WORCESTER, MA — A UMass Chan Medical School professor has been recognized for her work advancing health equity and expanding opportunities in medicine.
Crista Johnson-Agbakwu, MD, founding director of the UMass Chan Collaborative in Health Equity, received the Worcester Black Excellence Award for Community Leadership during the second annual Honoring Black Excellence Celebration on Oct. 2, the medical school announced on Wednesday.
As a professor of obstetrics and gynecology, she was recognized for addressing health care disparities in Worcester through research, education, clinical care and community engagement.
"Receiving the Black Excellence Award for Community Leadership is an incredibly humbling honor, and one that reaffirms my 'why' as to why I pursued a career in medicine, and particularly academic medicine," Johnson-Agbakwu said in an announcement. "It also deepens my commitment to advancing health equity."
The Collaborative in Health Equity brings together colleagues, community partners, students and leaders to address inequities affecting marginalized and underserved populations, according to the school.
"If we can address the inequities experienced by those most marginalized and underserved, we can improve care for all," Johnson-Agbakwu said.
The celebration honors Black leaders making contributions in Worcester and creating opportunities for future generations. Other 2026 honorees included Sean M. Harris, director of community engagement at Quinsigamond Community College, and Worcester Deputy Fire Chief William Mosley.
Johnson-Agbakwu has also focused on mentorship and programs designed to address the underrepresentation of historically marginalized groups in medicine.
"I stand on the shoulders of a legacy of giants who came before us," Johnson-Agbakwu said. "I humbly recognize my responsibility to carry that legacy forward and to inspire the next generation of clinicians, scholars, educators, leaders and advocates who will take up the baton and carry it much farther than we ever could."
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