The Athena Awards, an esteemed accolade presented by the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, serve as a powerful testament to the extraordinary achievements of women leaders within the community. Established to honor the dedication and contributions of women who excel in their professional and personal endeavors, the awards not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also promote the importance of women’s leadership and empowerment. The historical roots of the Athena Awards can be traced back to the Athena International organization established in 1982.
Implemented as a means to recognize and elevate the role of women in various sectors, the awards were designed to honor women who demonstrate excellence in their professional lives while also helping to empower other women. This year’s award honorees came from diverse backgrounds and careers. Each candidate underwent a rigorous selection process. These women have all made significant contributions to their communities through professional achievements and advocacy for women’s rights. This year’s recipient was no exception.
Dr. Wanda Henderson Thomas is a full professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Program Director, and Associate Dean for Admissions at LSU Health Shreveport. She began serving others while in college and hasn’t stopped since. She graduated from Caddo Parish Magnet High School in 1992, earned a B.S. in Biology from Yale University in 1996, and a medical degree from LSU Medical School in New Orleans in 2000. She returned to Shreveport to enter the Pediatric Residency program at LSU Health Shreveport, where she completed her training in 2003.
“My initial position on staff at LSU Health Shreveport was that of Instructor in the Department of Pediatrics as well one of two inaugural Pediatric Hospitalists. I continue to work as a Hospitalist at our Ochsner LSU St. Mary’s location.” She continues to see patients in a weekly private clinic. “This has afforded me the opportunity to grow more personal and professional relationships with children and families throughout the greater North Louisiana community.” In 2020, Dr. Thomas was promoted to full Professor.
That same year, she had the honor and responsibility of serving as Associate Dean for Admissions at LSU Health Shreveport Medical School. As a member of the senior leadership at the medical school, Dr. Thomas engages with women at all levels of healthcare service. From mentoring medical students and serving as a fourth-year women’s advisor to writing residency recommendation letters, she has developed close professional relationships with the students. She has also served as a preceptor for Nurse Practitioner students who need clinical hours in pediatrics. These students shadow her in her private clinic as well as on the wards as they learn how to care for pediatric patients.
Dr. Thomas’ pursuit of medicine as a career began at home. “Having no physicians in my family, my parents encouraged me to be limitless in my pursuit of academic achievement. Along with academic excellence, I trained in classical ballet for almost 15 years. The rigors of dance taught me that time, dedication, and perfect practice are essential tools to being successful in any field.”
Balancing the hours of dance training and performing, along with a difficult academic load, made her thrive. She found herself drawn to the challenges of Science and Math. Those two subjects opened her eyes to the possibility of becoming a physician trailblazer, someone who can make an impactful difference in the greater community. “In the spirit of excellence, I sought out a college that would challenge me in both my studies and in my views of the world. Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, I always knew that there was so much more in the world to see. As the child of educators, my parents instilled in me a thirst for knowledge. I have always known that education is the means by which the world and its endless possibilities would open to me.”
Dr. Thomas was introduced to the National Area Health Education Center (AHEC)Association (NAO) as a fourth-year medical student completing my Family Medicine clerkship with one of the state’s AHEC community preceptors. She has served as the Program Director of LSU Health Shreveport’s AHEC office since 2013..
That shadowing experience with AHEC, a federally funded program that aims to increase the healthcare workforce in rural and underserved communities, solidified her desire to work in primary care and serve the patients of North Louisiana and beyond. “I have served in several leadership positions within the National AHEC organization. In October 2024, I will begin my tenure as president of the National AHEC Organization.”
Dr. Thomas is a published medical professional who has been called upon to present several of her papers and PowerPoint at professional meetings that include (just to give you a taste)
The Southern Regional Meeting in February 2008; PowerPoint Presentation: Louisiana Immunization Network for Kids Statewide, It’s Impact Statewide. Utilizing LINKS to Improve Immunization Status of Children Admitted to the Children’s Hospital of LSUHSC-Shreveport.
Southern Regional Meeting. February 2018 PowerPoint Presentation: A Rare Presentation of Achalasia in a Teenager.
To further demonstrate her expertise and scholarly/ creative achievement, Dr Thomas has lectured at the following:
Partnership in Science Education Pipeline: Association for Academic Minority Physicians, Naples, Florida, October 2010 National AHEC Organization Conference Student Plenary, Washington, DC July 2016 National AHEC Organization Conference Student Plenary, Washington, DC July 2018
National Association of Minority Educators (NAMME), Inc. Dallas, Texas April 2018
National AHEC Organization Spring Conference Plenary, San Diego, California March 2019
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Group on Diversity and Inclusion (GDI)Professional Development Conference. Washington, DC March 11, 2022. Collaborative discussion with Offices of Diversity Affairs and Student Affairs-Improving Recruitment of African American and Black Students into Medical Education Yale Medical School.
Recruitment Presentation. June 30, 2022. New Haven, CT. Collaborative Discussion with Offices of Diversity Affairs and Student Affairs- Improving Recruitment of African American and Black Students into Medical Education.
National AHEC Organization Conference Student Plenary, Salt Lake City, UT, July 2023.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Group on Student Affairs, Learn Serve Lead, Admissions Breakout Session, Atlanta, GA, November 2024.
This is just a smidgeon of what this remarkable woman has accomplished.
She is also a member of the Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she has served in numerous capacities. As a member of the Shreveport Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, since 2006, she has mentored countless adolescent females at Bethune Middle School Academy and Caddo Heights Elementary School. The Obesity Initiative she shares with the children of our community has been a vital bridge between her service organizations and her career. She works hard to instill in her mentees selfworth and life skills that are critical to successful living. She is also an active member of the Shreveport Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, serving specifically as Chairperson of the Physical and Mental Health Committee.
Dr. Thomas has served in many leadership roles in the Jack and Jill of America organization, including charter president, recording secretary, bylaws chair, and foundation chair of the community’s current chapter. “What makes our organization so unique in our community is our commitment to the inclusion of mothers, fathers, and our Jacks and Jills in the delivery of time, talent, and treasure to places we call home.”
She serves on several boards, including the Community Foundation and the Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet.
Dr. Wanda Thomas exemplifies the purpose of the Athena Awards. The Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Athena Awards committee is proud to add her to the stellar list of award winners. These female leaders have all made significant contributions to their communities. With a rich historical background, rigorous selection process, and numerous profiles of inspiring recipients, the Athena Awards celebrate individual accomplishments and promote women’s empowerment and leadership. The ceremony is an emotional and engaging experience that unites the community to appreciate these trailblazing women.
