & endoQueer to host National Harbor Turns Yellow two years in a row to raise awareness for Endometriosis Awareness Month at National Harbor, MD. Expanded the Enfo Newsletter to over 850 subscribers and still counting.

Gained 14,500+ followers on the Instagram page, 2,000+ likes on the public Facebook group, and 1,400+ followers within the private Endo Black Support Group.

Featured on Today, ABC 15 Arizona, Period, Sis Podcast, Madame Noire, Rewire News Group, and many others.

Submitted ideas for the Momnibus 2.0 legislation spearheaded by Dr. Lauren Underwood.

Worked with the Endometriosis Working Group to create 2022 policy recommendations.

Launched an ENDOServed research study with George Manson University, Julia Mandeville, Dr. Jhumka Gupta (PI), and Dr. Anna Pollack.

And so much more.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

www.endoblack.org www.eb-awardgala.com

ENDO BLACK Future Plans Endo Black, Incorporated expects to achieve the following milestones in the next four years: Launch of internship program Launch of the Mini Talk Series HBCU Tour by 2023 Launch Online Membership pilot program by 2023 P.I.N.K. implemented in three (3) public schools by 2024 Ambassador program reaches 100 women by 2025 Six (6) chapters of Endo Black Support Groups by 2026 Grand opening of Endo Black, Inc. facility for Giving Tuesday In 2026 Endo Black is fully staffed by 2027 Successfully engage with 80,000+ individuals In some capacity Endo Black, Inc. focuses on endometriosis advocacy for African American women; however, it isn't the only endometriosis-centered organization.

However, no organization provides the level of support to African American women and women of color that Endo Black, Inc. does. Specifically, Endo Black, Inc. offers the following advantages to our community: Unique Safe Space, Diversity Equity Inclusion, Resources to be tailored solely to those within the African American community, and an ambassadors program that trains women within the community to become endo advocates.

We anticipate connecting African American women and women of color affected by endometriosis, providing the community with accurate, enriching, and valuable resources, and continuing the fight for health equity through Endo Black, Inc.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

www.endoblack.org www.eb-awardgala.com

Misconceptions

ABOUT ENDOMETRIOSIS

Myth 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.

Myth 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 There's no clearly understood cause for endometriosis, which means there's no Endometriosis can be prevented. known way to prevent it.

Myth There is no cure for endometriosis; however, some treatments such as excisions, Surgery cures endometriosis.

ablations, or hysterectomy may help manage pain associated with endometriosis.

Myth There's a big difference between the "normal" pain of typical period cramps and the It's normal to have pain during your period. debilitating pain of endometriosis.

Myth 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.

Myth 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.

Myth 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.

Myth Endometriosis always improves after menopause.

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

Myth 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.

Myth 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.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Vonnice Boone Ashlei Stevens Ashley Drakeford

SOCIAL IMPACT COMMITTEE ADVISORY BOARD

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Ashley Mack Astrine Covington Sarah Shoemaker Marcus Daniels Art Aure

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MAJOR FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE MEMBERS Tyra Hinton, Chair Major Fundraising Event Volunteer Jasmine Jones, Co-Chair Major Fundraising Event Volunteer Krystal Grimes, Administrative Assistant Tarah V. Massey, Endo Black Volunteer Ariel Barnes, Endo Black Volunteer

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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Award Recepients

Julia Mandeville

Dr. LJ Johnson

Casey Berna

Dr. Jessica OpokuAnane

Rep. Jillian Gilchrest

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Les Henderson

April Christina Alexander

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BARBADOS ASSOCIATION OF ENDOMETRIOSIS & PCOS Endometriosis Organization of the Year

The Barbados Association of Endometriosis and PCOS is a registered charity in Barbados, which seeks to educate citizens and advocate for those who have Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (Barbadian Registered Charitable Organization No. 1285).

MISSION STATEMENT The Barbados Association of Endometriosis and P.C.O.S. endeavors to: “bring relevant and effective awareness of Endometriosis, P.C.O.S. and similar debilitating pelvic disorders to the Barbadian population that encourages discourse with and tangible support for those who have these conditions”. (BAEP Mission Statement, 2016) OBJECTIVES To increase awareness of Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and other similar gynecological disorders (excluding cancer) in Barbados To provide a voice and advocacy for those diagnosed and living with Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome To provide a forum for research and collaboration between all major stakeholders To promote the importance of early diagnosis and effective, relevant treatment options To provide psychological, emotional and financial support to persons living with Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome to the best of our ability and within our resource constraints.

Specifically, as we work towards the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals of Good Health and Wellbeing (Goal 3), Quality Education (Goal 4), Gender Equality (Goal 5) and Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8), The impact of Endometriosis, P.C.O.S, other debilitating gynecological conditions and “invisible illnesses” must be taken more seriously.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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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.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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DR. JESSICA OPOKU-ANANE Endo Medical Disruptor

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. OpokuAnane 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

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ENDO QUEER Inclusive & Connected Communities Award

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 endometriosis where on some levels we could understand each other.” —Les Henderson, Founder of endoQueer

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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DR. LJ JOHNSON

Best Content Award Dr. Lj Johnson PsyD. IHP. FDNP. IIN, is a women’s hormone coach specializing in endometriosis, PCOS and fibroids. Lj has worked in the women's health and fitness industry for over 20 years while overcoming her own diagnosis of endometriosis. Lj’s passion is to empower, motivate and educate all women they too can have quality of life despite their symptoms or diagnosis.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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REP. JILLIAN GILCHREST Legislative Advancement Award

Jillian Gilchrest was elected to represent the 18th District of West Hartford in the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) in 2018. She serves as Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee and on the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Energy & Technologies Committees. Jillian Chairs the MAPOC Subcommittee on Women & Children’s Health, the Trafficking in Persons Council, and the Endometriosis Working Group.

Prior to becoming a state representative, Jillian served as the Director of Health Professional Outreach for the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut, and Director of Policy & Communications for the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence. She has extensive experience advocating for women’s health and safety, in particular influencing public policy at the CGA. Jillian was elected to the West Hartford Board of Education in 2013. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work with a focus in Policy Practice from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, where she has taught Political Advocacy. Jillian currently teaches for the University of Saint Joseph and University of Hartford.. Jillian serves on the Board of Girls on the Run of Greater Hartford. She resides with her two children in West Hartford.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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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 NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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Juna is the leading nutraceutical brand taking a problem solving approach to top women’s issues through sciencebacked plants.

With a mission to prove that plants can be as effective as quick-fix pharmaceuticals and provide lasting, longterm benefits.

Promo code: ENDOBLACK for 20% off first order.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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SPONSORS

IN-KIND SPONSORS

SILENT AUCTION SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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Special Acknowledgements 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: THE CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN CENTER OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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ENDO BLACK INCORPORATED ENDOMETRIOSIS CONFERENCE WILL BE

March 25-26, 2023

$44

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.

https://graylingjewelry.com/

Thank You Endo Black, Incorporated P.O. Box 438, Oxon Hill, MD 20750

www.endoblack.org

ENGAGING, EDUCATING, AND ENCOURAGING ENDO SISTERS

everywhere