A champion for equality of health is leading the leadership in a time of national urgency and opportunity for the health and visibility of black women.
Washington, DC – The urgent need for the health of black women (BWHI) is proud to announce Joy D. Calloway, MHSA, MBA, As the new President and CEO, effective 6 October 2025. An experienced non -profit executive and values -based strategic, Calloway brings almost three decades of leadership to promote shares -focused organizations and driving significant changes to systems and health communities.
More recently, Calloway has served as Executive Director of the National Medical Union (NMA), the oldest and largest organization of the nation representing black doctors. Before that, it led Planned Parenthood of the Great New York through a critical transition period, stabilizing work and enhancing both internal culture and public confidence. Earlier in her career, she served as CEO of New Center Center Community Mental Health Services in Detroit and founded the first Federally Specialized Health Center (FQHC) in Michigan’s Oakland County.
“Joy Calloway is a rare kind of leader: visionary, grounded and deeply connected to the communities we serve,” he said Barbara J. Brown, PhDChairman of the Board of Directors of BWHI. “Her presence marks more than a new chapter, signals our continued rise as a power for the accountability of systems, the change of politics and cultural transformation, brings with her not only the experience but also the call, I have no doubt that she will lead her and this time.
An organization that has roots in justice, ready for extension
Founded in 1983 by legendary health activist Byllye AveryBWHI began as a small but powerful voice for black women at a time when their health results were largely ignored by basic institutions. What began as a coalition by the leaders of the popular basis has evolved into a national respected organization that shapes the health policy, promoting culturally representative research and the provision of aggressive programs and content that support the health and well -being of black women and girls.
In the last decade, under the leadership of Linda Goler BlountBWHI sharpens its national presence and deepen its impact, supporting breast cancer policy, mobilizing the defense of HBCU campuses, the extension of chronic prevention programs supported by CDC and the production of award -winning Breast and cervical cancer, HIV prevention and reproductive health.
Joy Calloway’s leadership marks the continuation of this track, bringing new energy to a legacy based on trust, truth and change of transformation.
“To drive BWHI is to get into a sacred project,” Calloway said. “For decades, this organization has spoken when others were silent, it has made room for the complexity of black women’s health experiences and has turned into what lived reality into politics in action, in power.
Meet Joy: A leader of the moment, for the movement
At a time when health protections are stripped and the voices of marginalized communities are overlooked, Joy Calloway brings the experience, clarity and conviction needed to cover the moment. Her career has been shaped with a deep commitment to sexual and reproductive justice, mental health and racial equality in health care. He is a coalition builder that leads to both vision and empathy, creating a space for the voices of the community while driving systematic change. For Calloway, progress is not just about programs or policies. It is about focusing experience, building ongoing corporate relationships and the quick belief that communities should not gain their right to be good.
Look forward to
Calloway unites BWHI at a time of unprecedented visibility and opportunity for black women’s health. As the organization continues to lead bold campaigns and programs around menopause, reproduction rights and the prevention of chronic diseases, Calloway will guide the strategy, deepen partnerships and expand BWHI’s range.
He succeeds the long-term President Linda Goler Blount and temporary co-presented Lisa Cunningham and Michelle Minus Swittenberg, whose leadership has secured a strong foundation for this transition.
Joy D. Calloway will be available for media interviews from October 6th.
For imperative need for the health of black women
The health check of black women (BWHI) is a national non -profit organization with more than 40 years of impact, dedicated to resolving the most critical health problems facing 21 million black women and girls of the nation through innovative programs, transformative research.
Contact
Charmaine Leary, Manager, Actum
Cleary@actumllc.com
