Dr. Regina Benjamin: Former U.S. Surgeon General and advocate for health equity
Dr. Regina Benjamin is a family physician and public health leader best known for serving as the 18th Surgeon General of the United States. Raised in Alabama, Dr. Benjamin dedicated her career to improving healthcare access in rural and underserved communities.
Early in her career, she founded the Bayou La Batre Rural Health Clinic provide quality care to a medically underserved population. Despite facing multiple hurricanes and a devastating fire that destroyed her clinic, she rebuilt each time, committed to keeping care accessible for her community.
In 2009, Dr. Benjamin was appointed U.S. Surgeon General, focusing on preventive care and promoting healthier lifestyles for all Americans. Her work and advocacy have earned her numerous awards, including recognition from the American Medical Association and a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, making her a trailblazer in public health and a role model for future generations of clinicians.
Dr. Toyin Ajayi: Innovator in equitable care
Dr. Toyin Ajayi is a physician and co-founder of Cityblock Health, where she leads teams that combine technology, community-based care, and deep empathy to improve health outcomes for marginalized populations. Before founding Cityblock, Dr. Ajayi served as Chief Medical Officer for the Commonwealth Care Alliance in Massachusetts, where she developed innovative care models for individuals with complex health needs.
With a career focused on health equity, Dr. Ajayi’s work has redefined how care is delivered to those historically left behind, making high-quality care accessible to those who need it most.
Dr. Antonia Novello: Champion for vulnerable communities
Dr. Antonia Novello made history in 1990 as the first Hispanic and first woman U.S. Surgeon General. Her own struggles as a child in Puerto Rico with a serious health condition fueled her lifelong commitment to making healthcare accessible to all.
After training as a pediatrician, Dr. Novello shifted to public health, where she led efforts to protect vulnerable populations — especially children — from underage drinking and harmful advertising. Throughout her career, she’s been a fierce advocate for health equity, inspiring future generations to stand up for those too often left behind.
Dr. Nina Tandon: Innovator in regenerative medicine
Dr. Nina Tandon is a biomedical engineer and CEO of EpiBone, where she’s pioneering the future of personalized medicine by growing bones from patients’ own cells.
With expertise in both engineering and medical research, Dr. Tandon blends science and technology to create groundbreaking solutions in regenerative medicine — helping patients heal faster with customized treatments. Her work has made her a leading voice in biotech innovation, inspiring a new generation of women in science.
Dr. Rebecca Richards-Kortum: Bioengineer advancing global health
Dr. Rebecca Richards-Kortum is a bioengineer dedicated to bringing life-saving technology to underserved communities worldwide. Combining her passion for engineering and global health, she develops low-cost medical devices that improve care in resource-limited settings.
From portable imaging tools for early cancer detection to affordable newborn monitors, Dr. Richards-Kortum’s innovations are breaking down barriers to quality healthcare — making her a champion for health equity and a role model for future scientists.
Eko is proud to celebrate these inspirational women — and all the women in healthcare — who make care smarter, more compassionate, and more accessible every single day.
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