At the 2026 Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) in Las Vegas, Women in Wound Care (WIWC) announced the launch of what it describes as the first nonprofit built to elevate women in wound care science by creating a professional community where clinicians, researchers, scientists, and industry can advance the science of healing together. The organization is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable foundation, founded in 2026 by Dawn Shepherd (BSN, RN, CWCN, CFCN), Dr. Cyaandi Dove, and Dr. Christine Grogan.
Guided by the mission to CONNECT, Elevate, Educate, Mentor, Lead, and Innovate, Women in Wound Care is committed to leadership development, mentorship and sponsorship, education and knowledge exchange, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and recognition—always centered on improving patient outcomes. The organization is seeking funding from anyone interested in supporting education for its members, including wound care curriculum, scholarships, or other grants that will provide support for this endeavor. Nova Medical LLC and Kent Imaging have already supported the nonprofit, in hopes that other industry members will follow suit.
Founding members emphasized the importance of the initiative. "We created Women in Wound Care to ensure women across the wound care community are not only seen, but supported to lead," said Dawn Shepherd, BSN, RN, CWCN, CFCN, founding member of Women in Wound Care. "When we connect expertise with mentorship and opportunity, we strengthen the science of healing—and ultimately improve outcomes for patients who depend on us." Dr. Christine Grogan, also a founding member, added, "Wound care requires both clinical excellence and innovation, and women bring powerful insight to both. This nonprofit was created to build a collaborative ecosystem where women can elevate their influence through education, mentorship, and meaningful professional connection."
The launch matters because it addresses longstanding gaps in representation and leadership for women in wound care science. By providing targeted education, mentorship, and recognition, WIWC aims to accelerate innovation and improve patient care. The organization's focus on cross-disciplinary collaboration could lead to new approaches in wound healing, ultimately benefiting patients and the broader healthcare industry. For professionals in the field, WIWC offers a platform to connect, grow, and lead, potentially transforming career trajectories and advancing the science of healing.
To learn more about Women in Wound Care or to donate, visit www.womeninwoundcare.org.
