A Message from the Black Women’s Health Imperative Board

For more than a decade, President Linda Goler Blount has served as a visionary leader of the Black Women’s Health Imperative. Through innovative programs, transformative research, and life-saving policies, Linda led the organization to new heights and positioned it as the only national nonprofit solely dedicated to solving the most critical health issues impacting Black women and girls. Now, she has decided to soar even higher, embracing a new challenge and passing the baton to new leaders who will build on her remarkable legacy. Linda will officially transition out of her role as President of the Black Women’s Health Imperative on April 30, 2025 to take on a new role at Community Catalyst.

The Board cannot express how much we love Linda, and how profoundly grateful we are for her transformative leadership. Under her guidance, BWHI secured key policy victories, from expanding access to breast and cervical cancer screening, to safeguarding Black women’s access to the full complement of reproductive healthcare and ensuring that the needs of Black women remained centered during the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. The organization is more impactful than ever because of her strategic vision and dedication.

The work that the Black Women’s Health Imperative was founded to do continues to be of national importance, now more than ever in these challenging times. To ensure that this work continues with the strength and focus it demands, we are proud to announce that Michelle Minus Swittenberg, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Operations, and Lisa Cunningham, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications, will serve as Interim Co-Presidents. Both have been instrumental in BWHI’s growth and impact, and we are confident they will carry the mission forward with integrity and bold leadership.

Today, the Black Women’s Health Imperative is stronger than ever—financially, operationally, and in its impact—because of Linda’s unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and commitment to equity. Her legacy positions BWHI to move forward with strength and clarity, continuing the vital work of improving the health and well-being of Black women and girls.