Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, a scholar dedicated to celebrating the contributions and leadership of historical black figures, created “Negro History Week” the second week of February. It was expanded to a month by U.S. President Gerald Ford in 1976. Black History Month is now celebrated in the United States, Canada, and across Europe.
At Pediatric Specialists of Virginia (PSV), we are taking part in this year’s Black History Month celebration by spotlighting some of our dedicated and talented team members—get to know them below and be sure to say hello when making your visit to PSV!
El'Nora (Nora) Washington
Ambulatory Surgery Center Manager
What is your biggest inspiration?
I am inspired daily by my father’s legacy. He taught me to not worry about my weaknesses and to always focus on and take advantage of my strengths. I strive every day to be the best version of myself, and I know he is proud of the person I am.
What do you like about working at PSV?
PSV has afforded me countless opportunities throughout the years, allowing me to learn and grow as a professional. Across the many positions I have held throughout my time here, I have always felt that I was part of a team working cohesively to achieve one goal: providing excellent care for our patients. That’s what I enjoy the most about working at PSV—not only leading a team but being a part of one as well.
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
I don’t necessarily do anything specific to celebrate Black History Month as in my eyes every day and every month is Black History Month. The achievements and accomplishments of African Americans should not only be celebrated in the month of February, rather, our excellence and monumental contributions to society should be celebrated regularly. I do my best to educate my children on African American excellence year-round but admit that we do try to emphasize this during the month of February.
Coresha Wright
Physician Relations Coordinator
Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
Originally from sunny San Diego, California, I am the oldest of 9 children and an auntie to the most precious 10-year-old. I have a 2-year-old son who rules my world and a host of friends that keep me balanced. We are a huge sports family, and I have played, mentored, and coached basketball for many years. Helping people brings me the most joy, so healthcare was a perfect fit for me! I have been in the healthcare field for 10 years now and the impact it has made on my life is priceless—I wouldn’t change it for the world.
What is your biggest inspiration?
My circle—I am surrounded by some of the most phenomenal and inspiring women of color. I have friends who have moved mountains within their community. Therapists, who have helped young black and brown children see themselves when the world saw them as something else. I am constantly inspired by the success of my peers, my loved ones, and the accomplishments they have achieved. I see MYSELF in the company I keep, and in every person of color making a difference.
What do you like about working at PSV?
I love working at PSV, especially because of our location in the DMV where we celebrate such a diverse group of patients and providers. Growing up, I never had the pleasure of being treated by an African American physician, and I am proud to see PSV continuing to diversify our amazing healthcare professionals that care for the children of Northern Virginia and its surrounding communities.
Do you have a favorite book or quote?
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Caotes
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
I pour more into my community. I shop and wear black-owned clothing brands and make sure to visit black-owned restaurants. Being so close, visiting the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC is a priceless adventure for my family during Black History Month.
Nitsuh Liku
Clinical Supervisor
Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
I’m a proud Ethiopian, born and raised in the motherland.
What do you like about working at PSV?
I enjoy working together with a diverse group of people from all walks of life to better serve our community.
What is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is seeing people that look like me or have similar background as me succeed. I didn’t see this growing up, but it sure is amazing to see now. It’s a blessing knowing that my family is proud of my success and to be someone that my nieces can look up to.
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
To me, every month is Black History Month!
Keith Williams
Clinic Manager
Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
I was born and raised in New York and made my first trip to this area for college where I attended Georgetown University. After graduation, I spent a few years as a personal trainer and as a fitness specialist for mentally disabled adults at a day program in Washington, DC before getting into medical practice management. I’ve been managing different medical practices for more than 15 years now, ranging from Retina to Neurology to now Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.
What do you like about working at PSV?
I like the opportunity to make a positive impact in people’s lives and being a positive influence. At PSV, I have a great team that have a heart and compassion for helping—that makes all the difference! I’ve always enjoyed working with children, so PSV was a great fit for me. Also, shortly after interviewing for the position, I found out that some of my good friends’ relatives were patients with CCBD which was even further confirmation that this was where I was supposed to be.
What is your biggest inspiration?
My dad because he accomplished many things during his lifetime that were not common for men of color during his time:
- Officer in the military (tank battalion commander)
- Worked with the Rockefellers, who paid for him to get his MBA at Columbia University
- Recruited by the CIA, which he turned down
- Started his own business consulting company
- Featured in Black Enterprise magazine
Needless to say, he left some big shoes to fill when he passed away in November of 2017.
Do you have a favorite book or quote?
There are many, but one that comes to mind is, “You can have anything in life you want, if you help enough other people get what they want.”
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
I make a point to take the time to acknowledge how far we’ve come and how far we have to go. It will be great when there doesn’t have to be designated “Black History” month because in the end, it is all a part of America’s history that should be taught along with all other American history, not as an amendment to the history books.
Candice Kenner
Patient Services Representative
Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
Aside from my role at PSV, I am studying to become an occupation therapist and planning to work with children with down syndrome. I am passionate about volunteering, working with the Red Cross across the United States in California, Texas, and my family’s hometown of New Orleans, as well as abroad in Haiti and Singapore. I also volunteer with my community in Washington, DC and spent nearly a year working with the Domestic Violence Center for Women and Children in London, which was an amazing experience.
I am the proud mother of three wonderful boys, and enjoy modeling, playing basketball, gardening, shopping, travel, and teaching African dance. I also study Buddhism and hope to visit Africa, Bali, Thailand, and Tibet soon.
Do you have a favorite book or quote?
One of my favorite books that I frequently reread is “Black and Buddhist: What Buddhism Can Teach Us about Race, Resilience, Transformation, and Freedom,” by Pamela Ayo Yetunde and Cheryl Giles.
“You don't have to live next to me. Just give me my equality” and “I’m human I have faults like everyone else” by the great jazz musician Nina Simone.
What is your biggest inspiration?
I am inspired to one day open a school for children with special needs, and to bring more attention to the Special Olympics. I am also inspired to open more clinics in my community that offer an herbal approach to medicine.
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
I celebrate black history daily all year-round by showing a lot of love to black-owned businesses. Being from Washington, DC is a beautiful thing because I see a lot of historical things every day and we really admire our culture so there is always a celebration of black history.