Black History Month Spotlight: Sateria Venable, Founder & CEO of The Fibroid Foundation

Our second Black History Month Spotlight is Sateria Venable, the Founder and CEO of The Fibroid Foundation! We asked her a few questions: 

Q: What is the most important event or milestone to occur in your lifetime?
A: Attending Carnegie Mellon was by far the most important event in my life. Graduating from the architecture program as the first African-American female graduate in Carnegie Mellon's history, was the most important milestone in my life. 

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Q: Who has been the most inspiring leader to influence you in your personal and professional career?
A: My adopted uncle, the Honorable K. Leroy Irvis. Uncle Lee, as I affectionately knew him, was Speaker of the House of Pennsylvania. He was like a father to me. He helped me to identify my gifts, and encouraged me to strive for my goals.

Q: What is the most important conversation that the business community should be having?
A: Business cultures must be more inclusive. When I worked for other companies, I often felt like a led two lives. I had to 'play the game' at work, and I could relax and be 'me' at home. These are difficult realities for many. I think we are moving in the right direction as a society, but much more slowly than I would like to see.

As the premier global community of Fibroids patients, The Fibroid Foundation's mission is to be the voice of women living with Fibroids, create and support initiatives to find a cure for fibroids, advocate for ongoing funding of patient sensitive fibroids research, erase the ‘Stigma of Silence’ around women’s menstrual health, and minimize treatment disparities with layered patient support. The Fibroid Foundation takes a multi-faceted approach to Fibroid education. By developing a collaborative partnership with fellow patients and healthcare providers, they're fostering a supportive relationship where informed women have proactive conversations with trusted providers on a regular basis. As a patient-founded organization, their unique insights layered with a unique mix of digital and in-person outreach drives exponential change. ​