Centering Black Women’s Clinical Experiences and Health

Speaker: Breana Turner, PhD(c), MPH, CHES

• Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
• Time: 6:00–7:45 PM
• Location: M106
• Format: In-person with Zoom option

This public lecture examines how the intersection of race and gender shapes Black women’s health and clinical experiences. Drawing on Black Feminist Theory and the Superwoman Schema Framework, Breana Turner centers Black women’s voices to explore how cultural narratives—while historically protective—can also contribute to mental, physical, and overall health risks.

Using qualitative focus group data with Black women across Virginia, the lecture highlights experiences with healthcare providers, diagnostic delays, adverse medical encounters, and preferences for racially and gender-concordant physicians. The talk emphasizes that Black women’s health experiences are not monolithic and underscores the importance of culturally responsive, patient-centered approaches in clinical care.

Event Schedule:

• 6:00–6:30 PM: Reception (R2 Atrium)
• 6:30–7:15 PM: Lecture (M106)
• 7:15–7:45 PM: Moderated Q&A

About the Speaker

Breana Turner is a PhD candidate in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health at Virginia Tech and a public health researcher whose work centers Black women’s health and clinical experiences. She is a TEDx speaker and an experienced science communicator committed to advancing health equity by ensuring Black women’s clinical experiences are not only counted—but understood.

The event is free and open to the public. Shuttle access from Blacksburg and Zoom attendance options are available.