Ifill Forum 2025: Women's Health is Public Health

Hosted by the Gwen Ifill School of Media, Humanities and Social Sciences in collaboration with the School of Nursing and School of Sciences and Health Professions

Women's Health is Public Health: Ifill Forum Panel Discussion

Thursday, March 13 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM | In-Person & Virtual

Please join us for a panel discussion with researchers in the Simmons community about the importance of women's health.

Women's health plays a crucial role in public health, affecting not only the well-being of women but also that of their families and communities. In this panel, researchers will discuss how, despite the significance of women's health for overall public well-being, gaps in research funding and focus have hindered the development of policies and interventions that cater to women's unique needs. Prioritizing women's health in public health policies and research efforts contributes to healthier populations and societies as a whole.

A key reason for the persisting issues in women's health is the gross underrepresentation of women in healthcare leadership. Women comprise 65% of the workforce, but only a few become senior leaders. For instance, only 30% of C-suite roles and 13% of CEO positions in the U.S. are women. This gap limits their ability to advocate for women's health at the highest levels of decision-making, and if fixed, will lead to sustainable systemic changes that benefit all.

Visit the event page to learn more about the panelists and to register. In-person and virtual registration options are available. Please email [email protected] with questions.

"Grown Woman’s Talk: Taking Ownership of One’s Healthcare"

Thursday, March 13 | 3:00 - 5:30 PM |

In-Person & Virtual

Please join us for the Ifill Forum signature event in honor of Gwen Ifill '77, '93HD and her legacy as a ground-breaking Black woman journalist.

This year’s event features a moderated discussion with Dr. Sharon Malone,

nationally known expert in women’s health and a New York Times Bestselling author. Dr. Malone will be honored with the Gwen Ifill Next Generation Award – presented to an individual who embodies Gwen Ifill’s commitment to professional excellence, mentoring, and the public good. This event will also include a book signing of Malone’s new book Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy (Crown Publishing Group, 2024).

The 2025 Ifill Forum takes place at Simmons University and will also be streamed online. Registration for the virtual or in-person event is required. Information about additional participants to follow, and please visit the Ifill Forum webpage for the latest updates.

Burnout Prevention Training

Beth Grampetro, Director of Health Promotion and Wellness and Chief Wellness Officer will be leading a training session on Burnout Prevention. Join us on

Wednesday, February 26th at 2 - 3 pm. in room A-355

While this training is being put on for students who are a part of the Everyday Leadership Co-Curricular Pathway, the event is also open to anyone interested in leadership and professional development.

ProjectConnect at Simmons

Are you looking to broaden your social circle or make connections with new people at Simmons? Check out ProjectConnect!

ProjectConnect is a peer-facilitated program that helps students meet and get to know students outside of their social group, and build a stronger sense of community on campus. Students meet in groups of

4-6 over the course of six 1-hour sessions and engage in a series of thought-provoking questions and fun activities, ending with a social activity chosen by the group.

98% of previous participants said they would recommend ProjectConnect to a friend. Space is limited- please sign up here!

REEF Resource Corner Updates

Guest Meal Swipe Bank is Open

The GMSB is a communal meal swipe bank that is accessible to students who have inconsistent access to food. Commuter students are eligible to request up to 2 weeks of free meal swipes, depending on availability. Visit the GMSB page to make a request or find more information!

Off-Campus Virtual Housing Fair

Have questions about off campus housing? Wondering where to start? We have local property/housing management companies to chat with virtually. View floor plans, get a virtual tour, hear about pricing, and get a better understanding of options from the comfort of home! Open to all students! Thursday, February 27, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 pm. Register to receive a link.

Betsy’s Friends Supports are here for you!

Betsy’s Friends is a trained group of undergraduate students who provide weekly programming (Wednesdays 5:30-5:30 Smith Hall) and peer support hours (listed on our Instagram vpeo_simmons). Are you looking for support around healthy relationships, healthy boundaries, information about consent, or how to support a friend experiencing intimate partner violence? Reach our team at [email protected].

Forysth Dentistry - MCPHS Dental Clinic

Interested in a low cost teeth cleaning? Students in the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene at MCPHS offer preventive dental services – at a fraction of the cost – overseen by licensed professionals in our state-of-the-art clinic. Patient encounters are a requirement of the program and students must see numerous patients of all types to meet their program requirements. Offered services include: routine cleanings, fluoride application, dental X-Rays, sealants, non-surgical periodontal therapy, teeth whitening

Reminders: Apply for SURPASs and the Senior Scholar Award by Feb 24

SURPASs Summer Program

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs) is a paid, mentored summer research and creative scholarship experience for undergraduate students across all academic disciplines.

Applications for the 2025 SURPASs Program will be accepted until Monday, February 24. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

2025 Senior Scholar Award

Sponsored by the Provost's Office and Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, the Senior Scholar Award is presented to six graduating seniors in recognition of outstanding scholarship and contribution to a field of study.

Applications will be accepted until Monday, February 24. Please email [email protected] with questions.

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The Anchor is a periodic newsletter connecting students to in-person and online activities, events, resources, and other Simmons updates. For more information, email [email protected].