Award Profile
The Felicia Hill-Briggs Trailblazer in Health Equity Award is given in memory of Felicia Hill-Briggs, PhD, a tireless advocate for health equity and a national leader in diabetes care, education, and research. Dr. Hill-Briggs served as the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA’s) 2018 president for health care and education and was a former member of the ADA Board of Directors. Her work centered on eliminating disparities and advancing equity in diabetes outcomes through science, community engagement, and mentorship.
This award recognizes a diabetes professional from a historically underrepresented background who has made a transformative impact on advancing health equity in diabetes prevention, awareness, research, clinical care, public health, and/or education. The recipient will embody the values and legacy of Dr. Hill-Briggs as a leader, innovator, mentor, and advocate in the field of diabetes.
Felicia Hill-Briggs Trailblazer in Health Equity Award Recipient Selection Process
The award recipient will be selected by the ADA Advisory Group and an external advisory board. The committee will review and evaluate all nominations based on documented impact in improving access, equity, and outcomes in diabetes care, education, and research.
Felicia Hill-Briggs Trailblazer in Health Equity Award Eligibility Criteria
Principal criteria: To recognize a professional in the diabetes field from a historically underrepresented group who has made outstanding and/or innovative contributions toward improving health equity in diabetes prevention, care, education, public health, and/or research.
Additional considerations:
- National and/or international contributions to the advancement of equity in diabetes.
- Impact as a teacher and mentor.
- Contributions to the ADA and the broader diabetes community.
There are no specific degree or residency requirements. Nominees may not be current ADA national officers or have held such a position in the past three years.
Nomination Submission Guidelines
All award nominations must be submitted as a single PDF file and include:
- A letter of nomination (no more than 400 words), signed by no more than three individuals.
- The nominee’s biography.
- The nominee’s curriculum vitae (CV) with highlights of career achievements, publications, and documentation of teaching and mentorship.
Nominations are welcome from ADA professional members and non-members alike. Nominations from individuals and organizations committed to advancing health equity in diabetes are encouraged. Call for nominations is now open and will close on December 25, 2025.
Please email the nomination PDF file to: access@diabetes.org
Lecture/Publication of Lecture
The award recipient will deliver the Felicia Hill-Briggs Trailblazer in Health Equity Award Lecture at the ADA’s 2026 Scientific Sessions.
Honorarium, travel, and registration:
- The recipient receives a $1,000 honorarium.
- The award includes reimbursable travel of up to $600 and one complimentary registration to the 2026 Scientific Sessions (June 5–8, 2026) in New Orleans, LA.
Previous recipients of the Dr. Felicia Hill-Briggs Trailblazer in Health Equity Award:
- 2025*: Tiffany Gary-Webb, PhD, MHS
*Inaugural year