In May 2019, Jeanne Sinkford, D.D.S., Ph.D., FACD, FICO, spent a day in Washington, DC with two friends and colleagues, Shelia Price, D.D.S., Ed.D., M.A., and Marilyn Woolfolk, D.D.S., to celebrate her retirement. Conversations during lunch and throughout the afternoon, particularly after a visit to the National Portrait Gallery, led to a discussion about minority women leaders in oral health. The main question: “Of all the books and publications on leadership, where could one find a collective historical account of minority women leaders in oral health?” That question led to a collaboration that culminated in the publication of the book Undaunted Trailblazers: Minority Women Leaders for Oral Health (Capgenus, 2021).
“From one conversation, we cultivated a plan to shine the light on minority women leaders in oral health through a collection of personal untold and meritorious stories.” (Undaunted Trailblazers, p. 4.)
Undaunted Trailblazers presents the stories and experiences of 31 contemporary minority women leaders who have succeeded in a male-dominated profession and advanced oral health for the well-being of generations. Their accounts provide inspiration and guidance for emerging leaders to follow, highlighting the importance of mentoring in career progression and achievement. These courageous oral health pioneers have “disrupted the norm” with resilience, patience and persistence. Their candid testimonies will motivate aspiring leaders and enlighten those who have the power and capacity to help minority women push beyond the glass ceiling to the upper echelon of leadership in any organization.
Published on Oct. 13, 2021