(from left) Karen Johnston, Jennifer Phillips, and Margaret Davis congratulate Marquita Taylor.
The 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. University of Virginia Health System Awards were celebrated on Jan. 23, highlighting extraordinary individuals who have made remarkable contributions to health equity, inclusion, and cultural humility. The annual event is sponsored by UVA Health Office for Diversity and Community Engagement (ODCE), UVA School of Medicine, and UVA School of Nursing.
Join us in congratulating the following award recipients and special honorees:
Individual Award Winners
- Brianna Baldwin, School of Medicine Fourth-Year Student
- Cleresa Roberts, MD, University of Virginia Department of Neurosurgery
- Leigh Sato, PT, DPT, Physical Therapist
- Marquita Taylor, PhD, MPH, MBA, Associate Cancer Center Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences
- Debbie Vermillion, UVA Autism Family Navigator
Department
- University Medical Associates Behavioral Health Team, University Medical Associates Clinic
Community Impact Award
- On Our Own, Charlottesville’s Peer Recovery Center
Special Recognition
Greg Townsend (left) and Judy Pointer
- Greg Townsend, MD, and Judy Jones Pointer, M.Ed (retired), Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. University of Virginia Health System Awards Committee Members
Open to the public, the event at the historic UVA Rotunda began with a networking reception as the Ivan Orr Jazz Trio performed, followed by the awards ceremony and dinner recognizing the outstanding achievements of honorees.
“An inspiring evening filled with stories of dedication and service, shining a light on the importance of advocating for health equity,” stated ODCE. “The theme, ‘A Call for Health Equity is a Call for Humanity,’ underscores the vital relationship between health justice and our shared humanity.” Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade served as master of ceremonies.
Read the full story written by Sudha Kamath on Connect, including quotes from nominators and more photos by Coe Sweet.
Filed Under: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Featured, Honors & Awards