The Celebration of Gender Equity Lecture was created to demonstrate the LCOM community's commitment to its women-identified and gender-minority faculty and staff. Bestowing awards serves multiple purposes in academic medicine, including calling out the achievements and contributions of individuals, broadcasting their presence to a wider audience, and aiding in the promotion process.
2025 Celebration of Gender Equity Lecture
Leading as Woman in the 21st Century: Shattering the Glass Ceiling Without Needing Stitches
Charity Clark, JD
Attorney General, State of Vermont
Thursday, March 6, 2025
12:00-1:30 pm
Med Ed Center 200, Sullivan Classroom and Zoom
Nomination Process
The Gender Equity Awards nomination process opens each fall. Learn more about nominations below.
Nomination Process and Required Materials
Gender Equity Awards
Watch the Gender Equity Awards in Medicine and Science on our YouTube channel
2025 Gender Equity Award Recipients
Gender Equity Champion Award
Equity and inclusion are inextricably linked to the ÈÕº«ÎÞÂë Larner College of Medicine’s mission of education, research and patient care. In recognition of that mission, many College faculty, staff, students and trainees are actively engaged in championing equity and inclusion in multiple local, regional and global settings. This award recognizes Larner College of Medicine community members— faculty, staff, and students —who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to the advancement of women, transgender, and gender diverse people beyond the scope of their job, area of research, or training.
If more than one exceptional nomination is received in a single year, the selection committee reserves the right to award separate faculty, staff, and student honors.
Kathy Mariani, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Shrey Patel, B.A., B.S., Class of 2026
Gender Equity Outstanding Achievement in Medicine and Science Award
This award is given to a female, transgender, or gender diverse faculty member within the Larner College of Medicine who demonstrates outstanding achievement in medicine and science through research, education or service. Additionally, this individual must be recognized at a national and/or international level for their scientific/medical achievements and serve as a role model to women, transgender, and gender diverse community members at the Larner College of Medicine. Finally, awardees show commitment to advancing equity and inclusion for women, transgender, and gender diverse community members.
Julie Dumas, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry
Polaris Award: Gender Equity Outstanding Mentorship Award
Polaris, or the North Star, is anchored at due north while the remainder of the northern sky rotates around it and serves as a beacon and directional point for those finding their way on a journey. The Polaris Award honors a Larner College of Medicine faculty or staff member who provides outstanding formal or informal mentorship for Larner College of Medicine women, transgender people, and gender diverse people.
A mentor is defined as an individual who shares knowledge and serves as an experienced and trusted advisor, teacher, collaborator, and/or advocate.
Kristen Pierce, M.D., Professor of Medicine
The Rising Star Award: Gender Equity Emerging Professional Award
This award recognizes a female, transgender, or gender diverse faculty or staff member at the Larner College of Medicine who is in the early stage of their career. The awardee demonstrates excellence in contributions to students, colleagues, and/or the institution in the areas of gender equity and inclusion through service, program development, teaching, research or beyond. The awardee also shows the promise for future contributions and leadership in their field as well as in achieving goals for the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Anna Ricci, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurological Sciences
Past Gender Equity Award Recipients
2020 Award Recipients: (from left: Dean Rick Page, Gov. Madeline Kunin, Dr. L.E. Faricy, Dr. Ramsey Herrington, Dr. Debra Leonard, Dr. Bill Pendelbury, Dr. Anne Dougherty, Dr. Margaret Tandoh)
Gender Equity Champion Award
2024: Jennifer M. Hall, D.O.; Neeki Parsa, B.A.
2023: Nina Feinberg, MS4; Bridget Marroquin, M.D.
2022: Eli Goldberg, M.D.
2021: Pam Gibson, M.D.; Stellar Levy, M.S.
2020: Ramsey Herrington, M.D.
Gender Equity Outstanding Achievement in Medicine and Science Award
2024: Sarah Schlein, M.D.
2023: Stacey Sigmon, Ph.D.
2022: Beth Kirkpatrick, M.D.
2021: Elizabeth Bonney, M.D., M.P.H.
2020: Mary Cushman, M.D., M.Sc.
Polaris Award for Outstanding Mentorship
2024: Rebecca Wilcox, M.D.,
2023: Frances Carr, Ph.D.
2022: Isabelle Dejardins, M.D.
2021: Melissa Davidson, M.D.
2020: Debra Leonard, M.D., Ph.D.
Rising Star Emerging Professional Award
2024: Anja Jokela, M.D.; Karine Sahakyan, M.D.
2023: Sherrie Khadanga, M.D.
2022: Joanna Conant, M.D.
2021: Katie Wells, M.D., M.P.H.
2020: Lauren Elizabeth (L.E.) Faricy, M.D.