CO-FOUNDERS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH CAUCUS, WITH NOW-RETIRED ADAGIO HEALTH CEO BJ LEBER. (PHOTOS BY J.L. MARTELLO)
The New Pittsburgh Courier was there as Adagio Health celebrated visionary leaders who have made an indelible impact on women’s health in the Pittsburgh region.
The event was called, “Leadership and Legacies: Recognizing Pittsburgh Women’s Health Heroes.” The event was held at Roost in Downtown Pittsburgh, Aug. 8.
DR. MARGARET LARKINS-PETTIGREW
Honorees included: Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, Internationally recognized OB-GYN, educator, and advocate for improved maternal health outcomes; Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” Miller, Chief of the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and Physician leader committed to improving health outcomes for youth through research, policy, and clinical care; State Representative Morgan Cephas, state Representative Gina Curry, and state Representative La’Tasha D. Mayes – Co-founders of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus; and BJ Leber, President and CEO of Adagio Health and a transformative women’s health leader who retired as of Aug. 31.
ELIZABETH MILLER
Special guest speakers included Pennsylvania Second Lady Blayre Holmes Davis, who also serves at Senior Director of Community Relations for the Pittsburgh Steelers; and Lisa Scales, President and CEO of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Chair of the Adagio Health Board.
Proceeds from the evening benefited Adagio Health’s work to provide reproductive health care, cancer screenings, nutrition programs, and preventive health services to women and families throughout Western Pennsylvania.
“This year’s event carried particular significance as an opportunity to recognize visionary leadership, celebrate impactful legacies, and unite our community in support of access to care for patients in need,” said Alicia Schisler with Adagio Health, in a statement to the Courier. “At a time when funding for reproductive health care, Medicaid coverage, and critical nutrition programs like SNAP-Ed is increasingly uncertain, ‘Leadership and Legacies’ is more than a celebration—it is a statement of purpose, advocacy, and unity.”
Schisler took over as Adagio Health’s new President and CEO on September 1, 2025.