Rodham Institute Hosts Annual Summit


October 28, 2015

On Friday, October 3, the Rodham Institute held its 3rd Annual Summit “Celebrating Great Work in Our Community: Health Equity Success Stories”. Over 250 community leaders and stakeholders, public health experts, GW faculty, and other distinguished guests gathered to discuss and hear testimonials about access to mental health care, community partnerships, and childhood obesity.

I had the privilege of serving on the Keynote Panel: Addressing Childhood Obesity along with Chelsea Clinton (Vice Chair of the Clinton Foundation), Dr. Howell Wechsler (Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation), and Vertez Utley (a junior at Woodrow Wilson High School). As a 6th generation Washingtonian, I shared my journey through childhood obesity by discussing the lack of safe spaces for physical activity and the abundance of fast food options in my D.C. neighborhood. Ultimately, my experiences have greatly influenced my academic interests at GW. Dr. Wechsler, Dr. Clinton, and Mr. Utley all emphasized the importance of community partnerships and involving local stakeholders as ways to address the childhood obesity epidemic. 

During the luncheon, former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd spoke about the importance of reducing mental health stigmas in addition to commending the work that the Rodham Institute does. Additionally, the Institute awarded three grants as a way of encouraging community partnerships.

I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to gain insight from the various summit attendees. Here’s more information about the Summit.