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Conference Speakers

Mississippi Nursing Shortage: Diagnosis and Treatment
Opening Session Speaker: LaNelle Weems, MSN, RN

Mrs. Weems serves as a Healthcare Workforce Specialist for the Mississippi Office of Nursing Workforce (ONW). She assists in implementation of the objectives of ONW by collecting, analyzing and disseminating Mississippi nursing workforce data, promoting academic/service partnerships, and implementing programs to strengthen and enhance the nursing workforce in Mississippi. She has contributed to the writing of numerous grants and projects to improve the workforce in Mississippi. Currently, she is the project director for the ONW- Delta Health Alliance Workforce Initiatives. She has given many presentations on the research, data and projects of ONW. Ms. Weems’ research interests include leadership, healthcare career promotion and retention. In addition, Mrs. Weems has over 20 years experience in the hospital setting including over 13 years of leadership and management experience including positions of Staff Nurse, Nurse Manager and Vice President of Patient Care Services.

Mrs. Weems holds a BSN and MSN from the University of Mississippi. She is a current member of American College of Healthcare Executives, American Organization of Nurse Executives, Mississippi Organization of Nurse Executives, Mississippi Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and Phi Kappa Phi.

Obesity, Diabetes, and Risks for Cardiovascular Disease in Youth
Keynote Luncheon Speaker: Betty Monroe Kennedy, Ph.D.

Dr. Kennedy is currently an Instructor-Research for 6 years, and previously Recruitment Coordinator for 8 years at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. She received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Biology/Chemistry from Miles College (Birmingham, Alabama), Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from Southern University (Baton Rouge, LA.), and PhD from Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA.) August 2001, in Vocational Education (School of Human Resource Education and Workforce Development).

Dr. Kennedy has published 12 manuscripts, 1 book chapter, and has 5 pending publications. Her research interest includes: obesity intervention models utilizing nutrition education and physical activity components in adults in rural populations; participation of African Americans in clinical research trials; cultural diversity training, focus groups, and community-based interventions. She has completed 3 research studies as Principal Investigator: 1) “Evaluating Perceptions of African American Culture and Implications for Weight Loss/Weight Prevention Clinical Trials – A Qualitative Study;” 2) a 6-month pilot study (The “Rolling Store”: An Environmental Approach to the Prevention of Weight Gain in African American women), and 3) Shiloh’s Healthy Obedience Program (SHOP), a 6-month pilot church-based nutrition education study.  Dr. Kennedy is Co-Principal Investigator in collaboration with Southern University, LSU AgCenter Research and Extension, and the USDA/ARS and currently conducting a 2-year research study entitled: “People United to Sustain Health” (PUSH) in Franklin Parish, Louisiana.

Park the Donuts! Recreate the Community
Keynote Luncheon Speaker: Rich DiGirolamo

Rich DiGirolamo sees a world where people are not obsessed with weight, but learn how to create a life that fosters a healthy weight through healthy life choices.

Rich has maintained a thirty plus pound weight loss since 1989; but still remembers the pain, glory, successes and failures that go along with it. Throughout all of it he taught himself to celebrate the successes and laugh at the difficult times. This is what he impresses upon audiences.

Rich has been speaking on the topic of weight loss since 1989. He has received the highest awards from an international weight loss organization, has spoken to college and university health and science groups, and has worked with Park and Recreation professionals across the United States to create a healthy living initiative.

He is the author of the book “Yes, You’re Fat. I Like You Anyway” and the audio program by the same name. He has written articles and enjoys when people leave comments on his blog http://heyskinny.blogspot.com.