WME's Inaugural Women's Health Summit Draws A-List Attendees, Highlights Research Funding Disparities
The event in Malibu featured prominent figures discussing women's health issues, with a stark comparison drawn between funding for PMS and erectile dysfunction.
The William Morris Endeavor (WME) agency hosted its inaugural Women's Health Summit at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, bringing together notable figures from Hollywood, politics, and finance. The summit, held the day before the area experienced evacuations due to the Bryson Fire, aimed to address critical issues in women's health.
Attendees included actors Mandy Moore and Emmy Rossum, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Phoebe Gates, U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood, and California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra. WME Group co-chairman Richard Weitz and WME’s co-head of talent Andrew Dunlap were also present.
Katie Couric, who is working on a documentary titled "Hormonal!" that explores the crisis in women's health, appeared via video to share a striking statistic. She noted that erectile dysfunction, which affects 19% of men, has received five times more research funding than premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which impacts 90% of women. This revelation reportedly elicited gasps from the audience.
Jeanell English, WME’s Head of Community and Impact, stated that the summit was inspired by WME clients such as Emmy Rossum, Halle Berry, Katie Couric, Lupita Nyong’o, and Mandy Moore, for whom women's health advocacy is a personal cause. WME clients Halle Berry and Lupita Nyong’o are known for their vocal advocacy in this area.
In collaboration with the Foundation for Women’s Health, WME has established the WME x Foundation for Women’s Health Catalytic Research Fund. Hannah Linkenhoker, WME’s senior policy and political advisor, and English led the initiative for the agency.