At the 2026 Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC), Women in Wound Care (WIWC) announced its launch as the first nonprofit organization built to elevate women in wound care science by creating a professional community where clinicians, researchers, scientists, and industry can advance the science of healing together. The announcement, made in Las Vegas, marks a significant step toward addressing the historical underrepresentation of women in wound care leadership and research.
The organization is guided by a mission to CONNECT, Elevate, Educate, Mentor, Lead, and Innovate. Its core commitments include leadership development, mentorship and sponsorship, education and knowledge exchange, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and recognition—all centered on improving patient outcomes. By fostering a community that spans clinical practice, research, and industry, WIWC aims to accelerate innovation and ensure that women’s contributions are fully recognized and leveraged to enhance patient care.
Founding member Dawn Shepherd (BSN, RN, CWCN, CFCN) emphasized the importance of visibility and support: “We created Women in Wound Care to ensure women across the wound care community are not only seen, but supported to lead. When we connect expertise with mentorship and opportunity, we strengthen the science of healing—and ultimately improve outcomes for patients who depend on us.” Her words underscore the organization’s belief that empowering women leads directly to better clinical results.
Dr. Christine Grogan, also a founding member, highlighted the dual need for clinical excellence and innovation: “Wound care requires both clinical excellence and innovation, and women bring powerful insight to both. This nonprofit was created to build a collaborative ecosystem where women can elevate their influence through education, mentorship, and meaningful professional connection.” This collaborative approach is intended to break down silos and foster interdisciplinary partnerships that can drive breakthroughs in wound healing.
The launch of WIWC comes at a critical time. Wound care is a rapidly evolving field, with an aging population and rising rates of chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers and pressure injuries. Ensuring diverse leadership and perspectives is essential to developing effective, equitable solutions. By providing mentorship, education, and recognition, WIWC seeks to cultivate the next generation of women leaders who will shape the future of wound care science.
To support its mission, WIWC is seeking funding from individuals and organizations interested in supporting education for its members, including wound care curriculum, scholarships, or other grants. Nova Medical LLC and Kent Imaging have already provided support, and the organization hopes other industry members will follow suit. Such backing is vital to sustaining programs that advance knowledge and skills among wound care professionals.
Women in Wound Care is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable foundation, founded in 2026 by Dawn Shepherd (BSN, RN, CWCN, CFCN), Dr. Cyaandi Dove, and Dr. Christine Grogan. Its mission is to elevate women in wound care science by creating a professional community where clinicians, researchers, scientists, and industry advance the science of healing together. For more information or to donate, visit www.womeninwoundcare.org. The organization also maintains a presence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
The implications of this launch extend beyond individual careers. By connecting expertise with opportunity, WIWC aims to strengthen the entire wound care ecosystem. Improved mentorship and education can lead to better clinical practices, faster adoption of innovations, and ultimately improved patient outcomes. Moreover, the nonprofit’s focus on recognition helps ensure that women’s achievements are acknowledged, which can inspire more women to pursue leadership roles in the field. As the first nonprofit of its kind, WIWC sets a precedent for how professional communities can intentionally support underrepresented groups while advancing science and patient care.
