By Ranata Reeder, Co-Chair Emerging Leaders Awards, WWPR
In this candid Q&A style blog, Dr. Julaine Braham, double board-certified internal medicine and obesity medicine specialist, shares the importance of preventative medicine in women’s health, current women’s health trends, and information on how women can take a comprehensive approach to wellness.
“When it comes to their health, I implore women to advocate for themselves.” – Julaine Braham, M.D.
What trends are you seeing in women’s health?
Now, more than ever, women are looking for trusted healthcare providers to guide them with a comprehensive approach to wellness that incorporates holistic methods.
What should every woman speak to her doctor about?
I advise adult women to ask and be proactive about their preventative screenings. This includes checking your risk for cardiovascular disease and checking your cholesterol panel. For women over 30, getting a calcium score done which ultimately checks the vasculature around the heart, and making sure you’re on top of your pap smears. For those over 40, making sure you’re on top of your mammograms or doing self checks. As women, when we go through our cycles, we can have dense tissue in our breasts, and certain areas will become more dense. That can be scary, but it’s still important to do those checks so you can talk to your doctor, because early detection can save your life.
Also, if you are having concerns about random symptoms, say you have chronic fatigue and weight gain, but you know you’re eating right, exercising properly, and you should be seeing the scale go down – if it’s not, you definitely need your hormone levels checked.
What is one tip you have for women during Women’s Health Month?
The number one cause for death in women is cardiovascular disease. It’s outpacing men especially as we get older. So I will go back to preventative screenings, and encourage women to stay on top of our modifiable risk factors (such as, making sure your blood pressure and A1c levels are controlled, eliminating or limiting meat, dairy, and alcohol intake, avoiding tobacco products and eating a well balanced diet) in order to prevent chronic diseases. This is why I’m very big on making sure to check in on patients diets, exercise routine and frequently monitor cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk factors.
What is one small lifestyle change someone can make that will have a big health impact?
Hydration and not only H2O water hydration, but with fruit water. For instance, cucumbers are 98% water and also carry a lot of minerals and vitamins. Hydrating fruits like pineapples, watermelons, and cucumbers, should be staples especially coming into the summer months. Fruits can have antioxidants, salts, nutrients, and the vitamins that you need. With fruits, you’re getting hydrated plus you’re helping your body be equipped to have a strong immune system.
What’s the best health advice you’ve seen on Instagram or TikTok lately?
The best advice I’ve seen is juicing. For your fruits and vegetables, if you’re not eating it, juice it. Doing a weekly green juice at home to help detoxify the body and build your immune system would be awesome.
About Julaine Braham, M.D.
Dr. Julaine Braham is a double board-certified internal medicine and obesity medicine specialist. She is deeply passionate about sharing the importance of health and wellness. Originally from Jamaica, Dr. Braham founded Kiwi-Med to provide high-quality virtual care for busy professionals who need convenient access to their healthcare provider. Dr. Braham is passionate about diving deep with patients and brings a mixture of Western medicine plus a holistic approach. Dr. Braham earned a Bachelor of Science from Oakwood University, graduated Magna Cum Laude from the American University of Antigua, and completed her Internal Medicine residency through Florida State University at Sarasota Memorial Hospital before completing the Obesity Medicine Certification Program at Columbia University.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month — but how often do we talk about mental health as part of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)? This month, WWPR board member Kristal Farmer reflects on why true inclusion must also mean caring for the invisible emotional load too many carry every day.
There’s something we don’t always say out loud in DE&I work, but we feel it. It’s the invisible load.
It’s the emotional weight of having to code-switch. Of being “on” all the time. It’s answering the “How are you?” when the real answer feels too complicated or too uncomfortable for the room. It’s watching heartbreaking headlines unfold in real time and still showing up to meetings like nothing happened.
Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. For many of those from underrepresented or historically marginalized backgrounds, the conversation about well-being is a conversation about equity.We can’t talk about inclusion without talking about what it costs people to show up in spaces that weren’t initially designed with them in mind. We can’t ask for authenticity and then ignore the emotional labor that comes with being “the only” or “one of few.” And we certainly can’t create belonging if we’re not willing to talk about burnout, anxiety, trauma, and the toll of trying to thrive in environments that don’t always feel safe.
Recent findings from the 2025 NAMI Workplace Mental Health Poll reveal a paradox: while 77% of employees feel comfortable supporting a colleague’s mental health, 42% fear that disclosing their own struggles could negatively impact their careers. This dichotomy underscores the silent battles many face and the pressing need for open, empathetic communication. So what does this mean for us as communicators?
It means we have an opportunity (and frankly, a responsibility) to create space for these conversations. Not just during Mental Health Awareness Month, but year-round. Because DEI isn’t just about representation. It’s about making sure people feel seen, supported, and safe—emotionally, mentally, and culturally.
So this May, as we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s do more than post a graphic or quote. Let’s commit to being the kind of communicators who make space for the human experience—all of it.
The invisible load gets a little lighter when we carry it together.
By Ranata Reeder, Co-Chair Emerging Leaders Awards, WWPR
In this candid Q&A style blog, Concetta Duncan of the National Portrait Gallery shares the importance of the arts and career advice for local women in public relations looking to grow their careers.
What’s a typical day like in your life as the Head of Communications and Marketing at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery?
No two days are alike at the National Portrait Gallery. Each day I start with a sense of our immediate deadlines, and members of my team and I discuss what museum exhibitions or programs need proactive attention. My time is divided between internal and external relationships, so I might bounce between a meeting with our curators or our fundraising team, to a phone call with a New York Times writer or a film shoot in the galleries for a broadcast segment like CBS Sunday Morning.
When there is a moment for strategic work, I’m often developing message points for an upcoming exhibition, assessing analytics for our newsletter or ad buys, or figuring out if there is a way where we can make a sitter’s contribution to history accessible in a snapshot on social.
Why are the arts so important? Additionally, can you share why free access to art is important, even now?
Access to the arts is incredibly important. One of the privileges of working for the Smithsonian is that I am part of a larger organization that is dedicated to providing free access to the arts, history, culture and science to so many Americans and international visitors. I think art is a really valuable piece of this vision. Art has the power to be the mediator between emotion and intellect. It can alleviate misunderstandings and provide clarity in some of our most important moments as a society and in our individual lives.
Can you share a campaign you ran at the National Portrait Gallery that makes you particularly proud?
My first few months at the National Portrait Gallery were centered around diving headfirst into developing a strategy for the unveiling of the museum’s commissioned portraits of President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama. I quickly had to jump into liaising with media to hold their stories until the opportune time, figuring out presidential protocol, building relationships with new staff, and establishing a rapport with the artists’ studios. The interest in those two portraits was phenomenal, and on the day they were unveiled, it truly felt like we were experiencing history (and art history) in the making. This campaign gave me an opportunity to quickly develop relationships with so many of my colleagues across the Smithsonian. At the same time, I was able to reach outward and communicate with diverse audiences about the importance of portraiture and the potential of images in conveying the history of individuals and the course of this nation.
What was your first job in public relations, communications, or marketing?
My first job out of college was managing press and marketing for the American Dance Festival based in Durham, North Carolina. It was an incredible opportunity to run a press office right out of school, and I will be forever grateful that they took a chance on me the way they did. That position allowed me to meet some of the most important choreographers working in modern dance while honing the professional experience I needed to later break into the international art world in New York.
When working your first job, could you envision yourself doing what you’re doing now?
Arts and culture are what drive me. I think I always knew I would end up working in the cultural sphere in some capacity. When I started in this industry, I never thought I would have the opportunity to travel and work on projects such as exhibitions at the Venice Biennale, art fairs in London, Switzerland and Hong Kong, the expansion of an arts and culture district in the U.A.E., and an artist’s installation at the Rio Olympics. It has been a wild ride! I have been so fortunate to work with incredible artists as well as very smart and savvy directors whose leadership styles I admire. While many of these projects required intense commitment, they allowed me to also see different parts of the world and understand the international landscape in which U.S. institutions such as the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery sit. Today, most of my work is focused on U.S. audiences, but I have also had the opportunity to help support cross-cultural exchange as a member of Meridian International’s Cultural Diplomacy Leadership Council. They are a fantastic organization doing incredible things to support diplomacy in different sectors. In many ways, what started as a career has really ended up informing me quite a bit as a person.
What advice do you have for women in the DC area in public relations, communications, or marketing looking to grow their careers?
Communications continues to evolve, from the growth of social media to the contraction of the media landscape. It’s important to stay creative and to take stock in assessing whether or not current tactics are still effective. I also think everyone working in communications should experience both in-house and agency roles. There is value in flexing your strategic thinking in both of these settings.
What’s the best piece of career advice you have received?
Do it because you think you will enjoy it.
Can you share a quote or saying that is meaningful to you that can be shared with the WWPR membership?
“Leadership is like the tip of a spear… there is not a lot of room up there.”
I remember hearing this as part of a speech made by art collector Marguerite Hoffman at an awards ceremony for ArtTable, which is an organization for women in the arts, for which I previously served as an executive committee member. I think this points to the fierceness often needed to make a difference in the world and how it can also be lonely at the top. But that isolation at times is a discomfort that is worthwhile if you’re doing the right thing and standing up for what you believe in.
Is there anything happening at the National Portrait Gallery that you are excited to share?
I am in the early stages of working on two exhibitions by stellar contemporary artists. Next fall the Portrait Gallery will present a solo exhibition of work by Amy Sherald, whom I had the pleasure of working with when the museum unveiled her commissioned portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama. I am also strategizing a communications rollout for a large-scale exhibition by Wendy Red Star, which will open in March 2026 to coincide with the nation’s semiquincentennial.
Any final thoughts?
Communications allows you to be involved in all facets of an institution and helps you bring the work of content creators to light across different audiences. But I would add that in order to excel in communications, you also have to be strategic, creative, compelling and accurate, and that in itself is its own art form.
About Concetta Duncan
Concetta Duncan specializes in external affairs for cultural institutions and creative brands. She is currently Head of Communications and Marketing at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery where she oversees the museum’s media relations, marketing, social media, brand engagement and web development. She has directed impactful and record-setting campaigns including the Portrait Gallery’s 50th anniversary, the unveiling and seven-city tour of the Obama Portraits, and the museum’s red carpet Portrait of a Nation Gala. She has coordinated with stakeholders including former Presidents and First Ladies, heads of state, celebrities, and thought leaders. She has served on pan-institutional branding committees for the Smithsonian’s American Women’s History Initiative and U.S. semiquincentennial celebrations as well as Destination DC’s America250 marketing committee. Prior to Washington, Concetta managed media relations for Pace Gallery and later played an integral role in developing the New York office of a global communications agency as a member of its U.S. board of directors. Throughout her career she has directed communications campaigns and events for numerous arts and culture organizations across the U.S., Europe, the U.A.E., Brazil and Hong Kong. Concetta has served as a board member of STABLE Arts, ArtTable’s Executive Committee and PERFORMA Biennial’s Advisory Council. She is currently a member of Meridian International’s Cultural Diplomacy Leadership Council. She has a BA from Connecticut College and wrote her thesis on movement and oppression in apartheid South Africa.
The Inside Scoop of How WWPR’s is supporting the nonpartisan nonprofit, Running Start
By: Suzie Ozioma
As part of Washington Women in Public Relations’s (WWPR) ongoing commitment to supporting women, we’ve proudly chosen Running Start as our pro bono client for 2024-2025. Running Start is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to inspiring young women, in high school and college, to run for political office.
Over the past year, WWPR’s Pro Bono Committee–led by co-chairs Christina Crawley and Alicia Aebersold–has been working diligently to help amplify Running Start’s mission and visibility. Here’s a quick snapshot of what we’ve accomplished together so far:
How WWPR Has Been Supporting Running Start:
Developed updated talking points featuring both detailed messaging and memorable one-liners for staff and board members to best describe their organization.
Compiled impactful data points that showcase Running Start’s measurable influence and reach to enhance external support.
Currently building a video testimonial strategy to capture powerful stories from alumni and current cohort members about the organization’s lasting impact.
Why This Matters: This Partnership with Running Start allows WWPR to continue fostering leadership, collaboration, and a supportive community for women while effectively sharing Running Start’s mission. Running Start’s dedication to empowering young women to lead in the political arena is inspiring and essential. According to their website, research shows that confidence in running for public office among women decreases in high school and college. Running Start’s work in supporting these young women gives them the opportunity for confidence and for all of us to have a more widely represented government across all levels of government.
Join Us in Supporting Running Start: Support Running Start’s mission to uplift the next generation of women leaders. Learn more and donate atwww.runningstart.org.
Want to get involved? Members can reach out to WWPR’s Pro-Bono Committee Chairs at probono@wwpr.org for more information on volunteer opportunities and how you can support WWPR’s efforts with Running Start.
About the Author:
Suzie Ozioma is a copywriter and brand strategist who helps brands drive sales and build long-lasting customer relationships through engaging copy, compelling storytelling, and a distinct brand voice.
There’s something to be said about standing firm in your beliefs, especially when your truth isn’t the majority opinion. History remembers the people who refused to back down—even when it was uncomfortable, inconvenient, or outright dangerous—because they knew what was right.
Think of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, who defied convention by introducing the practice of smallpox inoculation to Britain after witnessing it in the Ottoman Empire. Despite skepticism and resistance from the medical establishment, she championed this life-saving procedure, paving the way for later advancements in vaccination.
Or Johtje Vos, a Dutch woman who, alongside her husband, risked her life to shelter Jewish families in her home during World War II. Working with the Dutch resistance, she repeatedly outsmarted the Gestapo and helped countless people escape—proving that moral courage isn’t about power, but about action.
And then there’s one of the G.O.A.T.s of our lifetime – U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her relentless pursuit of gender equality and civil rights reshaped American law. From fighting for equal pay to playing a pivotal role in rulings on healthcare and same-sex marriage, she didn’t just make history—she changed it. Her legacy is one of fearless advocacy and lasting change.
Taking a stand is never easy—but it is always necessary.
So when the WWPR board met earlier this year, I asked a simple but defining question: Where do we stand on DE&I?
Do we take the “safe” path, like so many companies that have chosen to quietly retreat from diversity commitments? Or do we stand firm, knowing that Diversity, Equity & Inclusion isn’t just a checkbox—it’s fundamental to who we are?
More importantly, as communicators, how do we make sure that people understand DE&I — not as a corporate buzzword, but as a lived experience?
Because DE&I is not some abstract concept — it’s everywhere, shaping our daily lives in ways big and small.
It’s lactation rooms in airports and workplaces, so working moms don’t have to choose between their jobs and feeding their babies.
It’s curb cuts and inclined sidewalks, making sure those with mobility challenges can cross the street with dignity and ease.
It’s raised bumps on subway platforms, allowing visually impaired commuters to navigate safely and independently.
It’s workplace accommodations, not as favors, but as essential tools that empower people with disabilities to contribute fully.
It’s equal pay for equal work, because talent, dedication, and impact should be the only things that determine compensation.
DE&I isn’t about giving some people an advantage — it’s about making sure everyone has access and opportunity. Because when we break down barriers and prioritize inclusion, everyone benefits.
We cannot afford to be neutral—because neutrality is a decision in itself. As communicators, we have the power, the platform, and the responsibility to shape the narrative. To educate. To inform. To challenge.
So I’ll ask you this: Where do you stand?
Are you willing to be part of the movement that ensures equity, accessibility, and inclusion aren’t optional—but essential?
Because this work doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when we use our voices, our platforms, and our influence to ensure that DE&I isn’t just a discussion—but a standard we uphold, defend, and advance.
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