She Opened the Door

She Opened the Door (SOTD) is hosting She Opened the Door to Health: Empowering Women to Lead Healthy Lives on Saturday, March 2. This one day conference will feature keynote sessions as well panels focused on longevity, reproductive and fertility, health equity, as well as mental health and social connectedness. In addition to gaining insights from prominent individuals committed to the advancement of women’s wellbeing both at Columbia and beyond, conference attendees will have the unique opportunity to connect and network with women from across the University.

Timeline:

8–9 am - Registration

9–9:45 am - Welcome Remarks and Keynote featuring Delphine O’Rourke ‘01LAW

10–11:15 am - Concurrent Sessions

• Option 1 - Longevity

• Option 2 - Optimizing reproductive health, preserving fertility, and planning for a family

11:15–11:30 am - Break

11:30–12:45 pm - Concurrent Sessions

• Option 1 - Reproductive Health Justice and Health Equity

• Option 2 - Mental Health and Connectedness

1–2 pm - Lunch with Experts from the Field

2–3 pm - Closing Session

3 pm - Closing Remarks

Session 1 Option #1: Longevity

The Longevity panel discussion will help attendees learn how to live a longer and healthier life through a presentation of research findings, inspirational stories, and biotech developments. The goal of this panel is to offer both psychological and physical strategies for coping with aging and learning how to create a healthy balance for yourself, no matter what age you are!

Session 1 Option #2: Optimizing reproductive health, preserving fertility, and planning for a family:

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of key reproductive health topics, ranging from preserving fertility to preparing for the transition to parenthood. With a panel that includes a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, a gynecologic surgeon, and a women’s mental health specialist, the session will be an opportunity to hear directly from experts in the field and to ask them your questions. No matter where you are in your reproductive journey, this session will provide information to help you optimize your reproductive health.

Session 2 Option #1: Reproductive Health Justice and Health Equity:

Gender, racial, and ethnic disparities in healthcare have existed for decades, despite efforts to strengthen women’s health access and utilization. In this session attendees will have the opportunity to hear from individuals who are fighting to acknowledge, address, and reduce these disparities.

Session 2 Option #2: Mental Health and Connectedness:

In this session, attendees will learn about the intersection of mental health and connectedness. Social connectedness influences our minds, bodies, and behaviors—all of which influence our health and life expectancy. Research shows that social connectedness can lead to longer life, better health, and improved well-being.