At the 2026 Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC), 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, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable foundation, was 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. "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 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 of Women in Wound Care matters because it addresses a critical gap in the wound care field: the underrepresentation of women in leadership and scientific advancement. By providing a dedicated platform for mentorship, education, and collaboration, WIWC aims to accelerate innovation and improve patient care. For the wound care industry, this means a more diverse and inclusive workforce, which can lead to better problem-solving and enhanced clinical outcomes. For patients, the ripple effect is potentially life-changing, as advances in wound care science directly impact healing rates, reduce complications, and improve quality of life.
Moreover, the nonprofit's focus on cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange could break down silos that often slow progress in medical research. By bringing together clinicians, researchers, scientists, and industry professionals, WIWC fosters an environment where ideas can be shared freely and translated into practical solutions. This collaborative approach is essential for tackling complex wound care challenges, such as chronic wounds and infections, which require multifaceted strategies.
The organization's call for funding underscores the need for sustained investment in education and research. Scholarships and curriculum development are vital for nurturing the next generation of wound care leaders, particularly women who may face systemic barriers to advancement. Support from industry partners like Nova Medical LLC and Kent Imaging signals a growing recognition that diversity and inclusion are not just ethical imperatives but also drivers of innovation and business success.
As WIWC begins its journey, its success will depend on broad engagement from the wound care community and beyond. Those interested in learning more or contributing can visit www.womeninwoundcare.org. The nonprofit's launch at SAWC 2026 marks a significant step toward a more equitable and effective wound care landscape, with the potential to transform both professional pathways and patient lives.
