Niagara Falls native returns home to address Black History Month event

A Niagara Falls native and health care researcher who specializes in cultural diversity and competence issues is returning home to serve as keynote speaker for Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center's annual Black History Month celebration.

Sonya M. Sconiers will speak at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 10, in the Medical Center Auditorium, 621 10th St.

An experienced health care administrator and associate editor for The International Journal of Diversity in Organizations, Communities and Nations, Sconiers entered the health care field as an occupational therapist before going on to earn a master of science degree in physical therapy from Texas Woman's University and a doctorate in health care administration from University of Phoenix Online.

She has realized success in a number of administrative and clinical management roles, and excels in analyzing inefficiencies and developing quality improvement campaigns that consistently boost revenue. A Washington, D.C.-area resident, her community involvement includes youth mentoring through education, movement and dance, and developing a health careers program for honors high school students.

"My Health Counts," Memorial Medical Center's annual black history celebration, will begin with healthy heart wellness presentations and blood pressure screening at 10 a.m. Friday. A luncheon program featuring Sconiers will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will be hosted by Annie Fields-Chapman.

Program highlights will include the presentation of a special community service award to the Rev. Jesse Scott, pastor of Word of Life Ministries, and musical selections by students from Niagara Street School.

Sponsored by of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and Niagara County Legislator Owen Steed, the event is free and the public is invited. For information, call 285-2382.