In December 2016, the Oscar Nominated, historical documentary movie “Hidden Figures” was released with a Box Office Grossing Record of $236 million shocking the world because the movie focused on three African American Women in Computer Science from the 1940’s – 1970’s. They are Katherine Johnson, 100 years old (Mathematician), the late, Dorothy Vaughan, passed at age 98 in 2008 (Mathematician and Supervisor), and the late Mary Jackson, passed at age 84 in 2005 (National Aeronautics and Space Administration- NASA Engineer). They shattered color and gender barriers showing society that African American Women could achieve high levels of success in complex scientific fields especially calculating space flight trajectories for Project Mercury and Apollo 11.
The movie opened many eyes and expanded possibilities and hopes for young girls and women in scientific and technical careers. One brilliant idea was revealed at the second annual “Hidden Figures” Gala, an elegant, black tie event held in Atlanta, Georgia at the Hyatt Regency’s International Ballroom on October 27, 2018 and several vendors participated.
The Williams Forum for Diabetic Education and Healthcare (WFDEH), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created this yearly affair to recognize current distinguished women in medicine and science. I was fortunate and proud to be among this elite group of physicians and scientists as a photojournalist.
The Keynote Speaker was the Honorable Judge Glenda A. Hatchett, a world renowned authority in family law, who leads a two-time Emmy nominated nationally syndicated show. We were both impressed with the lives and achievements of these phenomenal women. In her presentation, Judge Hatchett challenged the audience to continue to support this venue possibly through education. She further offered insight into her own love for math and science and letting us know that at the end of her high school career she was accepted at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology but instead chose another educational path.
Credit can be given to the director of this event, Dr. Patricia Williams Bennett, her trustees and devoted friends. Dr. Bennett is a Podiatric Surgeon with an extensive background in clinical trials and research who had the vision for this event. Dr. Bennett’s career includes both domestic and international clinical research management at multibillion dollar global pharmaceutical companies where she originated clinical protocol designs for current pharmaceutical market leaders.
She is a global expert on complications of the diabetic foot and has lectured both nationally and internationally (including Cuba) on this topic. Dr. Bennett also serves on the Advisory Board of the School of Community Health and Wellness at her Alma mater, Morgan State University. She is also a graduate of Atlanta University and the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
Dr. Bennett is involved in using some of the latest high-tech procedures for limb salvage including hyperbaric medicine and the use of bioengineered tissue. Through her nonprofit organization, The Williams Forum for Diabetic Education And Healthcare (WFDEH) williamsdiabetesforum focuses on healthcare disparities in underserved communities and mentoring in healthcare and scientific disciplines. Her vision for this annual fund-raising gala is to celebrate the lives and achievements of many women in medicine and science who are saving lives and making scientific contributions to the world daily; yet they are unknown to the general population. She wanted them to be seen and heard on the world’s platform and to be recognized as the newest “Hidden Figures”.
Dr. Bennett graced the podium with class and was proud to present the Honorees for 2018. She was able to host and be the Mistress of Ceremony for the “Hidden Figures” Gala 2018. Next year, the tentative location for this event will be New York City. The 2018 “Hidden Figures” honorees were:
Loretta Hicks, MD, MBA; United States Navy (Retired) Aviation Medical Officer has a private practice specializing in Family Medicine in Atlanta, GA. She provides compassionate, outpatient care to military retirees and their dependents even after her retirement from the United States Navy. She trains doctors in other military programs and Veteran Affairs (VA).
Ayanna MacCalla Howard, PhD (not present) – Chair, Interactive Engineering, Georgia Tech University, Technology, Roboticist. In the robotics age, a robot can safely perform procedures more accurately and precisely than done manually by surgeons. These procedures minimize bleeding while resulting in a quicker recovery.
Barbara Gales, MD, MPH is Medical Director Compensation and Pensions; Director Department of Rehabilitative Medicine Veteran Affairs Hospital in Spokane Washington specializing in Occupational Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine and Internal Medicine. She received a BA degree in Biochemistry from Cornell University and an MD in Mexico. Currently she performs extensive detailed physical examinations of veterans with complex disabilities such as respiratory impairments, traumatic brain injuries, and poly-traumatic injuries. Dr. Gales is a master motivator and has an extensive 40 year history of mentoring those seeking scientific and medical careers.
Cheryl T. Gomillion, PhD is a Chemical, Material & Biomedical Tissue Engineer at the University of Georgia, Athens, GA. Part of her role involves developing bioengineered tissue (skin substitute) to be used in plastic and reconstructive procedures. Bioengineered tissue may be used to repair various types of catastrophic wounds such as gunshot wounds, burns and uclers. Also, Dr. Gomillion has developed a new interactive lab course for Biological Engineering Senior Capstone Design in which she mentors younger generations who will be making the next significant impact in the medical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.
Stephanie Miles-Richardson, DVM, PhD, Professor, Community Health & Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. A dual doctorate which includes a degree in Veterinarian Medicine and a PhD in Pathology and Environmental Toxicology. She also helps students enter the STEM career fields and coordinates activities with the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Dr. Richardson is a Commissioned Officer who served as Assistant Director of Minority Health Policy at CDC and also worked within the Toxic Substances and Disease Registry division.
Sarah Y. Vinson, MD, Psychiatrist Lorio-Psych Group Triple Board Certified Children & Adolescent, Adult & Forensic Psychiatry, Atlanta, GA – who provides expert care such as psychotherapy, consultation and psychotherapy in mental health, and is the founder and Senior Editor of OurselvesBlack, the website and magazine. Ourselves Black was created as a platform for discussion about Black mental health.
Judy Greenlea-Taylor, DDS, MPH is a practicing dentist in Union City, GA. She was the 92nd President of the National Dental Association and has over 25 years of service and dedication to her dental profession. Dr. Taylor is the Dental Director for CareSource, the only nonprofit coordinated care plan, to serve Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids, members in Georgia. She was appointed by the Georgia Governor to the Georgia Board of Public Health in 2013 and reappointed in 2015.
After the award presentations were completed, a very special guest and a great surprise for Dr. Bennett and others in the audience was revealed. It was the world renowned, electric violinist, Ken Ford, who captivated the audience with his unique, artistic skills and style. Mr. Ford used his musical skills to mesmerize and entertain a totally attentive audience. All eyes were focused on his performance. He was unbelievable and fascinating.
Ultimately, Judge Hatchett rendered a magnificent, motivational and inspirational speech. Though, she may be in the law profession, she spoke of her love of Mathematics. She said she was so impressed with the phenomenal cadre of achievers and charged those in the audience to continue to support and disseminate information to students and others regarding this event and its focus on these precious “Hidden Figures”.
So, next time, when you think of the new current technology, think of these intriguing, outstanding women in medicine and science. These women were born to change the world with their brilliance, knowledge and skills and are saving lives and changing the world.
We thank Dr. Patricia Williams Bennett for her foresight and for being a “Hidden Figure”, while also acknowledging others in this category. She made us aware of the importance of education and technology in saving and preserving lives and giving a voice and a platform to previously unknown women in medicine and science known as “Hidden Figures”.
The 2019 gala is projected to take place in New York City, so we will see you there. The organization sincerely welcomes any philanthropic, sponsorship, support or donations which are the sole funding sources for this unique foundation.
A piece of history that a lot of us had no clue about, until the movie Hidden Figures, thank you for sharing and covering this story Renee!
TRILLA KING – Nov 28, 2018 – Via FACEBOOK – Excellent event..and thanks for sharing ♥️♥️
CHERYL HAYES – Nov 28, 2018 – Via FACEBOOK – Lovely seeing these beautiful black women!
SHARON BOMAR – Nov 28, 2018 – Via TEXT – Very informative article!!! Hats off to your dream Dr. Patricia Bennett for being realized. It was my pleasure to support your event.
DR. BARBARA GALES – Nov 28, 2018 – Via EMAIL – Renee you are so awesome. Thank you, I am truly honored your talent has brought us out and I am most grateful to you for all your hard work.
MICHAEL G. – Nov 28, 2018 – Via EMAIL to Dr. Patricia Bennett – Wow that was an amazing event! The magazine looks spectacular. I am very impressed, and lucky we lucked up on someone that was there to take the photos to create such wonderful moments. I am looking forward to New York 2019! Maybe Auntie Maxine Waters can join us HAHA!
DR. LORETTA HICKS MD, FAAFP, MBA – Nov 28, 2018 – Via EMAIL to Dr. Patricia Bennett –
Thank you so much! This is wonderful and fitting for the outstanding program that you produced.
CONNIE BRYANT-BERRY – Nov 28, 2018- Via EMAIL – Kudos to the Black women of Science who were honored at the “Hidden Figures Gala” in Atlanta, Georgia last month. I was pleased to have been invited to pay tribute to my very special Hidden Figures friends, Dr. Barbara Gales and my dear friend, Dr. Bennett. Judge Hatchett gave an all inspiring unforgettable tribute to our heroines! Special Thanks to Renee Sudderth from Splash Magazine for her phenomenal photographer’s talent and editorial support! You’re the best!……Constance Bryant, Advanced Masters in Administration and Supervision in Spec. Ed/TSHH CISS LLC, CEO/Early Intervention Director
What a phenomenal, glamorous and historical event celebrating the life and legacies of the current 2018 “Hidden Figures Honorees” and those who preceded us. These extraordinary women are quietly saving lives and limbs daily while representing women at the highest level. They all started their careers in the basic science disciplines i.e., biochemistry and biology. Some branched off into medical fields while others remained in pure scientific arenas; using those brilliant minds to change the future. The stories of the past, present and future “Hidden Figures” must continue to be immortalized in various media. We salute our past and look to the future. CONGRATULATIONS!
I am hardly ever at a loss for words, viewing some of the gala and guests has left me speechless. Moreover, the amazing Mr.Ford.
DR. STEPHANIE MILES-RICHARDSON – Nov 28, 2018- Via TEXT to Dr. Patricia Bennett – Wonderful
BRIAN K. PATTERSON – Nov 28, 2018 – Via FACEBOOK – Yes thanks to those women! I have been employed in the Aerospace Industry for 35 years. Thank you for being the pioneers for change! I also stand for them in my present case against a fortune 500 company because they stood when it was so very hard to stand! Thank you!!! (Bouquet of red beautiful flowers shown on Facebook)
H. WILKINS – Nov 28, 2018 – Via EMAIL to Dr. Patricia Bennett – Very nice. Congratulations
Awesome work Renee and life’s opportunities to engage and support what you love without interruption…Sissy Ferguson
Dr. Bennett-Beautiful event,congratulations to you and all the time invested to make it a great success.Thank you for taking time to honor the Hidden Figures and introducing them to those of us who would never know who they are. Continue to do this mission God has charge you do with the many other hats he have blessed you to wear.
CONNIE BRYANT-BERRY – Nov 29, 2018 – Via TEXT to Dr. Patricia Bennett – The article is awesome Kudos to you and cousin Renee (Sudderth) In the article/photos, thanks for the web link and exposure to my business helping the children.
C. TOPPIN – Nov 29, 2018 – Via EMAIL to Dr. Patricia Bennett – This article was very informative, uplifting and the pictures were vibrant. As a black woman I am encouraged, honored, and please to have the knowledge that there are so many women of color still leading the good fight into the sciences and math, for our future young black women to continue. Kudos to Dr. Patricia Bennett for bringing such a spectacular event to life each year highlighting all our “Hidden Figures”
DOUGLAS SCOTT – Nov 29, 2018 – Via FACEBOOK – Beautiful Amazing Women of Color doing Great things Thanks 4 Sharing. Renee I’m proud of You.
JEWELL ROLLEN – Nov 29, 2018 – Via FACEBOOK – RESPECT!!! (A man bowing with his hat in his hand)
VELITA SPENCE – Nov 29, 2018 – Via FACEBOOK – IN RESPONSE TO BRIAN K. PATTERSON COMMENT AND HE SENT RED ROSES ON FACEBOOK TO THESE HIDDEN FIGURE LADIES….You are a real man…love how you acknowledge our /their strengths and broke barriers in an industry, where you didn’t know you stood out, despite the male opposition. Thank you…and thank you, the FIRST BLACK WOMEN of NASA AND OTHERS…#BLACKPIONEERWOMENROCK
DR. JUDY GREENLEA-TAYLOR – Nov 29, 2018 – Via EMAIL – This is a very nice article and thank you so much.
DR. JUDY GREENLEA-TAYLOR – Nov 29, 2018 – Via EMAIL to Dr. Patricia Bennett – Dr. Bennett, this was a really nice article. I will share the article with several of my organizational contacts. Happy Holidays and thanks again.
BARBARA LLOYD – Nov 29, 2018 – Via EMAIL to Dr. Patricia Bennett – It was a pleasure meeting so many Black Hidden Figures at once. My friends, Arlene & Tamika from New York City was a vendor selling medical products. I sold my Afro Centric products, jewelry and gifts. It was a blessing. Thank you Dr. Bennett for exposing these Hidden Figures. Judge Hatchett gave an impressive speech. The violinist was fantastic, never to be forgotten.
SHARON HAYES-TERRELL – Nov 29, 2018 – Via EMAIL – Renee, I really appreciate the Photos from this Historical Event. I’m sure you enjoyed the Evening with all those CELEBS and the food should have been Delicious. Thanks for sharing with me, love you girl, keep up the GREAT work.
MARY GREEN-BLAKE – Nov 29, 2018 – Via EMAIL to Dr. Patricia Bennett – Pat, this is awesome!!!…Renee did a superb job…I’m sure everyone is still basking in their accomplishments/ recognition and elegance of the event…Just knowing that someone noticed their life’s work (“did not think it robbery”) and took the time to honor and present them to the community as a Hidden Figures says about your Williams Diabetic Foundation…CONGRATS!!!
MJS – Nov 29, 2018 – Via TEXT to Dr. Patricia Bennett – Article is really great!! You look like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” on the last photo of the article.
TARQUIN COERBELL – Nov 29, 2018 – Via EMAIL – Those were some great pictures and a pretty good article.
JANET CRAWFORD IBANEZ- Nov 29, 2018 – Via EMAIL – Loved the article! There were a lot of doctors in attendance! And then there was The Judge!!! Great job Correspondent Sudderth! I really enjoyed Hidden Figures. Being a science & math nerd, I was pleasantly surprised & impressed with the math computations involved…WITHOUT the aid of man-made computers! I have a bachelor in computer science and I was really intrigued with Octavia’s character’s self-taught programming techniques! Programming has come a long way since then.
DEBORAH JONES – Nov 29, 2018 – Via EMAIL – Thanks for sharing!!
Me’ Kaa of Skin Mosturizerbymeekaa– Nov 30, 2018 – Via TEXT – Yes! I love it! I humbly say, “Thank You”
DR. CHERYL T. GOMILLION – Nov 30, 2018 – Via EMAIL –Ms. Renee, thank you for writing and sharing. This is great!
DR. CHERYL T. GOMILLION – Nov 30, 2018 – Via EMAIL – Dr. Bennett, thank you for sharing and all that you do. This is great!
BEW – Dec 1, 2018 – Via EMAIL – Renee, Nice article. Great Job.
BETTY JO – Nov 29, 2018 – Via EMAIL – I enjoy reading your articles. I can tell you really enjoy your 2nd job. I will share. : )
VENITA SPENCE – Dec 1, 2018 – Via FACEBOOK – One word…PHENOMENAL.. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU ALL.. FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION, COMPASSION🙏🏾🙏🏾
JOAN DAVIS – Dec 2, 2018 Via FACEBOOK – Great tribute Renee! Keep up the good work😃!
What an amazing event honor our modern day hidden figures.
CYNTHIA – Dec 4, 2018 – Via TEXT – Nice Articles. They are truly Hidden Figures.
SHAWN SIMS – Dec 4, 2018 – Via FACEBOOK – This is AWESOME! Thanks for sharing..
Thank you Renee for writing about all the phenomenal women hi-lighted at this Gala Event. The more we know, the more we grow! Knowledge is Powerful! I loved the introduction of your story. As a women of color I felt empowered by the movie “Hidden Figures” and encouraged others to see it, because it was transforming. After reading about this event and the awesome STEM achievements of these hidden figures, I’m again inspired to encourage my circle of friends to read your story and share the important contributions of these Doctors and others making this world a better place for us all. This feature photo-story is definitely a FIVE STAR! Looking forward to reading about the 2019 group of She-ros! You are going to cover the New York Gala, right?!? LOL
BIANCA – Dec 6, 2018 – Via TEXT – Dr. Bennett, I read the article, its just amazing!! Congratulations on all the hard work and effort you put into the last event. I hope your next event in New York is just as grandiose and God willing over here at the Yale Club!!!
STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ – Dec 5, 2018 – Via Phone – My daughter saw the movie HIDDEN FIGURE two years ago and the movie inspired her so much. Now, she is interested in Aviation and will be attending Tuskegee Institute. Also, she says “its OK to be smart and not ashamed, just like all of these women”.
Outstanding forum for discovery & change. Impressive women. Congrats to all. Great article Renee!👏🏿
STEWART – Dec 10, 2018 – The article was so interesting and amazing how these ladies are making a difference. People look up to these Hidden Figures.
CAROLINE TATE – Dec 10, 2018 – Via EMAIL – Renee, it is inspiring to see your article about black women being recognized today for “Hidden Figures”. They are the Trailblazers of the 20th century. We need more of our young women to attend galas to give them the courage to continue to strive for greatness. If each Trailblazer could just find one young black woman to mentor, so that our young black ladies will see black women artistry achieved in their work and see their gifts. It is so important for our young girls to see these black women that are hidden in our world today. Thanks for enlightening your readers to see the Hidden Figure of black women today. It is a blessing to see these black women represent us with brilliant minds in science and mathematics with pride and grace to encourage our future generations. Congrats on your article.