Regis College has selected Ophelia Dahl as the 2024 Shining Example Award recipient for her outstanding contributions to global health and social justice and her commitment to creating a better world for all at the eighth annual Let It Shine Gala on Oct. 30, at the Four Seasons Boston Hotel.
Dahl, co-founder of Partners In Health (PIH), has been a driving force in revolutionizing healthcare for the most vulnerable populations. Her tireless dedication to improving access to high-quality healthcare in impoverished regions has transformed countless lives and communities. Since its inception, PIH has expanded to multiple countries, providing comprehensive healthcare services and advocating for systemic change in global health policies.
“As a university that is committed to instilling in its students’ character and confidence so that they may pursue a career and life of meaning, Regis is thrilled to honor Ophelia Dahl for her remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to increasing access to healthcare and social justice,” said President Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN. “Her work exemplifies the core values of the Sisters of St. Joseph such as gracious hospitality and love and service of the Dear Neighbor without distinction. As the university continues to inspire its students to discover their passion and purpose, Ophelia is a wonderful example of an individual who has committed her life to improving the lives of others.”
Dahl, a co-founder of PIH with Dr. Paul Farmer, now serves as the chair of the global nonprofit’s Board of Directors following 16 years as executive director. Under Dahl’s leadership, PIH began serving individuals on Haiti’s Central Plateau and expanded PIH’s healthcare and humanitarian reach to 10 countries on four continents, according to PIH. PIH also reports that Dahl is a recipient of the Radcliffe Medal, Union Theological Seminary’s Union Medal and, together with her PIH colleagues, the Hilton Humanitarian Prize. She graduated from Wellesley College.
“Partners In Health was founded to increase access to healthcare and transform the lives of those in the greatest of need,” said Dahl. “There are several shared similarities between the Partners In Health and the Regis mission, notably a commitment to enhance the lives of those these two organizations serve: one through healthcare and the other through an education that prepares students to serve and lead as advocates for a more just and compassionate global society. I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Regis and share it with all members of the Partners In Health team who carry out our commitment each day of providing quality healthcare around the world.”
Since its inception, the Let It Shine Gala has raised more than $6 million for student scholarships that help provide greater access to higher education for students with a demonstrated need of assistance. The Let It Shine Gala promises to be an inspiring evening, emceed by 7NEWS Anchor Amaka Ubaka, and will feature a formal dinner and heartening speeches from student scholars.
Sponsorships for the gala are available now and individual tickets will go on sale in September. For more information on the event, please visit the 2024 Let It Shine Gala website.
