SPEAKERS
Deborah A. Discenza, MA Deb Discenza, a passionate advocate for patient families in and out of the NICU, draws inspiration from her experience as the mother of a 30-weeker, now 20-year-old and multiply disabled. Recognizing the need for direct and equal support for families, she co-authored “The Preemie Parent’s Survival Guide to the NICU” and founded PreemieWorld to promoted equality through patient education. In 2020, she co-founded the Alliance for Black NICU Families with Ashely Randolph, aiming for racial and health equity in our space by breaking down barriers to access and equality by addressing barriers through patient education, certifications and family assistance grants. Deb actively contributes to the field, sitting on boards, committees, and writing for several publications. Deborah A. Hoy, MD, MDIV, FAAP Deborah A. Hoy, MD, MDIV is an attending neonatologist and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital’s Level IV NICU. She cares for critically ill preterm and term newborns along with their parents. Dr. Hoy serves as the Medical Director for Neonatal Transport as well as the Neonatal Medical Director of MedStar Transport where she oversees the mobile NICU equipped for various respiratory support methods including high frequency ventilation and the initiation of whole-body cooling for HIE. She also continuous care through the Neonatal Follow up Clinic to former neonatal patients and their parents, supporting their transition from the NICU/SCN to home over the subsequent 12 to 18 months alongside their primary care providers. Gina H. Curry State Representative Gina H. Curry, elected in a November 2021 special election for Delaware County’s 164th Legislative District, serves on several committees & caucuses including Appropriations, Children & Youth, Education, Transportation, Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, Southeast Delegation, PA Women’s Commission and, the Women’s Health Caucus. Prior to being elected state representative, Gina worked as a Diversity Equity and Inclusion/ Racial Equity consultant and trainer, owned Coach Your Vision LLC, and held community- based roles including Vice President of the Upper Darby School Board. With a deep understanding of community needs, she brings advocacy experience in education, women’s health, and real estate/housing to Harrisburg. Diana Montoya-Williams, MD, MSHP Dr. Diana Montoya-Williams is a neonatologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), a physician scientist in CHOP’s PolicyLab and an assistant professor of Pediatrics in the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. In addition to taking care of infants in the NICU, Dr. Montoya-Williams researches racial and ethnic inequities in maternal and infant health outcomes, including immigrant birth outcomes. She also has a special interest in promoting anti-racism efforts in medicine.
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