WHA Pittsburgh: What's Next for Women's Health?
What's Next for Women's Health?
From National Shifts to Local Action
What’s changing for women’s health, what could those changes mean here in Pittsburgh, and where do we go from here?
Women’s Health Advocates (WHA) Pittsburgh is bringing together local leaders, advocates, healthcare professionals, students, community members, and others who care about women’s health for an evening focused on what’s next for women’s health, nationally and locally.
We’ll explore the evolving women’s health landscape, what the 2026 midterm elections could mean for the issues ahead, and how national shifts may affect women and communities across our region.
Women's health is much broader than any one issue. WHA focuses on health across the lifespan, including heart health, cancer, autoimmune conditions, menopause, maternal health and fertility, mental health, bone and brain health, medical research, access to care, and more.
But this isn’t just a policy conversation. We’ll bring the conversation home to Pittsburgh, highlighting local perspectives and exploring meaningful ways we can make an impact together.
All backgrounds are welcome. No policy experience is needed. Whether you’re a student, professional, caregiver, retiree, advocate, community member, or simply someone who cares about women’s health, this conversation is for you.
What to Expect
The Big Picture
A timely look at what’s ahead for women’s health following the 2026 elections.
A Pittsburgh Lens
Perspectives from local leaders working across women’s health, research, policy, and care.
Ways to Make an Impact
Ideas and opportunities for turning interest into action, whether you’re new to advocacy or already involved.
New Connections
Meet others across Pittsburgh who care about women’s health and learn more about the people and organizations doing this work locally.
The evening will include a moderated conversation, opportunities to hear from local organizations, food and drinks, and plenty of time to connect and continue the conversation after the program.
Featured Speakers
We’re bringing together leaders from across the women’s health community, including:
Liz Powell, Esq., MPH
Founder, Women's Health Advocates & G2G ConsultingMichael Annichine
CEO, Magee-Womens Research Institute & FoundationJocelyn J. Fitzgerald, MD, URPS, FACS
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, UPMC; Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic SurgeryMarcia Klein-Patel, MD, PhD
System Chair, Women’s Institute, Allegheny Health NetworkMarian Jarlenski, PhD, MPH
Professor and Vice Chair for Practice, Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh School of Public HealthJada Shirriel, MS, CLC
CEO, Healthy Start, Inc.
Additional program details and participating organizations to be announced.
Schedule
5:00 PM | VIP Experience
An intimate pre-event gathering with WHA leadership and fellow supporters, with an opportunity for deeper conversation and connection before the main event.
6:00 PM | General Admission Doors Open
Check in, grab a drink and something to eat, and connect with other attendees.
6:30 PM | Program Begins
Following the Program | Networking, Food & Drinks
Stay after the conversation to meet speakers, connect with others in the community, and keep the conversation going.
Tickets
Early Bird Pricing available through October 31
Student | $25 (Early Bird), $35 (Regular)
General Admission | $50 (Early Bird), $100 (Regular)
VIP | $125 (Early Bird), $150 (Regular)
Support an Advocate | +$35
Add $35 to your registration to help make the event more accessible to someone who may otherwise be unable to attend.
Space is limited, and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Food and drinks are included with admission.
Sponsor the Event
Help bring Pittsburgh’s women’s health community together while supporting WHA’s work locally and nationally.
Community Partner | $500
Includes:
2 General Admission tickets
Recognition on the event page and at the event
Opportunity to provide a resource or material for attendees
Event Sponsor | $1,000
Includes:
2 VIP tickets
2 WHA t-shirts
Logo recognition on event marketing materials and the event page
Recognition at the event
Opportunity to provide a resource or material for attendees
WHA Leadership Partner (Steering Committee) | Starting at $2,000 for individuals
Includes:
Event Sponsor benefits (above) + 2 additional VIP tickets
WHA Steering Committee membership for one year
Connection to WHA’s broader national network, policy work, events, and advocacy efforts
Interested in sponsoring? Contact Liz Powell at liz@womenshealthadvocates.org and Shruti Valjee at shrutivaljee@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this event for?
Everyone! You do not need to work in healthcare, government, or advocacy to attend. Students, professionals, caregivers, retirees, community members, and anyone interested in women’s health are welcome. WHA takes a broad, across-the-lifespan view of women's health, so there are many ways to connect with the conversation. No policy or advocacy experience is needed.
Is WHA affiliated with a political party?
No. WHA is nonpartisan and works across the political spectrum to educate government leaders about women’s health issues and advocates for policies and funding that advance women’s health. WHA engages directly with elected officials and other government decision-makers in this work.
This event is an opportunity to better understand what is changing, what it could mean for women’s health, and how people from different backgrounds can help move women’s health forward.
Is Women’s Health Advocates a nonprofit?
WHA is not a designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit because legally that would limit our advocacy to 20% of our budget and time. Instead WHA is a coalition that is solely dedicated to lobbying for better policy and funding to close gaps in women's health. Our tactics include educating and advocating with government, launching grassroots mobilization campaigns, and engaging voters with candidates in the elections. This strategy has resulted in raised awareness and enactment of legislation we crafted.
Where does the money from my ticket or sponsorship go?
Your contributions power our mission by funding essential operations, policy drafting, lobbying, Capitol Hill Days, grassroots campaigns, voter toolkits, educational programming and advocacy training that advance women’s health priorities.
What does “Support an Advocate” mean?
For an additional $35, you can help make the event more accessible to someone who may otherwise be unable to attend. It is completely optional and simply gives attendees another way to help more people be part of the conversation.
About Women’s Health Advocates
Women’s Health Advocates brings people together to educate and advocate with government decision-makers on the policies and funding needed to advance women’s health. WHA takes a head-to-toe, across-the-lifespan approach to women's health, bringing together people and organizations around issues that have historically been underfunded, understudied, or overlooked.
Through education, advocacy, and community-building, WHA helps people better understand the issues, connect with others who care about them, and make their voices heard.
Here in Pittsburgh, we’re building a stronger local community around women’s health by creating opportunities to learn, connect, collaborate, and take action.
The WHA Pittsburgh Chapter Co-Chairs are Shruti Valjee and Maura Rosenfeld.
Come curious. Leave informed, connected, and ready to make an impact.