Annie J. Ross-Womack is the Executive Director for SCDAA / Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association, Incorporated, a statewide non-profit providing education, advocacy, and support to individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease for over 60 years. She advocates for families, neighborhoods, small businesses, and civil rights while serving the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Leadership Council, Columbus NAACP Executive Committee, Near East Area Commission, and other community-driven initiatives.
Annie is a successful entrepreneur managing a 25-year company, Small Business Solutions, specializing in grant writing, small business management, and financial literacy. She is also currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Long Street Business Association. This community-based non-profit assists in developing distressed communities in and around central Ohio, emphasizing entrepreneurship and small business development, retention, and expansion.
Annie is the proud parent of three children and three adorable grandchildren, which is why her passion and drive to advocate, educate, and change society’s narrative for those who have been marginalized. Her schedule is hectic, but she ensures that God maintains the center of her life and always balances time for family and friends. She is an active member of Lord of Life Fellowship Church and serves in several capacities, including Minister.
Her motto is: “I am who God says I am, and everything I achieve in this life is because of Him.”
Annie is the recipient of the 2021 Publisher’s Awards for her efforts to educate the community on health issues.
Hello: I am a Cleveland area physician. I am disturbed that few people in health care and the at-risk population know about preventing sickle cell using IVF and genetic testing. I find that people working in the SCD space seem solely focused on providing care for the those who are sick and for promoting the cure. These are both very important but I think there will be no significant impact on the number of children born each year with sickle cell until more people are educated about this option of prevention.