WINGS 2026
Is Coming
This hybrid symposium brings together female and femme-identifying students, trainees, clinicians, and leaders pursuing careers in neurosurgery and the clinical neurosciences.
We've got a great week planned for WINGS at CNS 2026
WINGS at CNS 2026 will bring together global leaders, experts, and allies to share insights, foster collaboration, and create actionable strategies that advance women in neuroscience and strengthen our community for the years ahead.
Trailblazers of Neuroscience
Discover the inspiring stories of female leaders who are paving the way in neurosurgery, breaking barriers, and shaping the future of the field.
WINS Scholars & Mentors
Hear from award-winning WINS Scholars and their mentors as they share their journeys, achievements, and the power of mentorship in advancing careers.
Diversity in Leadership
Explore how diverse perspectives strengthen leadership, innovation, and mentorship across neuroscience and beyond.
Transcending Global Challenges
Learn from global experts addressing the unique challenges women face in neurosurgery worldwideāand the strategies to overcome them.
Allyship in Action
Gain practical insights on how allyship and partnership can create more inclusive, supportive environments in neurosurgery and healthcare.
Celebrating Excellence
Join us as Mission:Brain announces special awards, recognizes outstanding contributions, and honors the leaders shaping the future of neuroscience.
Meet The Leadership Team
An organization only goes as far as it's people choose to take it.
Executive Team
Executive Team
Director
Co-Lead
Co-Lead
Speakers Co-Lead
Speakers Co-Lead
Social Media Co-Lead
āSocial Media Co-Lead
Social Media Advisor
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Logistics Co-Lead
Logistics Co-Lead
Research Co-Lead
Research Co-Lead
Attendee Co-Lead
Attendee Co-Lead
Funding Co-Lead
Funding Co-Lead
This Year's Agenda
Are you interested in global neurosurgery? Global neuroscience? Leaders changing the landscape around the world? Join us for an afternoon of celebrating women in neuroscience.
Chair of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Rochester
Dr. Zadeh, MD, PhD, holds the William J. and Charles H. Mayo Professorship I. A leading neurosurgeon-scientist, her brain tumor research has earned major honors including the Canada Gairdner Momentum Award.
Professor of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota
Dr. Ann Parr is a professor of neurosurgery at the University of Minnesota whose research focuses on stem cell therapies for spinal cord injury.
2025 WINS Scholar
PGY3 neurosurgery resident in Uzbekistan focused on endovascular treatment of aneurysms.
Professor of Neurosurgery, University of Florida; Past President, WINS
Dr. Rahman specializes in brain and spinal tumors and leads development of novel therapies including immunotherapy and laser interstitial thermotherapy. She served as President of Women in Neurosurgery (2024-2025) and hosts WINS Scholars at the University of Florida.
Brain Tumor Neurosurgeon-Scientist, Mayo Clinic Florida
Dr. Clark, MD, PhD, holds the State of Florida Endowed Chair of Cancer Research. Trained at Harvard, Yale, Mass General, and MD Anderson, she leads a laboratory investigating the molecular mechanisms of meningiomas and schwannomas.
2025 WINS Scholar
PGY6 neurosurgery resident at Yopougon University Hospital in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.
The first Black woman neurosurgeon in the United States
Dr. Alexa Canady became the first Black woman neurosurgeon in the United States in 1981 and served as chief of neurosurgery at the Children's Hospital of Michigan.
Associate Professor and Associate Director of Global Surgery, Northwest School of Medicine, Pakistan
Dr. Almas Fasih Khattak is an associate professor at Northwest School of Medicine in Peshawar, Pakistan, whose work centers on global surgery and neurosurgical advocacy.
Professor of Neurosurgery, Stanford University
Dr. Odette Harris is a professor of neurosurgery at Stanford University and a leading voice on diversity and traumatic brain injury care.
Neurosurgeon, Aga Khan University, Nairobi
Dr. Beverly Cheserem is a neurosurgeon at Aga Khan University in Nairobi, Kenya, active in expanding neurosurgical care across East Africa.
mission:BRAIN Board Member
Dr. Ellianne Dos Santos serves on the mission:BRAIN board.
Associate Professor, Mayo Clinic Rochester; Treasurer, WINS
Dr. Ali directs the Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery Fellowship at Mayo Clinic Rochester, specializing in surgical treatments for pain, movement disorders, epilepsy, and stroke recovery.
Professor of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University
Dr. Shenandoah Robinson is a pediatric neurosurgeon and professor of neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University.
Functional Neurosurgeon, BP - A Beneficencia Portuguesa de Sao Paulo
Dr. Milanese, MD, PhD, is President-Elect of the Brazilian Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Mayo Clinic Florida, and a specialist in deep brain stimulation, tractography, and connectomics.
Chair of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Florida; Co-Founder, Mission:BRAIN
Dr. Q is a Harvard-trained neurosurgeon internationally recognized for brain mapping and minimally invasive tumor surgery, with over 500 publications. He serves as International Vice-Chair of the AANS/CNS Tumor Section.
President and CEO, Barrow Neurological Institute; Co-Founder, Mission:BRAIN
Dr. Lawton chairs Neurosurgery at Barrow and leads its Vascular and Skull Base programs.
Professor of Neurosurgery, UCLA; mission:BRAIN Board Member
Dr. Isaac Yang is a professor of neurosurgery at UCLA and serves on the mission:BRAIN board.
Associate Clinical Professor, Stanford Medicine; Chief of Neurosurgery, VA Palo Alto
Dr. Han has been a Mission:BRAIN volunteer surgeon since 2014 and a medical board member since 2023, and serves on the Neurosurgeon Educator Committee at the Society of Neurological Surgeons.
Neurosurgeon, SUNY Downstate; mission:BRAIN Board Member
Dr. Ernest J. Barthelemy is a neurosurgeon at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, a leader in global neurosurgery, and a mission:BRAIN board member.
Get all of your M:B WINGS questions answered
Please review these before reaching out!
No, the event is open to all genders. While the event highlights and celebrates women in neuroscience, everyone is encouraged and welcome to attend.
No, the event focuses on neuroscience as a whole, not just neurosurgery. Come and enjoy!!
The theme for this year is Mentorship Without Borders: Empowering Women Neurosurgeons Worldwide
JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, 900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
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Yes, attendees will have opportunities to participate in live Q&A sessions and engage with speakers during interactive panels. For virtual attendees, there will also be options to submit questions in real-time.
Virtual attendees will have access to live-streamed sessions, interactive Q&As, and networking opportunities through our online platform. Links and access details will be provided upon registration.
This year, the event will take place from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM, allowing for a full morning of insightful sessions, networking, and discussions.
The symposium offers both in-person and virtual attendance options. You can select the format that best suits your schedule and location during the registration process.
This event is designed for professionals, students, and advocates in neuroscience and neurosurgery who are passionate about supporting women in these fields. Whether you're looking to network, learn from global leaders, or gain insights on allyship, this event is open to all. Everyone is welcomeāfrom medical students to neurosurgeons, and anyone with an interest in neuroscience. See you there!!!
Still have questions?
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