Stephanie Saladino

Stephanie Saladino is an associate attorney at the law firm of Perkins Coie LLP in Chicago with a focus on healthcare regulatory and transactional law.  Stephanie received her JD and a certificate of health law from Loyola University of Chicago.  Through her practice as an attorney, Stephanie counsels an array of health care companies which has allowed her to gain a unique perspective into the industry as both a professional and as a patient.

After suffering with fibroids for years, Stephanie received a formal diagnosis in 2016 and has had several surgeries to combat the condition.  She became passionate about advocating for women’s health after learning how many women suffer from these issues silently. Stephanie’s goal is to help increase research funding for fibroids and to remove the stigma surrounding women’s health.

Candace Tingen, PhD

Candace Tingen, PhD, is Program Officer at the Gynecologic Health and Disease Branch at the NICHD, where she provides technical leadership, guidance, and management of a research grant portfolio that focuses on the physiology and pathophysiology of human female reproduction and benign gynecologic diseases. She received her undergraduate degrees in biology and women’s studies from Duke University and her PhD in the laboratory of Dr. Teresa Woodruff at Northwestern University. Following her graduate work, Dr. Tingen served as Director of Research Programs in the Institute for Women’s Health Research at Northwestern University, where she managed a diverse portfolio of biomedical research projects from grantees across Illinois and coordinated the Illinois Women’s Health Registry. Transitioning to federal service, Dr. Tingen was selected as an AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow and served 2 years in the Office of Research on Women’s Health. Before coming to NICHD, she was the team lead for science policy and evaluation in the Office of Science Policy, Planning, Data Analysis and Reporting at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

Sateria Venable

Sateria Venable is the Founder and CEO of The Fibroid Foundation, a global, patient advocacy organization. The Fibroid Foundation develops programming to support its community of over 26,000 women. Ms. Venable began her advocacy efforts in 2007. Since that time, the organization has developed a substantial global network.

Ms. Venable, who holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University, has co-authored several scientific papers on fibroid research. She is the inventor of an undergarment inspired by her journey, which she hopes will transform intimate apparel for all women. A sought-after speaker, she has been featured in print and radio media, and has presented at gynecologic conferences worldwide.

Kedra Wallace, PhD

Kedra Wallace, PhD, is an associate professor in the University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She holds a joint appointment in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, where she also serves as an associate professor. Her areas of research include uterine fibroids, high-risk pregnancy, and anxiety and depression in women. She currently serves as Director of Research within the Obstetrics and Gynecology department and Program Director for the Masters of Science in Clinical Investigation Graduate program at her University.

Kathryn G. Schubert, MPP

Schubert previously worked for the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM), where she served as the organization’s chief advocacy officer, growing SMFM’s role nationally and building its reputation in women’s health.

As a member of SMFM’s executive team, Schubert played a critical role in the development of SMFM’s budget and strategic plan. She also acted as a trusted leader and consensus builder among women’s health stakeholders, particularly in the policy arena.

Prior to SMFM, Schubert served as senior vice president at CRD Associates, where she advised clients — including nonprofit patient advocacy groups, medical professional organizations, and private companies — on government relations and public policy related to health and biomedical research issues, among others. Schubert has also spent time working in legislative roles on Capitol Hill. She received her BA from Mary Washington College and her Masters of Public Policy from George Washington University.