Sarah’s experience in program administration, writing, and advocacy will help us realize that potential, collaborating with partners to address common goals.
Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) March 03, 2016
DiabetesSisters, the only organization worldwide focused exclusively on women with diabetes, expanded its professional capacity with the appointment of public health advocate Sarah Mart as Director of Operations today.
"Empowerment, education, and peer support are crucial for women with diabetes to live their healthiest and best lives," Mart stated. "Our members lead and meet in peer support groups (PODS – Part of DiabetesSisters) throughout the US; engage in online forums and Life Class webinars; and build health and advocacy skills with our National Conferences and Leadership Institutes. As Director of Operations, I get to ensure these signature programs happen successfully. I'm honored to join the DiabetesSisters team - our CEO, staff, Board of Directors, partners, advisers, and network of 13,000+ women with diabetes - in making our strategic directions a reality."
Strategic direction for the 501(c)3 nonprofit in the next 3 years includes a new initiative to address the unique challenges facing women with diabetes in minority communities, providing expertise in new publications on diabetes topics specific to women, growing educational and support programming both in person and online, engaging members with legislators at state and national levels, and expanding the organization’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council. DiabetesSisters’ CEO Anna Norton is excited to have Mart on board to achieve such important priorities.
"There is a great deal of work to do," Norton stated. "There are nearly 10 million women in the US with diabetes, and diabetes prevalence is 2-4 times higher for African American, Hispanic, Asian-Pacific Islander, and American Indian women. DiabetesSisters has enormous potential to positively impact women's lives. Sarah’s experience in program administration, writing, and advocacy will help us realize that potential, collaborating with partners to address common goals."
For the last 7 years, Mart directed research projects, policy analysis, and publications for a national alcohol policy organization. Prior to that, she spent 13 years leading health promotion programs for college student populations in New York State, San Francisco, Montana, and Minnesota. Her work included teaching college-level classes; training and mentoring peer health advocates, HIV/STD prevention counselors, and social justice leaders; researching student health needs and outcomes; and leading strategic planning to address documented needs. She has served in multiple volunteer leadership positions with the American College Health Association and American Public Health Association.
DiabetesSisters will also be served by Mart’s academic background. She earned a Master of Public Health at the University of Northern Colorado, a Master of Science in Women’s Studies at Minnesota State University – Mankato, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from The University of Montana - Missoula. Mart will work remotely from Northern California, where she resides with her wife and their 10-year old daughter.
About DiabetesSisters:
A 501(c)3 nonprofit, DiabetesSisters is the only organization worldwide focusing exclusively on women with diabetes. Our mission is to improve the health and quality of life of women with diabetes and those at risk of developing diabetes, and to advocate on their behalf. DiabetesSisters has a 10,000-member peer network that unites women with diabetes for the purpose of support, education and advocacy. Signature programs include monthly small group meetings (PODS Meetups); DiabetesSisters’ Conferences throughout the U.S.; and the Life Class Webinar Series and online blogs, forums, and expert resources. For more information, visit http://www.diabetessisters.org.