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The 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. University of Virginia Health System Awards on Jan. 23 celebrated extraordinary individuals and a community organization making remarkable contributions to health equity, inclusion, and cultural humility.

UVA Health Office for Diversity and Community Engagement (ODCE), UVA School of Medicine, and UVA School of Nursing sponsored the event, open to the public, at the historic UVA Rotunda.

It began with a networking reception in the Upper West Room as the Ivan Orr and Friends jazz trio performed.

That was followed by "The Voice of MLK" presented by Rev. Derrick Parson, Lead Pastor, Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, Virginia Beach then dinner in the Dome Room.

"An inspiring evening filled with stories of dedication and service, shining a light on the importance of advocating for health equity," hails ODCE. "The theme, 'A Call for Health Equity is a Call for Humanity,' underscores the vital relationship between health justice and our shared humanity."

Melody M. Pannell, DMin., MSW, M.Div., MACE, GC, Director, ODCE, served as Mistress of Ceremonies, and Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade served as keynote speaker.

The event was a highlight of Martin Luther King Jr. Week just before Black History Month — and coordinated by Dwan Love-Dinkens, Assistant Director of Institutional Engagement and Inclusive Excellence, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, UVA School of Medicine, and ODCE, UVA Health University Medical Center.

Welcome and opening remarks were delivered by Tracy M. Downs, MD, FACS, Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer, UVA Health and Senior Associate Dean, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, UVA School of Medicine; followed by speakers Melissa Gomes, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, UVA School of Nursing; Ivora D. Hinton, PhD, Director, Inclusion, Diversity, and Excellence Achivement Initiative, UVA School of Nursing; and closing remarks by UVA Health University Medical Center CEO Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, FACHE.

Below are award winners, nominators, and excerpts from stellar nominations, followed by a photo gallery.

Individual Award Winners

'Advocating for Inclusion and Health Equity'

Brianna Baldwin, UVA School of Medicine 4th year student
Nominated by Mohan Nadkarni, MD, MACP, Chief, Division of General Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Harry T. Peters Jr. Professor of Medicine, and Harrison Distinguished Educator

Brianna is a remarkable candidate who has taken the initiative on many levels to raise awareness, educate, and advocate for Native Americans in the medical school setting in addition to stimulating our University to improve inclusiveness for all people of color. Brianna has served in multiple executive roles in the UVA Student National Medicine Associate (SNMA) which “supports current and future underrepresented minority medical students addressing the needs of underserved communities and increasing the number clinically competent, culturally competent, and socially conscious physicians."

Brianna has been influential locally and nationally in her advocacy related to American Indian and Native Alaskan people. She is the immediate past president of the National Association of Native American Medical Students and took the initiative to found a local chapter at UVA. She is also an executive in the Native American Student Union at UVA.

Another example of her initiative was her prodding me as course director for the Social Issues in Medicine Course (required of all 160 medical students) to include a lecture and panel on American Indian and Native American Health disparities. Brianna located and was supported to invite national leaders in the field to present to the class. This has been such an important portion of the course which specifically aims to educate about and address health disparities, that we have continued the lecture and panel for the past three years. Brianna moderated the panel and was able to bring personal insight to the issues at hand.

She is also former co-chair of the American Medical Association Medical Student Section (AMA-MSS) Committee on American Indian Affairs, which works closely with relevant stakeholders to analyze, assess, and address gaps in the health policy landscape for American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and Villages.

Brianna has been a star medical student and a leader in advocating for inclusion and health equity. I don’t recall another student who has had such an impact on our curriculum and in highlighting the need to address health equity.

'Challenging the Status Quo'

Cleresa Roberts, MD, MBA, UVA Department of Neurosurgery
Nominated by Randy Johnson, UVA ITS Knowledge Manager

Dr. Roberts’ achievements and dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion make her a highly deserving candidate for this recognition. Dr. Roberts is a trailblazer in the field of neurosurgery, breaking barriers as the first Black woman in the UVA Department of Neurosurgery residency program. Her path to neurosurgery was deeply influenced by her father’s struggle with undiagnosed diabetes, which exposed her firsthand to the consequences of health disparities and the critical need for equitable access to medical care. This deeply personal experience catalyzed her determination to enter the field of medicine and improve health outcomes for marginalized populations. She often has emphasized the importance of having physicians who reflect the diverse populations they serve — fostering trust and bridging gaps in care.

In May 2024, Dr. Roberts spearheaded a transformative symposium hosted by the UVA Department of Neurosurgery. This initiative, where I was a volunteer as well, partnered with Starr Hill Pathways to introduce neuroscience, neurosurgery, and oncology to eighth-grade students from local schools. By organizing engaging lectures and interactive sessions with attending neurosurgeons and residents, Dr. Roberts created a platform for young students — particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds — to see themselves in roles within medicine. This symposium exemplifies her commitment to cultivating an inclusive environment and inspiring the next generation of diverse leaders in healthcare.

Through her leadership, Dr. Roberts is challenging the status quo and addressing the persistent underrepresentation in neurosurgery, where only 6% of practitioners are women, and fewer than 1% are Black women. By confronting these inequities head-on, she has positioned herself as a change agent, embodying Dr. King’s vision of equity and inclusion. Her groundbreaking accomplishments serve as an inspiring testament to her leadership in cultural competency and her commitment to addressing systemic inequities in healthcare.

Her work stands at the intersection of health equity, education, and advocacy.

'Fierce Advocate'

Leigh Sato, PT, DPT
Nominated by Heather Thornsvard-Carpenter, MSPT, ATC, Outpatient Therapy Manager, UVA Health Therapy Services at Fontaine

Dr. Sato is an experienced clinician who has served in her role as a physical therapy provider in this region for more than 25 years at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, UVA Encompass Health Outpatient Rehabilitation and then its transition to UVA Health Therapy Services at Fontaine. She has earned the certifications of a multiple sclerosis (MS) certified specialist and neurological certified specialist.

Leigh treats clients of all races and backgrounds with integrity and professionalism. In addition, she is a fierce advocate for persons living in our community with disability. She believes strongly in protecting and supporting this vulnerable portion of our population. She has provided treatment to these populations throughout the years and also has given her time to research the best equipment to support clients in their home — as well as the ability to access community mobility — and written the medical necessity justification paperwork to support this.

Leigh also researches methods to obtain equipment by donation and grants. Her interventions have helped clients stay in their homes with their families versus having to move to facilities, and supported clients being able to maintain their careers while living with disability. She advocates to insurance and the MS Society for funding of these devices. She also educates her superiors in the specific needs of these individuals and the necessary treatment parameters to best support her clients.

Leigh will retire in summer 2025 and will be greatly missed in this healthcare community and by her clients. She has engaged in her career field with passion and integrity — exemplifying the values of the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. UVA Health System Award. It is an honor to nominate her for this award to mark the end of her distinguished career.

'Nothing Short of Inspiring'

Marquita Taylor, PhD, MPA, MBA, Associate Cancer Center Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, UVA Cancer Center; Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences, UVA School of Medicine
Nominated by R. Emily Gonzalez, PhD, ABPP, Associate Chair, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, UVA School of Medicine, and Karen Johnston, MD, MSc, Harrison Distinguished Professor, Department of Neurology; Director, Integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia (iTHRIV); and Associate Vice President for Clinical and Translational Research, Office of the Vice President for Research

Dr. Taylor exemplifies the values that Dr. King championed throughout his life, especially in the areas of racial equality, health equity, and empowerment of marginalized communities. Her career — marked by impactful contributions in public health, education, and leadership development — aligns deeply with the ideals of Dr. King.

Dr. Taylor’s academic and professional journey has been nothing short of inspiring. She has dedicated her career to addressing health disparities, particularly in underserved and underrepresented communities. She has worked extensively to advance equity in healthcare, cancer research, and food access — with a focus on empowering communities through education, advocacy, and systemic change. Her research — including her work on the epidemiology of cancer and health justice — directly addresses the systemic inequities that long have affected marginalized populations.

At UVA School of Medicine, University of New Haven, and Wake Forest University — Dr. Taylor brings her expertise in public health to the next generation of leaders. At UVA Cancer Center, she is instrumental in advancing initiatives that prioritize health equity and inclusion in cancer care. Additionally, her leadership as the Assistant Director for Health Equity at Yale School of Medicine and her work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight her commitment to addressing health disparities on a local and national level. She also has developed and taught courses on public health, health equity, and leadership, while consistently mentoring students and early-career professionals to become advocates for justice and equity in their respective fields.

Dr. Taylor’s commitment to social justice extends far beyond academia. She is actively involved in community service, serving as a board member for the Christian Community Action Agency and as a member of the Yale Health Patient and Family Council. Her advocacy for community engagement, especially through programs such as the Mellon Forum Research Convener at Yale University, reflects her belief in the power of community-based solutions to create lasting change.

Dr. Taylor also has become a nationally-recognized voice in the fields of health equity and social justice. Her presentations at prestigious institutions and organizations, such as the American Cancer Society and Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center, have advanced the conversation around diversity, equity, and inclusion in cancer care and behavioral health.

'Tireless Advocacy and Innovative Dedication'

Debbie Vermillion, UVA Autism Family Navigator and Blue Ridge Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Fellow
Nominated by R. Emily Gonzalez, PhD, ABPP, Associate Chair, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, UVA School of Medicine

Through her extraordinary dedication, compassion, and tireless advocacy, Ms. Debbie Vermillion has significantly advanced the well-being of individuals with autism and their families while embodying Dr. King's principles of service, equity, and justice. She has dedicated the last several years of her professional career at UVA School of Medicine to bridging critical care gaps for underserved communities, particularly Latinx families.

As the Autism Family Navigator for the Division of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and the STAR (Supporting Transformative Autism Research) program, she embodies the ideals of service, equity, and leadership exemplified by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Her tireless advocacy and innovative dedication to partnership development have transformed how the Latinx community and other underserved communities in rural areas navigate autism diagnoses and support systems.

Ellen Davis, MD, Division Chief, UVA Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and Co-Chair, Blue Ridge LEND Program), describes Ms. Vermillion’s work as an Autism Family Navigator as pioneering and courageous.

Ms. Vermillion also is a faculty member and liaison in the Blue Ridge LEND program, a highly selective program that aims to train individuals who will serve as leaders in the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities. For the last four years, Ms. Vermillion has directed the “Family as Mentors” program where she pairs community families with graduate-level students to experience a few days in the life of a family with a child with disabilities. Her leadership in developing a Spanish-language autism webinar series in collaboration with UVA, VCU, and other community partners addresses barriers such as limited access to culturally relevant resources, low health literacy, and financial constraints.

Motivator for Continued Advocacy

Behavioral Health Team, University Medical Associates Clinic
Nominated by supervisor Brenda Doremus-Daniel, LCSW, Psychotherapist, UMA Clinic

Brenda Doremus-Daniel, LCSW, psychotherapist, Brian Ludwin, PhD, psychologist, Brenda Hardley, LCSW, Mudhasir Bashir, MD, psychiatrist, and David Callender, MD, MPH, UMA Medical Director, have worked tirelessly to create and implement a quality, multidisciplinary behavioral health program and advocate for patients to receive equitable access to much-needed mental healthcare, all within the patients’ primary care clinic.

We identified that the UMA population has a greater prevalence of mental health difficulties, is more diverse, and more likely to utilize Medicaid and financial assistance in comparison to other UVA Health primary care clinics. The Behavioral Health Team created a new pathway to access much needed mental healthcare within the primary care clinic that serves a more diverse population of patients who traditionally have experienced barriers to care.

Referred patients receive mental health diagnostic assessment, psychotherapy, medication management, and resource provision in the same office location as their primary care providers, which further reduces stigma associated with seeking mental health services. Since its beginning in 2020, 1,330 patients have been referred by their primary care physicians.

The clinical care provided by the Behavioral Health Team is associated with improvement in depression and anxiety amongst the patients treated, based on outcomes data. The greatest improvements are seen in patients who are Spanish-speakers or who are African American, two populations that historically have had greater challenges with equitable access. Addressing this disparity has been an important, first step in the addressing mental healthcare needs of UMA patients and remains a motivator for continued advocacy to expand programming that will further increase capacity to serve even more patients.

Community Impact Award

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. University of Virginia Health System Awards Committee bestowed the Community Impact Award on Charlottesville’s On Our Own Peer Recovery Center. The organization was honored for addressing health disparities, fostering an inclusive environment, demonstrating impact and community engagement — and aligning with our UVA Health mission of transforming health and inspiring hope, and ASPIRE values of accountability, stewardship, professionalism, integrity, respect, and equity.

Tom von Hemert, Crisis Intervention Specialist, UVA Health University Medical Center, presented the award to On Our Own and delivered a speech recognizing the organization.

Special Acknowledgments

"Honoring the Legacy of the MLK Awards" was presented to Greg Townsend, MD, and Judy Jones Pointer, M.Ed., BA, who were acknowledged for their contributions.

Dr. Townsend serves as Associate Professor of Medicine and Associate Dean, Diversity and Medical Education, UVA School of Medicine and as Chair, Institutional Review Board for Health Sciences Research.  He specializes in treating patients with HIV and sees patients at the UVA Health Ryan White HIV Clinic. He is an ex-officia member of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. University of Virginia Health System Awards Committee.

Pointer retired in 2022, after working as the Program Coordinator for 16 years for UVA School of Medicine Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She served as chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. University of Virginia Health System Awards Committee for more than a decade, and as liaison to the UVA Diversity Council.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. University of Virginia Health System Awards Committee Co-Chairs Ivora D. Hinton, PhD, and Melody M. Pannell, DMin., MSW, M.Div., MACE, GC, Director, ODCE, then acknowedged fellow comittee members: Emin Ahsan, MHA; Kimberley Barker, MLIS; Doreen Bonnet; Charles Lewis; Stephanie Malta; Vickie Marsh; Jackie G. Martin, MPH, CDM; Samantha Strong; Halima Walker, MSN, RN, CCRN, NEA-BC; and Ashley Woodard, EdD.

Congratulations to the honorees, and thank you to all involved for supporting our UVA Health strategic plan goal of cultivating healthy communities and belonging for all through community engagement and health equity initiatives.

Photo Gallery