International Women's Day 2022

Where were you born - Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria (I have deep roots here)
How did you make it to US - I moved to the US in 2004 to start my residency in Psychiatry at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY. I moved here from the UK with my husband and our then 18 month old daughter
Your profession (before and after you came to US) - I graduated from medical school at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and then moved to the UK. I started my Psychiatry training here and completed part I of the MRCPsych exams.
What you currently do and/or your interests - I love being a geriatric psychiatrist and will always remember my mentors who got me interested in psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. I love reading, cooking (baking some bread right now!), and watching TV.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you - This day reminds me how important it is to invest (time, money, effort, resources, etc) in women from an early age and provide a nurturing environment for all our aspirations. I believe that we, as human beings, all lose when potential is stifled or stamped out.

Where were you born - I was born in Olimpia (small city) in Brazil.
How did you make it to US - I came to Richmond, VA in 2000 to do part of my PhD thesis at VCU
Your profession (before and after you came to US) - Always being a teacher. For 20 years I did microcirculation research, but I have been an educator since I finished college.
What you currently do at VTC and/or your interests - Currently I am an associate professor, directing 2 blocks in basic science for 1st year medical students. My main interest is Active Learning and development of innovative teaching methodologies (e.g. dramatization, manipulatives). I really admire VT for valuing women in the workplace.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you - IWD is an opportunity to highlight all the contributions immigrants women brings to the community.