Byllye Y. Avery, B.A., M.Ed.

A dreamer, visionary, and grassroots realist, Ms. Avery combines activism and social responsibility by developing a national forum for the exploration of health issues of African-American women. By gathering and documenting African-American women's health experiences she is providing a supportive atmosphere for African-American women. Prior to her entry into the health care arena, Ms. Avery taught special education to emotionally disturbed students and consulted on learning disabilities in public schools and universities throughout the southeastern United States.

Degrees:
Honorary Degrees from:

• Thomas Jefferson University
• State University At New York at Binghamton
• Gettysburg College
• Bowdoin College
• Bates University

Associations:

• Senior Lecturer, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
• Founder, The Avery Institute for Social Change
• Founder, National Black Women's Health Project
• Co-Founder, Gainsville Women's Health Center
• Co-Founder, Birthplace, An Alternative Birthing Center
• Member, Charter Advisory Committee, Office of Women's Health, NIH
• Visiting Fellow, Harvard School of Public Health

Awards:

• Trailblazer Award, Lifetime Television, 2002
• Business and expert Women's New Horizons Award,1998
• University of Florida's School of Medicine's Leadership Award, 1998
• Dorothy Height Lifetime Achievement Award, 1995
• President's Citation of the American Public Health Association, 1995
• Academy of Science Institute of Medicine's Gustav O. Leihard Award for the Advancement of Health Care, 1994
• Grassroots Realist Award, Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, 1994
• Mac Arthur Foundation Fellowship for Social Contribution, 1989

Publications:

• Author, An Alter of Words: Wisdom, Comfort and Inspiration for African-American Women

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