Women Health Charities in Maryland

Since its founding in 1971 under the visionary leadership of Dr. Lauranne Sams, the National Black Nurses Association has served as the collective voice and advocate for Black nurses nationwide. Operating from Silver Spring, MD, NBNA has grown into a powerful force representing nearly 310,000 nurses committed to ensuring equal access to professional development and improving health outcomes for African American and other minority populations. The organization's core mission centers on providing a forum for collective action, enabling Black nurses to advocate for and implement strategies that guarantee access to the highest quality healthcare for persons of color. Over five decades, NBNA has cultivated deep community partnerships with private and public agencies that share its commitment to improving health status across all populations, particularly underserved communities. The association's 114 chapters serve as vital mechanisms through which national, state, and local community-based programs are implemented, with African American nurses providing direct leadership and volunteer services in their communities. NBNA's legacy includes 14 presidents who have shaped the organization's direction, and founding members whose pioneering efforts established the foundation for today's thriving association. Beyond professional networking, NBNA empowers members through educational initiatives, including the Mini Nurse Academy and mentorship programs, while addressing urgent health disparities through specialized task forces. The organization's commitment to excellence in nursing education, combined with its advocacy for health equity, makes NBNA an essential institution serving Black nurses and the communities they care for across the nation.

Women As One emerged from a mission to transform the future of medicine by empowering women cardiologists to succeed in their careers. Established in 2019 by Dr. Roxana Mehran and Dr. Marie-Claude Morice, this Severna Park, Maryland-based 501(c)(3) charity addresses the significant professional challenges women face in cardiology—from limited access to advanced training and mentorship to promotion barriers and pay discrimination. The organization believes that creating meaningful opportunities for women to enter, remain, and lead in cardiology will catalyze a more inclusive and just healthcare workforce. Women As One builds community through thoughtfully curated programming that brings together individual physicians, organizational partners, and industry leaders around a shared commitment to equity. The organization recognizes that women comprise only 20% of cardiologists globally and hold less than 10% of leadership positions, making their work essential to reshaping the profession. By fostering collaboration and connection among women in medicine, Women As One cultivates lasting relationships and professional growth while simultaneously helping organizations achieve their diversity goals. The organization's commitment extends beyond individual advancement to systemic change—working with medical societies, academia, government, and foundations to ensure that gender equity becomes embedded in the culture of cardiovascular medicine and healthcare at large.