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Shelley Berkley, JD Chief Executive Office and Senior Provost for Touro University Western Division
While in congress, she earned the title of “hardest working woman in politics” for
her tireless work on job creation, education, healthcare, renewable energy, and veterans
issues.
At TUC, she initiated Bagels with Berkley to meet with students each month. Along
with Dr. Lisa Waits, she established a mandatory prevention and education program
about sexual assault for all incoming students.
CEO and Senior Provost Berkley has pushed for diversity at TUC by supporting scholarship
fundraisers, including the annual Mosaic Celebration: Diversity Scholarship Fundraiser
and last year’s 20th Anniversary Gala. She has also advocated for a closer relationship with the community
with the launch last March of the Mobile Diabetes Education Center (MOBEC), which
provides free health screenings and education throughout Solano County.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
Women’s Month is the ideal time to look back and evaluate the progress and impact
women have made in so many areas and look forward and determine what else needs to
be done. During my 14 years in congress, I worked with countless women from all walks
of life to advocate for issues that improve the lives of others. In the face of resistance
and doubt, these women persisted.
At Touro, I see the same energy and commitment in so many remarkable women on campus.
They reach out to the underserved and inspire so many others to be the best they can
possibly be. Whether in the lab, the classroom, or the community, Touro women are
making an impact on healthcare, public health, and education that will be felt for
years to come.
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Sarah Sweitzer, PhD Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Sweitzer, a Vallejo native, brings more than 13 years of successful and innovative
higher education experience to the Mare Island campus. She began her academic career
at the University of South Carolina, School of Medicine and quickly became a National
Institute of Health funded biomedical researcher where she collaborated with colleagues
at Johns Hopkins, Albany Medical School, UC Davis Medical School, and biotechnology
companies in the Bay Area.
What Does Women’s History Month Mean to Me?
Women’s history month is about celebrating the women who came before us and challenged
societal norms so that women can become professors, scientists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists,
and healthcare leaders. These heroic women include: Laura Bassi - first female professor
in Europe, Marie Curie - first female Nobel Prize winner, Florence Nightingale - founder
of modern nursing, The Edinburgh Seven - advocates for legislation that allowed women
to study medicine, Elizabeth Blackwell - first woman to receive a medical degree in
the USA, and Mary Corrina Putnam Jacobi – the first woman pharmacist. This month
is about thanking the many women who have been mentors in your own career journey.
It is about serving as a mentor to the next generation of women leaders in healthcare.
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Lisa Norton, EdD Interim Dean & Associate Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences
Dr. Norton's recent accomplishments at Touro University California include:
- Leading the college of education and health sciences in a time of much transition
- Advocating for students, faculty and staff on issues of social justice, equity, and
diversity
- Connecting CEHS/TUC to the city and regional community by expanding continued partnerships
and initiating new ones
- Collaborating with CEHS staff and faculty to initiate new ideas to help with CEHS
continued growth and expansion
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
As a feminist researcher I think we need to focus on women’s issues throughout the
year. While women have made much progress over the centuries, this progression is
place and time bound and occurs in fits and waves, as the last few years have demonstrated.
Patriarchy is still very much alive and well in my experience and observations. It
is also very important to examine the intersections of women’s experiences based on
points of power privilege including that of class, race, sexuality, education level,
et. Al. Honoring Women’s Month is of extreme value to me as it does shine a light
on the accomplishments of those identifying as Women as well as the continued struggles
around the world for women’s rights.
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Rae Matsumoto, PhD Dean of the College of Pharmacy
Dr. Matsumoto is a multidisciplinary-trained scientist, educator, and administrator.
She joined Touro University California as the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, where
she continues to cultivate future leaders for the pharmacy profession by promoting
innovation, excellence, and service.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of
women who have inspired and influenced us. For me, these women have included pioneering
doctors and researchers, as well as unsung heroes, like my aunt, who supported my
college education. I am grateful for the legacy of strong women who preceded me, as
well as the men who have mentored and supported their female colleagues. As the first
woman in my family to earn a doctorate degree, I am committed to empowering others
to create their own stories of success.
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Tina C. Mason, MD, MPH, FACOG Associate Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dr. Mason teaches first and second year medical students in the Primary Care Department
at the College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is also a preceptor for third and fourth
year medical students while she provides gynecological services at a Federally Qualified
Health Clinic in Vallejo, CA. TUC is the 4th medical school in which she has served as Assistant or Associate Professor.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
As a female physician of color, every day is ‘Women’s Month’. I focus on the needs
of women and children. By empowering women to seek healthier lifestyles, we will have
healthy families. With healthy families, we have healthier communities. With healthy
communities, we can change the world!
I am a partner with my patients, and throughout the years, I’ve found that most women
already ‘know what to do’ to make their lives better. We’ve never encouraged each
other to ‘step out and reach for that star’. Women will share not only their health
concerns, but the concerns regarding their children, family members, careers, etc.
I listen and encourage them to ‘do what they think is best’. Most women have never
been allowed to picture a future that is different from the present.
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Selene Jamall, MS College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2020, Executive Director (Emeritus), Touro Student-Run Free Clinic
For the past year, Student Doctor Jamall has been the Executive Director of the Student-Run
Free Clinic. She has been deeply inspired by the opportunity to better connect Touro
students with the health needs of the greater Vallejo community, and she hopes to
continue to build on the clinic to reach the populations who cannot come to us.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
Women’s month is a reminder that I have been granted a very special privilege. Physicians
hold incredible authority in representing the people they serve, and as a medical
student, I have already been humbled by my power in being able to represent current
issues relevant to my generation. I am ever aware of the tireless, unseen sacrifices
women make every day for their families and their communities. Knowing that as a physician,
that I will be able to further these efforts and elevate these voices, is what it
means to me to be a woman in medicine.
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Grace Landel, PA-C, MEd Program Director of the Joint MSPAS/MPH Program
Professor Landel has been in PA education since 1990 and the Program Director for
the Joint MSPAS/MPH Program since 2010. After her arrival at TUC, she has brought
in $3.8M in grant funding, 85% for student scholarships and stipends. She is professionally
active on the state, regional and national levels, most recently completing a 7-year
term on the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
Women’s Month reminds me to take time to reflect on the women who have served as my
mentors and role models. Some of them, like my mom, know they made an impact. Some
don’t, like my high school English teacher. All have held themselves and others to
high standards. All have believed that women can and do make a difference. This year
it is especially important to recognize the contributions women have made. We need
to continue to push forward for change, but not in the backward direction of our misogynist
political environment. This is the month to acknowledge the power of women and for
women to embrace that power for positive change. Then, we need to work for this change
over the following 11 months.
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Barbara M Kriz, PhD Professor Emeritus, former Associate Dean for Preclinical Education, College of Osteopathic
Medicine
Dr. Kriz's history with Touro begins in San Francisco, where the College of Osteopathic
Medicine was founded in 1997, and officially ended when she retired in 2010. But she
says that she will always follow her progress. Dr. Kriz considers it her greatest
accomplishment that she was able to hire great faculty and staff and then let them
exercise their creativity, i.e., “do their thing”. She proudly states that they have
never disappointed.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
The worldwide participation in Women’s Month events is very impressive. I am also
particularly encouraged that more women are running for public office at all levels,
as this can bring lasting change.
I do hope that all these activities are a stepping stone to the day when we can celebrate
everyone equally. I guess I am still an idealist. I am sure that my perspective was
influenced by my 1960’s UC Berkeley experience, whether I was aware of it or not.
I have always felt that I had a voice and that, if I worked hard and did my job to
the best of my ability (I do think that is important!) I would be treated fairly.
I have been fortunate to have had exceptional male and female mentors throughout my
career - in this, I recognize that I have been very lucky. In my experience, TUC has
generally been a supportive and encouraging environment for women - and the result
is that you have had some amazing women contribute significantly to her development.
My best wishes for all women and men of Touro for the future!
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Golnoush Golshan, MA Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate, Class of 2018
Student Doctor Golshan has served as the President of the Student Government Association
from 2015-2016. Along with her colleagues from College of Pharmacy, Medicine, and
Public Health, Ms. Golshan established TUC’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and
has helped numerous professional clubs host healthcare events in the Vallejo community.
Ms. Golshan is an advocate for research and strongly believes in the advancement of
the healthcare profession through clinical publications.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
Women’s month is a time to honor the contributions of extraordinary women in our lives
and throughout history. It was through the sacrifices and courageousness of our mothers
and the generations before them that we have been able to break down barriers and
achieve the impossible. This month is a reminder that as females we must continue
moving forward with the impact we have made in our respective fields and to help empower
other women along the path to success.
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Gayle Cummings, PsyDc, MPH Program Director of the Public Health Program
Professor Cummings co-founded the Center for the Analysis of Multicultural Issues
(CAMI), a program planning and evaluation firm, responsible for conducting program
and research evaluation, strategic planning and analysis for disease prevention, and
health promotion programs. For the last 15 years, as co-principal and consultant for
CAMI, she helped develop, implement, and evaluate programs primarily focused on assisting
under-served communities throughout California and in and around the Bay Area.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
Current research shows that when women make up more than 50 percent of an organization,
the unit’s collective intelligence rises above average. Therefore, more gender diverse
groups make for smarter, more impactful organizations, particularly in leadership
and management. I’m a firm believer that mentorship is key to the increasing the numbers
of women in leadership positions and I encourage men and women to take the time to
mentor women in their workplace as one way to honor National Women’s month.
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Lisa Gottfried, MEd Adjunct Professor, Graduate School of Education, Alumna of the Class of 2016
Professor Gottfried is in her fifth year of teaching Digital Design, Game Design,
and Video Storytelling for the flagship New Technology High School in Napa. She is
currently an adjunct professor for Touro University California in the Innovative Education
Masters program. She has taught other educators through the Napa Learns Digital Innovators
program on how to use and teach project management by stealing from the tech start-up
company playbook.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
As we celebrate National Women's Month, I am both looking backward and forward to
commemorate the month. My mother and mother-in-law have served as trail blazers and
role models for me as they became professionals in the fields of business and biotech,
at a time when they were among a handful of women doing so. All of the choices I have
made in life are possible through the hard work and determination of the women who
came before me.
Teenage girls are coming into their own and looking at traditionally male dominated
fields, and I love having an active role in supporting them in participating in all
levels of the job force. We have GOT to continue to open doors for women, work with
men to create equitable and supportive work relationships, and change the way we do
business in our country. Political leaders must reflect the true makeup our populous.
More women are needed to take up leadership roles in business as well. It's appropriate
that we celebrate this March. I can't wait to see how the world will be changed for
the good for my teenage daughter and all her friends as she comes into her own.
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Meiling Tang, PhD Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness, WASC Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO)
Dr. Tang, who's earned the nickname “Dr. WASC”, is currently preparing the campus
for the April WASC team visit. The Office of Institutional Effectiveness integrates
multiple functions in institutional research, assessment, program review, strategic
planning, and accreditation to promote and support evidence-based planning and improvement.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
Women’s month is about celebrating women’s accomplishments and also recognizing the
challenges we face. We are at a time when we can take inspiration from those women
who came generations before us and fought for women’s rights, and we can see the difference
we can make when women come together today. Growing up in a family with a sister and
no brothers in a rural area in China, I witnessed prejudice, and it is still part
of my childhood memories. This month is a reminder that women have to continue to
fight to celebrate and follow our dreams.
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Annabelle Prasad, MPH 2018 Public Health Hero Award Recipient, Alumna of the Class of 2016
Since graduating from TUC, Ms. Prasad has served as the Prevention Coordinator at
Fighting Back Partnership. She works on tobacco prevention efforts in Vallejo and
the rest of Solano County. Ms. Prasad has been a member of the Tobacco Education Coalition
from 2016 and served as co-chair in 2017. Due to her active participation in tobacco
prevention efforts, she received the 2017 Les Ross Volunteer of the Year award and
is set to receive the 2018 Public Health Alumni Hero Award on April 3rd.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
Women’s Month is an opportunity to acknowledge the progress the world and this country
has made and to celebrate the continued success of women and their equal seat at the
table. It is also an opportunity to recognize the gaps we have with gender equality
and the steps we need to take in order to overcome this. Women have made contributions
to this nation that many people look up to today. To me, women’s month is a reminder
that there is more work that needs to be done and not to disappoint those who laid
the trail before us.
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Alesia J. Wagner, DO, FACOFP distinguished Associate Professor, Vice Chair Primary Care Department, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Vice-Chair of the primary care department and chair of the COM admissions committee,
Dr. Wagner’s passion for osteopathic medicine and mentoring future DOs, has been recognized
through her service in leadership to multiple osteopathic organizations. The American
Osteopathic Foundation honored Dr. Wagner with the W. Douglas Ward, PhD Educator of
the Year award in 2016.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
In 1892, Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, made history accepting men and women equally
to the first Osteopathic Medical school. Women’s month gives me pause to remember
those, who came before me and helped pave the road to success. Today, women make
up 50% of the medical profession; but that was not always the case. Most of my mentors
were male. I am thankful they recognized me as a DO and as a woman. This dedicated
month allows me to celebrate the pioneers and reinforces for me the importance of
being a mentor and leader, as a DO and a woman in medicine.
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Michelle Wolfe, MD Medical Director of the Joint MSPAS/MPH Program
Dr. Wolfe is a family physician who has been the Medical Director of the Joint MSPAS/MPH
Program for the last 8 years. In addition to her work at Touro, she is a physician
at Planned Parenthood where she trains family medicine residents. Dr. Wolfe teaches
many topics related to women’s health at Touro, including contraception and IUD placement,
miscarriage, abortion, and reproductive health emergencies.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
During Women’s Month, I particularly remember the importance of activism and community
engagement. One hundred years ago, suffragettes fought for and won the right for women
to vote. Rosa Parks stood against segregation by sitting, helping to ignite the Civil
Rights Movement sixty-five years ago. Forty-five years ago, Gloria Steinem was integral
to the passing of the Equal Rights Amendment. Malala Yousafzai recently battled for
her right to an education and was the youngest person to ever be awarded the Nobel
Peace Prize. Today, activists like Emma Gonzalez lead us in the March for our Lives.
These are just a few of the women who have challenged an unjust system and helped
to make the world a better place. Women’s Month reminds me of them, and the easily
forgotten lesson that it only takes a single person to make a world-altering difference.
Let’s get to work!
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Lucinda Chan, PharmD Assistant Professor & Director of Experiential Education, College of Pharmacy
Dr. Chan started her career as a Clinical Pharmacist in 1983. Her roles have since
gone on to include critical care, creating nutrition support, pediatrics clinical
pharmacy services, informatics, managed care, and now serving as an academic at Touro
University California. Her primary responsibilities at Touro are to build and promote
the COP’s Pharmacy Practice Program by developing rotation ready students and enhancing
the relationships between Touro University California and our partners in Pharmacy.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
As a young pharmacist starting her career, I was extremely fortunate to have strong
female pharmacy mentors. I listened to their stories of being the first female pharmacy
student in their class and dealing with the choice of career or family. The women
before me have paved a road of incredible strength and courage. They have encouraged
me to work fearlessly and to reach for goals in areas that have not been developed.
I was given the courage to push forward and persist when the odds were difficult.
When I was feeling tired and weak, reaching out to my mentors for words of encouragement
gave me the momentum to create a legacy for women pharmacist that will follow me.
I am excited to be a mentor now and encourage the new generation of women that will
continue this road of accomplishments.
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Ann Stoltz, PhD, RN, CNL Director of the School of Nursing
Dr. Stoltz is the founding Director of the School of Nursing at TUC. Prior to coming
to the university, she was a Professor at California State University Sacramento and
Chair of the School of Nursing from 2006-2010. She calls Solano County home and is
proud to contribute to advancing the education of nurses to meet the needs of the
local region.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
Women’s History Month brings to mind the strong female role models whom I was privileged
to have in my life and who provided guidance and support during my most formative
years. My mother and aunt catapulted me into a career and life of inquiry and independence
that I would otherwise not have had. I strive to influence and encourage my three
daughters (and granddaughter) to use their talents and opportunities to advance women’s
roles and to make a difference in the world. If each of us would mentor at least one
young girl, we can continue to advance gender equity.
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Pamela Redmond, EdD Professor and Chair of Graduate Studies, Graduate School of Education
Dr. Pamela Redmond has chaired the Graduate Studies programs in the School of Education
for 10 years. Two of the newest Master’s degrees that she developed were specifically
designed to meet the school district needs for teacher leaders. The Innovative Learning
Master of Education program explores 21st century learning and digital media in the
context of closing opportunity gaps for students and workforce readiness. The Equity
Diversity and Inclusive Education Master of Arts program dives into school-based issues
of equity, social justice, cultural competency, and school-community relationships
in the context of teacher’s classroom practice and school policy.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
Nearly 100 years ago women gained the right to vote, yet the Equal Rights Amendment
has languished for 95 years. Without it men and women who are subjected to abuse,
discrimination and sexual assault have no constitutional right to bring cases to Federal
court for adjudication. AAUW 2016 statistics show that women still earn .80 on the
dollar as compared to men and that discrimination for women based on disability status,
sexual orientation, and gender identity exist in higher education. While many believe
that the gender gap has been closed, the Equal Rights Amendment needs to be passed
to ensure that all Americans have a fundamental and constitutional right to equality.
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Andrea Garcia, MBA Associate Vice President, University Advancement
Prior to her role at Touro, Mrs. Garcia was a reporter at the Daily Republic newspaper in Fairfield where she garnered several prestigious writing awards. She
is Immediate Past President of the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; former Honorary
Commander at Travis Air Force Base; and serves on the Travis Credit Union Hispanic
Advisory Committee.
What Does Women’s Month Mean to Me?
Thirty-five years ago, when I first ventured into the work world from high school,
I felt success tingling on the tips of my fingers. I was packaged with two years of
typing classes followed by a year of stenography. I was ready! That is, until reality
crept in.
I recall being asked at my first job, “Do you really think you can make it in this
world?” followed later by a neighbor calmly saying, “I can’t see you ever getting
a degree.” Although cruel and demeaning, these words actually propelled me to do
more. They instilled inner strength and determination, and taught me to rotate the
negative to a positive. More importantly, they helped create a woman who understands
the value of being supportive so that hurtful words aren’t said to our next generation
of young women. And that’s what Women’s Month means to me.
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Terrye Moore-Harper, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CNL Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, MSN and DNP Programs
Dr. Moore-Harper has been a Registered Nurse for 30 years and an Advance Practice
Nurse for over 20 years. After receiving an Army ROTC scholarship, she entered the
US Army Nurse Corps and served for nearly 8 years as a Burn/Trauma Nurse. Dr. Moore-Harper
has been passionate about improving health outcomes in African-Americans with diabetes
for nearly 20 years. In 2017, she completed her doctoral degree at Duke University
where her research incorporated elements of faith, culturally sensitive education,
and support groups to improving participant's health beliefs around diabetes self-care
behaviors
What does Women's Month Mean to Me?
Women are the givers of life and the sustainers of culture. We bring the fibers of
strength to the family and are the heartbeat for our communities. It is befitting
at this time that we celebrate the "voice" and the progress of women. While we envision
the tough road ahead, we do so with every attempt to equalize the tables for all women
everywhere. I am fortunate to have had two very strong grandmothers and an awesome
mom who modeled for me the beauty, power and independence of womanhood. As the first
woman in my family to obtain a doctorate, I am committed to my role of modeling personal
goal setting, sustaining through the difficult times, and celebrating every great
and small success!
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