At the 2026 Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) in Las Vegas, Women in Wound Care (WIWC) announced its launch as what it describes as the first nonprofit organization built to elevate women in wound care science. The organization aims to create a professional community where clinicians, researchers, scientists, and industry can advance the science of healing together. Founded in 2026 by Dawn Shepherd (BSN, RN, CWCN, CFCN), Dr. Cyaandi Dove, and Dr. Christine Grogan, WIWC operates as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable foundation.
WIWC’s mission is guided by the principles to CONNECT, Elevate, Educate, Mentor, Lead, and Innovate. The nonprofit is committed to leadership development, mentorship and sponsorship, education and knowledge exchange, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and recognition—all centered on improving patient outcomes. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, WIWC seeks to ensure women across the wound care community are not only seen but supported to lead. As founding member Dawn Shepherd explained, “When we connect expertise with mentorship and opportunity, we strengthen the science of healing—and ultimately improve outcomes for patients who depend on us.”
The organization is actively seeking funding from anyone interested in supporting education for its members, including wound care curriculum, scholarships, or other grants that will provide support for this endeavor. Nova Medical LLC and Kent Imaging have already supported the nonprofit, with hopes that other industry members will follow suit. This backing underscores the importance of cross-sector investment in advancing wound care science and elevating women’s roles in the field. Dr. Christine Grogan, also a founding member, noted, “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.”
The launch of WIWC matters because it addresses a critical gap in professional support for women in wound care, a field where interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation are essential to improving patient outcomes. By providing targeted education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, WIWC can help women advance their careers and contribute more significantly to the science of healing. This, in turn, has the potential to accelerate the development of new treatments and best practices that benefit patients worldwide. For the wound care industry, WIWC represents a step toward greater diversity and inclusion, which research suggests can drive better problem-solving and innovation. For readers, this news signals a growing emphasis on community-driven solutions in healthcare, potentially leading to improved care standards and outcomes for those with chronic wounds.
To learn more about Women in Wound Care or to donate, visit www.womeninwoundcare.org. The organization also maintains a presence on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, though direct links are not provided here. As WIWC begins its work, its success will depend on broad support from industry partners, clinicians, and advocates who share its vision of elevating women in wound care science.
