(NEWARK, NJ) -- Rutgers University–Newark (RU-N) will recognize women pioneers and practitioners of healthcare during the fourth annual Women’s History Month Celebration titled, “No More Hidden Figures: She-roes Among Us,” on Wednesday, March 3 from 2:30pm-4:00pm.

In light of the worldwide pandemic, this year, RU-N is honoring women in healthcare and holistic self-care practices through an afternoon program of speakers and performances (described below) designed to inspire, honor, and uplift womanhood. The theme for the day is “SHealers of Mind, Body, and Soul.”

The event is free and open to the public by registering online.

All are encouraged to donate to PantryRUN, RU-N’s food pantry established to help combat student food insecurity; and Newark Emergency Services for Families, which provides emergency, workforce development, housing, prisoner reentry, health, and family development services to Newark residents. Donation details can be found here.

Opening remarks will be made by RU-N Chancellor Nancy Cantor and the Keynote Speech will be by Dr. Maria Soto-Greene, tenured professor and executive vice dean at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Panel Discussion among Healthcare Providers:

* Dr. Chris T. Pernell, MD, chief strategic integration and health equity officer at University Hospital in Newark

* Simona Badger, clinical social work/therapist, LCSW

* Dr. Karma Warren, emergency medicine physician at University Hospital and assistant professor at Rutgers University Medical School

Panel Moderators:

* Vice Chancellor Sangeeta Lamba, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences

* Salma Harfouche (RU-N School of Arts and Sciences-Newark (SASN) ’22), Honors College

Wellness Break: Magna Gopal, a coach, speaker, dancer, and artist

RU-N Student Performances:

* Jamisha Montague (SASN ’22), RU-N Honors Living-Learning Community scholar and poet

* Lavern Agyei (SASN ’24), who will pay tribute in poetry to Posthumous Honoree Henrietta Lacks. This year is the 70th anniversary of her passing and her famous HeLa cells were instrumental in the early understanding of COVID-19.

Virtual Pinning Ceremony: To honor one RU-N student, two RU-N staff members, and two community members who have not been previously recognized for their leadership

PHOTO: (l-r) Dr. Chris T. Pernell, Simona Badger, Dr. Karma Warren