Championing Health Equity: Impactful Women’s Health Day Event at Louisiana State Capitol

Women’s Health Day at the Louisianna State Capitol brought renewed energy and urgency to Baton Rouge on May 13th, as advocates, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders gathered with one shared mission: to save the lives of those who give life.

Hosted by the Louisiana Center for Health Equity (LCHE), the statewide initiative called on lawmakers to become change-makers in the movement to Protect Moms, Protect Families, Protect Louisiana.

The day’s programming centered on maternal and mental health, access to care, and closing persistent health gaps, all issues that continue to shape the well-being of women and families across the state. Many participants dressed in black with purple accents, a visual symbol of solidarity and commitment to improving women’s health outcomes statewide.

Angie Jackson Wilson, longtime champion for women’s empowerment and respected leader within the Louisiana Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW Louisiana) was at the heart of the event, serving as Program Chair. Her organizational expertise and advocacy experience shaped a thoughtful, solution-driven agenda that encouraged collaboration, elevated lived experiences, and moved conversations toward meaningful action.

This year’s theme, “Save the Lives of Those Who Give Life,” resonated deeply throughout the event.

The day began inside the Louisiana State Capitol Rotunda, where attendees visited resource tables, participated in advocacy workshops, and engaged directly with legislators.

In the afternoon the program transitioned to the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors Board Room, where the momentum continued through roundtable discussions and interactive sessions, beginning with welcoming remarks from Angie, who set the tone for an afternoon grounded in empowerment, partnership, and collective responsibility.

Sydney Simone, Anchor for Louisiana First News, served as Mistress of Ceremonies, guiding the program with professionalism and warmth.

A moment of reflection followed as Gwen Amelin, Past State President of LA BPW, delivered the invocation.

Laurie N. Marien, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Women’s Policy, offered greetings on behalf of Governor Jeff Landry, who appeared in a short video and presented an official proclamation recognizing the significance of Women’s Health Day.

The Occasion was delivered by Alma C. Stewart Allen, President and Founder of LCHE, whose vision and advocacy laid the foundation for the event’s mission. Her remarks underscored the urgent need to address maternal and mental health disparities across Louisiana.

The keynote address came from State Representative C. Denise Marcelle, who spoke powerfully about the legislative realities surrounding women’s health. Her message energized attendees and highlighted the importance of policy engagement. Representative Marcelle is responsible for the introduction of HCR 110, a resolution declaring a crisis in maternal mortality in Louisiana.

Attendees then participated in an interactive session led by Jamie Mayes, Founder of The Healing Project, who encouraged reflection, connection, and shared commitment to healing and advocacy.

The major highlight of the afternoon was the Women’s Health Policy Roundtable Discussion, moderated by Dr. Michelle Easton, Founder and CEO of Custom MADE Consulting.

The panel brought together a diverse group of leaders and experts:

• Autumn Percival, Miss Louisiana Port City’s Teen, founder of Raising Kids for a Healthy Future
• Robin Gruenfeld, Director, March of Dimes
• Dr. Cordel Parris, Cardiologist, Parris Cardiovascular Center
• Arkeria Robertson, Licensed Professional Counselor, Always Amazing Counseling
• Kaitlyn Joshua, Co-Founder, Abortion in America

Together, they explored maternal health, mental health, access to care, and the lived experiences of women shaping Louisiana’s health landscape. Their dialogue offered both insight and urgency, reinforcing the need for sustained advocacy and systemic change.

The program then shifted toward doing with a compelling call to action from Melissa Flournoy of 10,000 Women, who reminded attendees that progress requires persistence, partnership, and policy engagement.

Angie closed out the event by reaffirming the day’s purpose and importance, and expressed gratitude to participants, partners, advocates, and sponsors for their commitment to improving women’s health outcomes across the state, and its success illustrated the power of collaboration among healthcare leaders, advocates, policymakers, and women with lived experience.

When it was all over, Angie captured the spirit of the day: unity, empowerment, and unwavering commitment to change, when she said, “The afternoon was filled with inspiration, impact, and community. “We’re not just talking about health—we’re talking about saving lives and building a stronger Louisiana.”

Through her leadership with BPW Louisiana and LCHE, Angie continues to inspire across generations, demonstrating how professional women can drive systemic progress—one program, one conversation, and one life at a time.

Louisiana State Capitol.

Health Committee
health@nfbpwc.org