MARIAN WOODS, ROXANNE CARPENTER, JOI EDMONDS, APRIL RUSSELL (PHOTOS BY CHIEF IKHANA HAL-MAKINA)
A packed room gathered on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Rivers Casino for “The Beat Goes On: Building Better Habits for Stronger Hearts,” a community health forum hosted by the Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter (PAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., in partnership with the Kappa Scholarship Endowment Fund of Western PA (KSEF) and sponsored in part by UPMC.
“We all know that heart health is essential for living a vibrant and fulfilling life. Yet, heart disease remains one of the leading health challenges, particularly in our community,” said Doris Smith, President of the Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. “That’s why today is about empowerment, action, and taking the steps needed to prioritize heart health, mental wellness, and overall well-being.”
The forum provided attendees with essential tools and knowledge to support both their physical and mental health. Two engaging panel discussions, featuring local women leaders in healthcare, explored healthy habits to strengthen heart and mental wellness.
DR. MARGARET LARKINS-PETTIGREW, DR. TINA RUSSELL-BROWN, DR. CHANNING L. MORELAND
The first panel featured LaJuana Fuller, Director of Women’s Imaging at UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital, and Roxanne Watson, American Heart Association Panelist & WomenHeart Champion. They emphasized the importance of recognizing heart attack warning signs. Watson, a heart transplant recipient, shared her compelling story of surviving a silent heart attack in 2006. She ultimately received a life-saving transplant after spending over two years on the transplant waitlist and 104 days in the hospital. Watson credited U.S. Coast Guard Fireman Michael Bovill, her heart donor, and urged attendees to be vigilant about heart health symptoms.
A second panel discussion explored the vital connection between mental and heart health. Panelists included Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, Senior Vice President/Chief Clinical Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at AHN; Dr. Channing L. Moreland, Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of Moreland Counseling and Consulting Group; and Dr. Tina Russell-Brown, Ph.D., of Chatham University. University of Pittsburgh’s Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Division of Student Affairs, Linda Williams-Moore, moderated both discussions.
Following the panels, yoga instructor Tamika Chambers led a guided breathing exercise to promote relaxation and mindfulness, equipping participants with a simple yet effective wellness strategy.
Through events like “The Beat Goes On,” the 300 members of the Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter remain committed to promoting self-care and advocating for a healthier Pittsburgh by encouraging physical wellness, emotional balance, and health awareness. The Feb. 1 event was held at Rivers Casino as part of activities taking place during the East Central Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated’s 2025 Founders’ Day Weekend.
CAMILLE TAYLOR YOUNG, IKEYA CRAIG SWATSON, HELEN BOWERS (PHOTO BY CHIEF IKHANA HAL-MAKINA)
LINDA WILLIAMS-MOORE, DR. MARGARET LARKINS-PETTIGREW
LINDA WILLIAMS-MOORE, ROXANNE WATSON, LAJUANA FULLER (PHOTOS BY CHIEF IKHANA HAL-MAKINA)
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