The International Day of the Girl: Inspiring Stories of Resilience

On the International Day of the Girl, we celebrate the remarkable journeys of Deneen, Anne and Ana Maria, women whose lives are a testament to the power of integrity. These three inspiring individuals have overcome adversity, championed individuality, and are paving the way for a more inclusive future for girls and women everywhere.

Deneen’s Full Circle Journey

Deneen Richmond, president of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center and Chief Quality, Equity, and Population Health Officer, has come full circle in her journey. The hospital she leads is just a mile away from the elementary school she attended as a child.

However, her path was not without its challenges. In the 1970s, as a young girl, Deneen recalls experiencing racism for the first time when she was bused during the desegregation of schools.

“We basically felt unwanted here,” Deneen recalls. “Our buses would pull up, and there would be parents of kids throwing things at the bus, yelling nasty things as we’re getting off the bus. No child should have to go through that, not because of anything that you’ve done, but just because of the color of your skin.”

Nearly 50 years later, Deneen is on a mission to address racial inequities that persist in healthcare and advance the health system’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) initiatives. “I think a lot of it, and even what we see in healthcare, is the same thing we’re seeing in our communities,” Deneen reflects.

“There’s still bias, there’s still racism, and so I think that impacts women and women of color and our ability to be recognized for the talents and strengths that we bring to the table.”

She, along with hospital staff members, have returned to her former grade school to donate school supplies and gifts during the holidays. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for girls everywhere.

Anne’s Unwavering Authenticity

For Anne Gotimer, director of WellBeing and Employee Health, life has been a journey of self-discovery and resilience. From a young age, she faced the challenge of expressing her gender identity and unique style in a world that often demands conformity. However, Anne refused to compromise her identity, standing up for her right to self-expression even in the face of bullying and harassment.

“I’ll never forget the first time I was allowed to wear something other than a dress in my school yearbook photo,” Anne recalls. “I just remember having this smug look on my face like ‘Finally, I did it! I don’t have to wear a dress!’”

Despite facing harassment during her middle and high school years, Anne refused to compromise her identity. “I drew a lot of negative attention and bullying over it,” she says. “When I was 11, a group of boys ambushed me in a lunch line and sprayed me with men’s cologne so I ‘smelled right’. I was furious that they thought they could make me feel bad about myself.” She stood up for her right to self-expression and learned how being true to herself had an effect on other classmates.

“I didn’t know how much it mattered until a high school acquaintance talked to me about my suits and over-the-top outfits… apparently this, in our rural town, made other people feel like they could be bold.”

Anne’s stayed true to herself. She drew inspiration from icons like David Bowie and Annie Lennox, who celebrated their individuality fearlessly. Anne’s parents also played a crucial role in nurturing her uniqueness, showing her that being loved for who you are is deeply rewarding.

Reflecting on her experiences, Anne has valuable advice for young girls and women: Find your unique identity and wear it proudly. Confidence in one’s authentic self can be a catalyst for personal and professional success.

In her role at Luminis Health, Anne’s unique perspective has fostered inclusivity and collaboration. She actively promotes diversity as a driver of innovation and teamwork. Anne reminds us to embrace our true selves and our passions, emphasizing that life is too short to postpone authenticity. Her journey is a testament to the power of diversity and authenticity.

Ana Maria’s Resilient Advocacy

Ana Maria Phillips, abuse and domestic violence specialist at Luminis Health, embodies the invincible spirit of women everywhere. Born in Cuba, her life took a dramatic turn when, as a 5-year-old unaccompanied minor, she left her homeland for the United States during the Cuban revolution.

“I was separated from my family for about two years,” she said. “State governments and religious organizations sponsored us, and I ended up in St. Ann’s Orphanage in Massachusetts. It was a challenging environment.”

Reuniting with her parents was a miracle, an emotional moment that Ana Maria’s mother hadn’t expected when she put her daughter on that plane.

Ana Maria’s path to advocacy was somewhat accidental but deeply meaningful. Her high school years were marked by a fascination with Native American history, a subject that helped her draw connections to the injustices faced by her own people in Cuba. This sparked her determination to fight for human rights and eventually pursued a degree in social work.

A move to Maryland led Ana Maria to a role at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center as a domestic violence specialist. Over the last 15 years here, she says she has learned so much on the job, working closely with Latina women and providing essential support and education on their rights.

She earned the prestigious Warren B. Duckett Jr. Memorial Commitment to Justice Award from the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney, recognizing her outstanding advocacy work. Her journey of resilience serves as a powerful source of inspiration for her patients who have also experienced trauma and hardship.

On this International Day of the Girl, Deneen, Anne and Ana Maria are examples of the transformative impact that one person can have on the world. Their stories share the enduring spirit of girls and women who rise above adversity, empower others, and create positive change. Embracing authenticity is not just a celebration of individuality; it’s a call to action for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.