Kim Coles to Serve as Mistress of Ceremonies at ABWP's 45th Annual Scholarship Gala
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BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Californer -- The Association of Black Women Physicians (ABWP) will host its 45th Annual Charity & Scholarship Benefit Gala on Saturday, Oct. 24, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The "Legends & Legacy" celebration will honor four leaders in medicine while raising support for student scholarships, physician mentorship, and community health initiatives.

Since its founding in 1982, ABWP has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to help reduce financial barriers for women pursuing medical careers. Its Sister-to-Sister program also connects pre-med students, medical students, and physicians-in-training with experienced mentors.

"Representation in medicine isn't symbolic," said ABWP President Dr. Anastasia Williams. "It's a matter of health outcomes. When we invest in Black women physicians, we invest in healthier communities."

This year's Lifetime Achievement Award will go to ABWP founding president Jessie L. Sherrod, MD, MPH. The Honorable Mablean Ephriam will present the honor. Toluwalasé "Lasé" A. Ajayi, MD, FAAP, FAAHPM, chair of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees, and Brandi K. Freeman, MD, MS, FAAP, the 127th president of the National Medical Association, will each receive a Humanitarian of the Year Award.

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Judith Joseph, MD, MBA, a member of the 2026 Time 100 Creators List, board-certified psychiatrist, researcher, and bestselling author, will receive the Special Visionary Award.

Kim Coles, producer and co-host of the podcast "Reliving Single" and the 2024 gala host, will serve as mistress of ceremonies. Live Jazz LA, an R&B and jazz ensemble, and THE (ICYOLA) Jazz Ensemble of the Inner-City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles will provide entertainment.

ABWP President-Elect Dr. Dominique Woods emphasized that rising educational costs and funding cuts make scholarship support and long-term mentorship especially important for future physicians. The event benefits the Rebecca Lee Crumpler Scholarships, named for the first Black woman to earn a medical degree in the United States.

Current sponsors include Cooperative of American Physicians, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, and Dr. Carl Truesdale.

The gala will take place at The Beverly Hilton, 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. Red-carpet arrivals begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 6 p.m. reception and a 7 p.m. dinner and awards program.

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For event and ticket information, visit blackwomenphysicians.org/45th-annual-abwp-gala.

ABOUT ABWP: Founded in 1982, the Association of Black Women Physicians is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Black women in medicine and improving community health through scholarships, mentoring, education, and advocacy.

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Joy Parris | Rich Girl Productions | jparris@richgirlproductions.com | 323-960-5600