Beyond the Symptoms

Despite the advancement of modern-day medicine and technology, women’s health remains understudied, underreported, and misunderstood.

Many women struggle to receive proper diagnoses for common conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, perimenopause, and hormonal imbalances. Approximately 80% of individuals with autoimmune diseases are women—for reasons that aren’t fully understood. And continued disparities in treatment methods and health outcomes intensify these issues even further for women of color and women of lower socioeconomic status.

On October 1, American Public Square, the Johnson County Library, Kansas City PBS and Shirley’s Kitchen Cabinet invite you to a discussion highlighting the struggle many women face in doctor’s offices around the country. Expert panelists will discuss the history of women’s health, patient experience challenges for women and what it will take to ensure stronger advocacy for women’s health issues in the medical community.

This event will conclude promptly at 7:15 p.m. to avoid conflict with the evening’s televised vice presidential debate, set to begin at 8:00 p.m. (CST).

The discussion will be moderated by Michele Watley, communication consultant and founder of Shirley’s Kitchen Cabinet. The program’s featured panelists include:

• • Dr. Robbie Harriford, M.D., chief medical officer and lead women’s health provider – Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center
  • Dr. Carla Keirns, M.D., physician, historian of medicine, and clinical ethicist – University of Kansas
  • Dr. Megan Madrigal, M.D. OB-GYN, practicing OB-GYN – University of Kansas Medical Center and clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology – University of Kansas School of Medicine.
  • Hakima Payne, founder and executive director – Uzazi Village

Those who miss the program on October 1 can watch the re-broadcast on Kansas City PBS – Channel 19.1 on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m.

This event is presented in partnership with the Johnson County Library, Kansas City PBS and Shirley’s Kitchen Cabinet.

Dr. Robbie Harriford is a board-certified Family Medicine physician with a Master’s in Global Health and is the current Chief Medical Officer at Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, a federally-qualified health center in Kansas City, Missouri.

With a deep commitment to improving healthcare access for underserved and under-resourced populations, Dr. Harriford plays a crucial role in the Women’s Health Department, where she advocates for maternal health and contributes significantly to the care and support of women in need.

Dr. Carla Keirns is a physician, historian of medicine, and clinical ethicist at the University of Kansas.

Her work has been at the intersection of health disparities, quality improvement and humanism in medicine. She has worked with urban and rural communities in partnerships to identify community priorities to improve health and well-being.

Megan Madrigal, M.D. is a practicing Obstetrician and Gynecologist at The University of Kansas Medical Center, as well as an Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

Dr. Madrigal was born and raised in Kansas City. She received her medical degree from The University of Kansas School of Medicine, and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Christiana Care Health System in Delaware.

Dr. Madrigal then returned to Kansas City to care directly for patients, especially those in underserved populations, as well as provide clinical education to medical students and residents. Compassionate patient care and clinical medical education, along with access to healthcare, reproductive justice and legislative advocacy are passions in her work.

Hakima Tafunzi Payne, known to her community as Mama Hakima, is the founder, and Chief Executive Officer of Uzazi Village, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating health outcome disparities in perinatal health in African-American communities. She holds a Bachelor’s in Nursing and a Master’s in Nursing Education and is currently pursuing a PhD in Nursing Education.

Ms. Payne is the creator of the following seven models of Afro-Centric healthcare:

• • Village Doula Program, a community-based home visiting program for pregnant individuals
  • Chocolate Milk Café, a peer to peer breastfeeding support group for Black families
  • The Village Circle Approach, an Afro-centric group prenatal care model
  • The Lactation Mentorship Program, an IBCLC internship for Black candidates
  • Perinatal Doula Training, full spectrum community-based doula training
  • Culturally Congruent Care in a Community Setting, antiracism healthcare curriculum
  • Community Expert Review Board (community-based advocacy for research and policy)

Ms. Payne speaks nationally on the topic of Black perinatal health and community-based responses to health inequities.  She is the subject of two documentaries; “Sister Doula” and “Pregnancy and Prejudice.” Ms. Payne works tirelessly to make birth safer, the village healthier, and to promote anti-racist care models. Ms. Payne is a lifelong resident of Kansas City, Missouri.

Michele L. Watley is a powerhouse strategist, advocate, and leader with nearly 20 years of experience in public affairs, strategic communications, and civic advocacy. A proud native of Wyandotte County, Kansas, Michele is the Founder and President of Shirley’s Kitchen Cabinet (Shirley’s KC), a nonpartisan nonprofit that empowers Black women through education and advocacy. She also founded The Griot Group, a public affairs firm that creates meaningful impact for high-profile campaigns, businesses, and nonprofits.

Under Michele’s leadership, Shirley’s KC has grown into a force for social justice, mobilizing thousands of Black women across the nation. The organization has hosted pivotal discussions with members of Congress, helped shape legislation in Kansas and Missouri, and raised awareness on critical issues like healthcare and economic disparities affecting Black women, all while creating spaces for their voices to be heard in the corridors of power.

As the Founder and President of The Griot Group, Michele continues to drive change, leveraging her expertise to support high-profile initiatives. Her career began as a union carpenter, where she broke barriers in a male-dominated field and contributed to major projects across the Midwest. She has since held senior leadership roles in presidential and statewide campaigns, demonstrating a remarkable ability to navigate policy, advocacy, and community engagement.

Michele holds a Master of Science in Organizational Development and a Bachelor in Communications from Avila University, and completed coursework in Public International Law and World Politics at Leiden University, one of the world’s top-ranked law schools. Her global perspective informs her advocacy for equity in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.

She remains a leading voice for Black women and underserved communities in her region and beyond.

Hall Family Foundation

Health Forward Foundation

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Offices at Park 39

Sue Seidler Nerman and Lewis Nerman

William Jewell College