By Lisa Saul, MD, TRUST President
First, I want to thank everyone who played a role—committee, panelists, awardees, sponsors and attendees—in our 2024 TRUST Forum on April 11 and made it a resounding success! Second, during my remarks at the Forum, I spoke about the name of the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST and how it represents the values and aspirations that guide our mission. Let’s delve into each component of our empowering name and how it encapsulates our commitment to our mission.
Women’s: The foundation of our organization lies in the strength and determination of the women who paved the way 45 years ago in a world where their presence in leadership was rare—and often not welcomed. These trailblazers fought to be in the room; initially seeking to learn to play golf and drink whiskey to fit in. However, they soon decided to be their authentic selves and lean into the community of women in health care with similar career goals.
Today, we honor their legacy and continue their fight, drawing inspiration from Maya Angelou’s words: “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” This spirit is echoed by Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s powerful assertion that “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.”
Health: The rapidly evolving health care landscape requires us to think differently about how we engage and create a more inclusive definition of health care. We recognize effective health care extends beyond traditional boundaries and commands innovative approaches that embrace technology, research and community involvement.
Leadership: Embedded in our name, ‘leadership’ reflects the diverse ways our members lead. From managing teams and spearheading initiatives to influencing thought and policy, leadership within the TRUST takes many shapes, and all forms are welcome here. The health of our communities depends not only on direct patient care and how it is paid for but also on the intersections of technology, research, marketing, construction, finance, community organizations and more that have clear connections to our industry.
TRUST: At the heart of our organization is trust—assured reliance on the strength of each TRUST member. Trust forms the foundation of our interactions and is the glue that binds us. It is about acting in ways that depend on one another, embodying reliability and mutual support. It’s not an accident that ‘US’ is highlighted in our TRUST logo as it underscores our interconnectedness and strength of our unity.
When you bring all components together, you see the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST is a vibrant community dedicated to empowering women at all stages of their careers. Whether you are a mid-career professional seeking growth, a seasoned leader looking to mentor, an emerging leader pursuing educational opportunities, or someone stepping into a new chapter, we provide a platform to connect people to opportunities. We are women connecting women. Join us as we continue to build on our powerful legacy, connecting and uplifting each other every step of the way.
Lisa Saul, MD, serves as the 2024 TRUST President and is a wife, mother, physician and women’s health expert. Lisa is passionate about women in leadership and health equity. She is also dedicated to improving health outcomes for birthing people, with a particular focus on women of color. She was honored as a Mpls.St. Paul Magazine Top Doctor in 2022 and Minnesota Monthly Top Doctor in 2020.