​​2026 Gala Keynote Speaker 

 

Dr. Leslie Appiah, MD, FACOG, a former Ex Officio Board Director of Sister-to-Sister: International Network of Professional African American Women, Inc., is a transformative leader in obstetrics and gynecology, renowned for her pioneering oncofertility research and lifelong dedication to reproductive health equity – making her the ideal distinguished speaker for Sister-to-Sister, Inc.'s fundraising gala. As Professor and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Meharry Medical College School of Medicine and Executive Director of the Center for Women’s Health Research, she is revitalizing a department to deliver culturally responsive care, drive innovative women’s health research, and train equity-focused physicians for underserved communities.

Previously, at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Dr. Appiah served as Professor and Division Chief of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Director of the Fertility Preservation and Reproductive Late Effects Program. She expanded access to fertility-preserving care for over 700 adult, adolescent, and pediatric patients facing cancer or serious conditions, implementing standardized, equitable processes that ensured evidence-based interventions regardless of background, diagnosis, or insurance – proving the power of scalable, inclusive models to improve outcomes and reduce disparities.
 

A fellowship-trained pediatric and adolescent gynecologist, Dr. Appiah specializes in cancer survivorship, hormone management in complex cases, and fertility preservation across the age spectrum. With over 50 peer-reviewed publications, 100+ invited lectures, and a tenure as Associate Editor for Contraception and Reproductive Medicine, she has shaped national standards that prioritize equity in clinical guidelines and survivorship care, directly addressing gaps that disproportionately burden marginalized communities.
 

Her excellence has earned accolades including Castle Connolly Exceptional Woman in Medicine, 5280 Magazine Top Doc, and AMA Women Physicians Inspiration Award honoree. A graduate of the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program, she excels at mentoring women and trainees of color, building pipelines of diverse leaders who amplify impact across health systems.
 

Dr. Appiah’s credentials are impeccable: MD from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School; OB/GYN residency at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore; research fellowship in reproductive genetics at Baylor College of Medicine; and clinical fellowship in pediatric and adolescent gynecology at Texas Children’s Hospital. Board certified in OB/GYN with a focused practice designation, she embodies academic medicine’s highest standards.
 

Foundations and health plans supporting Sister-to-Sister, Inc.'s gala will hear from a proven change-maker whose insights on health equity, innovative care models, and workforce diversity align perfectly with missions to advance women’s health, close disparity gaps, and invest in community impact. Dr. Appiah’s presence elevates this event, inspiring sponsors to fuel Sister-to-Sister, Inc.’s vital work in health equity and community development.

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