Celebrating the Women Who Lead, Serve, and Inspire at HealthEd Connect

Justina, Agness and Theresa joyfully serve their community as members of the Kafwa community health volunteers in Luapula province of Zambia. They are pictured here in front of a large garden that provides nourishing vegetables for the community.

This Sunday marks the 115th anniversary of International Women’s Day, a global day to recognize the achievements, resilience, and impact of women everywhere. At HealthEd Connect, we are proud to celebrate the remarkable women who shape our mission, strengthen our programs, and uplift communities across the world.

From leadership to local action, women are at the heart of everything we do.

Honoring Our Leaders

We celebrate the female leadership at the helm of HealthEd Connect. We honor our visionary founder, Sherri Kirkpatrick, whose passion and dedication helped build the foundation of HealthEd Connect. We also honor our Executive Director, Emily Penrose-McLaughlin, whose compassion, commitment, and leadership continue to guide our organization forward.

Their example and leadership inspire us every day.

Appreciating Our Community Health Volunteers

We give heartfelt recognition to the incredible women who serve as community health volunteers—the backbone of HealthEd Connect. They provide essential health education, support families, and act as trusted advocates for those they serve. Their strength and service make a profound impact every single day.

Kafwa members in Kasompe, Zambia regularly visit homes to provide basic care and nurturing support for those struggling with their health.

Celebrating the Women Who Teach in Our Schools

We also honor the extraordinary women who teach in our community schools. These dedicated educators play a vital role in shaping the future of the communities we serve. Every day, they open doors to learning, create safe spaces for students to grow, and nurture the curiosity and confidence of their learners.

Mavis Mubanga Songwe with her preschool class in Mapalo, Zambia.

Empowering Women and Girls in Our Communities

Perhaps most of all, we celebrate the women and girls in the communities where we serve. Their courage to learn, grow, lead, and advocate for themselves and others is the fuel that keeps our mission alive. Their empowerment creates ripple effects that strengthen entire families and communities.

Three generations of women who have been impacted by HealthEd Connect are inspiring their community in Biratnagar, Nepal.

Here’s to All the Powerful Women of HealthEd Connect

To every woman connected with our organization:
You are our heroes—today and every day.
Your voices, your work, and your unwavering commitment inspire us and move us forward.

Here’s to your strength, your leadership, and your unstoppable impact.

Happy International Women’s Day!