Antonia Novello, M.D., MPH

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Novello was both the first woman and the first Hispanic to serve as U.S. Surgeon General. She studied at the University of Puerto Rico and Johns Hopkins University, then became a pediatric nephrologist.

She joined the U.S. Public Health Service in 1979 and held various roles at the National Institutes of Health throughout the 1980s, including as a coordinator for AIDS research. Her work on pediatric AIDS caught the attention of the White House. President George H.W. Bush appointed her surgeon general in 1990.

Dr. Novello's focus as Surgeon General was on the health of women, children and minorities. She worked on campaigns to tackle underage drinking and smoking in addition to AIDS. She also helped launch early childhood health initiatives, and promoted immunization and childhood injury prevention.

Bianka Soria - Olmos, D.O.

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Soria - Olmos was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. She attended Texas Christian University (TCU) and earned a degree in biology. Following graduation, she chose to stay local and attended medical school at the University of North Texas Health Science Center/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth. 

Dr. Soria - Olmos is a first - generation Mexican American pediatrician practicing at Cook Children's Pediatrics in Haslet, Texas. She is also a medical advisor for Digital Health and her special interests include child safety, child development and asthma. 

In addition to being a pediatrician, Dr. Soria - Olmos is also an advocate for the Hispanic community. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she has given countless interviews and talks in Spanish to help people better understand the disease and what they can do to protect themselves and their families.