Joedrecka S. Brown Speights, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Rural Health at Florida State University’s College of Medicine, will be among 10 women honored March 9 as part of Tallahassee Community College’s observance of Women’s History Month.

“Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope” is the theme of this year’s program. After soliciting nominations from the community, the selection committee chose the honorees based on their embodiment of the theme. 

“We took a look at what they’ve done in the community, beyond just their jobs,” said Jarrett Phipps, co-chair of TCC’s Women’s History Month program along. “Her work in 

Brown Speights said she's "honored to be honored" and "humbled to be connected with women across the globe who are fearlessly changing the world through Atlantic Fellows," a set of global, interconnected programs that addresses the root causes of inequity and advances fairer, healthier and more inclusive societies.

In celebration of her honor, she chose to reflect on her late mother, Edna S. Brown, who taught her many valuable lessons but especially the power of love to heal and bring hope to present and future generations.

"I celebrate the legacy of my mom and all the women have contributed to our society, on the frontlines and behind the scenes, to making sure men, women and children thrive," Brown Speights said. "I celebrate women who live heroically overcoming and transcending racism, sexism, gender-based violence, and inequalities. I celebrate women who are leading in transformative ways in many areas, including the sciences and humanities, blending intelligence with compassion in making our world a better place."

Brown Speights, who earned her bachelor’s degree at Florida A&M University and her medical degree at Emory University’s School of Medicine, is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and fellowship-trained in Maternal and Child Health (MCH). She has served as chair of the Tallahassee-regional MCH Equity Collaborative since 2015 and on numerous advisory boards and committees. Her interests include promotion of health equity, especially MCH equity through community-engaged research, clinical care, advocacy, and education. She is also focused on faculty vitality, wellness promotion, and empowerment of women and girls.

In addition to the 10 community honorees, TCC will also honor five students who also embody the program theme.

The reception for the honorees and their guests will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the TCC Student Union ballroom, followed by the ceremony at 6 p.m. Andrea K. Friall, M.D., of North Florida Women’s Care and chief medical officer for Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare will be the keynote speaker. The reception and program are open to the public.