Leadership
The Women’s Health Leadership Initiative is guided by physicians, educators, and community leaders who share a commitment to clinical education, intentional mentorship, health equity, and the development of compassionate future physicians.
Together, our Executive Leadership Team and Medical & Community Advisory Board provide the vision, expertise, and community perspective that shape the mission and continued growth of WHLI.
Executive Leadership
The Executive Leadership Team is responsible for advancing WHLI’s mission, educational vision, strategic direction, and day-to-day program operations.
Sherley Samuels, MD, FACOG
Founder & Executive Director
Dr. Sherley Samuels is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist and the founder of the Women’s Health Leadership Initiative. She established WHLI to provide aspiring physicians with meaningful clinical exposure, intentional mentorship, leadership development, and an early understanding of the healthcare disparities that influence patient outcomes.
As Executive Director, Dr. Samuels provides the organization’s strategic and educational vision, develops its clinical curriculum, cultivates community and healthcare partnerships, and mentors students as they prepare for careers in medicine. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to compassionate patient care, medical education, maternal health equity, and the development of socially conscious physician leaders.
Jennifer Gilmore, CSFA
Program Coordinator
Jennifer Gilmore is a Certified Surgical First Assistant with extensive experience in women's healthcare and robotic surgery. She joined Covington Women's Health Specialists in 2022 and is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care while supporting excellence in clinical operations.
As Program Coordinator for the Women's Health Leadership Initiative, Jennifer manages student communications, scheduling, and coordination of clinical experiences, helping ensure each participant has a well-organized and meaningful educational experience.
📧 Program Inquiries & CV Submissions:
jgilmore@cwhslarrimore.com
Steven Samuels, PhD
Director of Academic Partnerships and Research
Dr. Steven Samuels is an accomplished scientist and educator with expertise in biomedical research, academic collaboration, and grant development. He holds a Ph.D. in Integrative Biosciences and serves as a Research Associate at Fort Valley State University, where his work focuses on advancing scientific discovery through interdisciplinary research and strategic partnerships.
As Director of Academic Partnerships & Research for the Women's Health Leadership Initiative, Dr. Samuels leads efforts to cultivate collaborations with academic institutions, strengthen research opportunities, and expand educational programming for aspiring physicians. Drawing on his extensive experience in grant writing and research development, he helps position WHLI for sustainable growth while fostering opportunities for students to engage with the scientific foundations of medicine and health equity.
Chakeeta Williams, CNM, MSN
Director of Collaborative Women’s Health Education
Chakeeta Williams is a Certified Nurse Midwife with a passion for women's health, patient education, and collaborative, evidence-based care. She is committed to empowering women through compassionate care while fostering meaningful learning experiences for future healthcare professionals.
As Director of Collaborative Women's Health Education for the Women's Health Leadership Initiative, Chakeeta leads the development of educational experiences that highlight the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in women's healthcare. She is dedicated to helping students understand how effective teamwork, communication, and patient-centered care contribute to improved health outcomes.
Meridith Farrow, MD, FACOG
Director of Labor and Delivery Education
Dr. Meridith Farrow is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with a passion for obstetrical care, mentorship, and advancing women's health. She is dedicated to helping future physicians develop clinical confidence through meaningful exposure to the care of pregnant patients and the childbirth experience.
As Director of Labor & Delivery Education for the Women's Health Leadership Initiative, Dr. Farrow leads the program's labor and delivery experiences, providing students with firsthand exposure to obstetrical care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the clinical decision-making that guides the management of pregnancy and childbirth.
Alana Chaney, PhD, IBCLC
Director of Public Health & Health Equity
Alana Chaney, PhD, IBCLC, is a nutritional epidemiologist whose work focuses on maternal and child nutrition, breastfeeding, and health equity. Her research examines the social, environmental, and structural factors that influence maternal and child health outcomes, with a commitment to reducing health disparities through evidence-based research and education.
As Director of Public Health & Health Equity for the Women's Health Leadership Initiative, Dr. Chaney helps students understand the critical role of public health in clinical medicine. Through her leadership, students gain a broader perspective on the factors that shape health outcomes and are inspired to become physicians who advance equitable, patient-centered care.
Medical and Community Advisory Board
The Medical & Community Advisory Board serves as a source of strategic guidance and professional expertise, helping ensure WHLI remains grounded in clinical excellence, community engagement, and educational innovation.
Cathy Larrimore, MD, FACOG
Chairwoman, Medical and Community Advisory Board
Dr. Cathy Larrimore is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with more than three decades of experience caring for women and advancing women's healthcare. A respected physician, educator, and practice founder, she has dedicated her career to clinical excellence, innovation, and mentorship within the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
As Chairwoman of the WHLI Medical & Community Advisory Board, Dr. Larrimore provides strategic guidance and clinical expertise to support the program's mission and long-term growth. Her leadership helps ensure that WHLI continues to provide meaningful educational experiences while preparing future physicians to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care.
Giovanni Charles, MD
Member, Medical and Community Advisory Board
Dr. Giovanni Charles is a board-certified anesthesiologist with a special interest in obstetric anesthesiology and maternal health equity. His passion for medicine, combined with his appreciation for diverse backgrounds and experiences, has shaped his commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
As a member of the WHLI Medical & Community Advisory Board, Dr. Charles provides clinical insight and guidance on perioperative care, obstetric anesthesia, and health equity. He is dedicated to helping future physicians recognize and address healthcare disparities while advancing equitable care for women and families.
Altonia Fowler Dugar
Member, Medical and Community Advisory Board
Altonia Dugar is a community wellness leader, entrepreneur, and lupus advocate dedicated to advancing women's health through education, prevention, and community engagement. As the founder of 5:55 Walk Club and The Lupie Chick Project, she empowers women to embrace healthier lifestyles, increase awareness of chronic illness, and become active advocates for their own health.
As a member of the WHLI Medical & Community Advisory Board, Altonia provides valuable community perspective and guidance on patient advocacy, preventive wellness, and health equity. Her leadership helps ensure that WHLI remains connected to the needs of the communities it serves while inspiring future physicians to recognize the importance of community engagement in improving health outcomes.