Salome Taylor Trailblazer Award Winners

The YWCA Lower Cape Fear is honoring Johnsie Davis, RN and Kevin Briggs, MS with the Salome Taylor Trailblazer Awards during our Maternal Health Summit Luncheon.

The legacy of Salome Taylor, a pioneer in healthcare for the Wilmington community, continues to inspire as we proudly announce the two recipients of our 2024 Salome Taylor Trailblazer Awards at our upcoming Maternal Health Summit: Johnsie Davis, RN and Kevin Briggs, MS.

Salome Taylor was the first appointed Superintendent and Superintendent of Nurses at Wilmington’s African American Hospital, Community Hospital. Taylor's visionary leadership laid the groundwork for transformative change in health care. Under her guidance, the School of Nursing was founded in 1927, supporting generations of healthcare professionals dedicated to compassion and innovation.

In celebration of Salome Taylor, we are honored to present two awards in her name at our Maternal Health Summit, themed "Empowering Maternal Health and Shaping Policy for Change”. This event provides a platform to facilitate important discussions on advancing equity in Black maternal health and reforming related policies, and also recognize outstanding accomplishments of individuals in healthcare. “Our mission of empowering women drives our efforts to address healthcare disparities, and this is our third year of doing so. Our partnership with UNCW CHHS has broadened our healthcare perspective and reach,” says YWCA CEO, Velva Jenkins.

During the Salome Taylor Luncheon, Johnsie Davis, RN and Kevin Briggs, MS  will be recognized and awarded for their outstanding achievements in working to create an equitable and inclusive healthcare community. The Salome Taylor Trailblazer Awards recognize individuals exemplifying Taylor's unwavering commitment to health and community empowerment. The awards symbolize resilience, innovation, and dedication in the pursuit of equitable healthcare outcomes for all.

A native to Wilmington, in 2020 Johnsie Davis, RN retired after 46 years of nursing service at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Johnsie Davis was named the first director of adult health at New Hanover Health Network. In partnership with Cape Fear Community College, Davis created additional education programs for her field and was an integral part in the development process of Coastal Rehabilitation. She remains an essential member of our community, continuously working to empower the community to take control of their own health by providing health education and assistance in accessing healthcare.

Kevin Briggs, MS has dedicated his last 24 years to the healthcare sector, with 18 of those years serving the coastal communities of southeastern North Carolina and Northeastern South Carolina. Briggs is employed by Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, and currently serves as the Administrator for Laboratory & Respiratory Care Services, and the interim Senior Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, &  Health Equity for the Coastal Market. Kevin has played a pivotal role in supporting strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing health equity. He has led efforts in workforce development, focusing on attracting a diverse pool of candidates, establishing pipelines, and engaging youth within the Lower Cape Fear region.

We invite the community to join us to honor Johnsie Davis, RN and Kevin Briggs, MS on Thursday, April 11th as we host our Maternal Health Summit at the UNCW Warwick Center in partnership with the UNCW College of Health and Human Services. This all-day event promises engaging panel discussions and inspiring keynote speakers covering a diverse range of topics. With a focus on empowering maternal health and driving policy reform for Black maternal health, the summit aims to educate the community, share best practices, and advocate for tangible solutions to address disparities in maternal health outcomes. Secure tickets for sale on Eventbrite to be a part of this transformative experience!

Overview of Keynote Speakers, Panel Discussions, and Salome Taylor Award Ceremony

Keynote #1: Unlocking Potential: The Power of Equity for Black Mothers and Collective Success

Plenary Session #1: Pipeline of Providers; Diversifying and Educating the Maternal Health Field

The Salome Taylor Luncheon and Award Presentation

Keynote #2: “And Then She Was Gone”

Plenary Session #2: Policies and Programs to support Doulas and Patient Advocacy

Keynote #3: Call to Action: Shaping Policy for Change

Johnsie Davis, RN