#United States #New York #Women's Health #Northwell Health #Hearst Magazines

A Platform for Change: The 3rd Annual Women's Health Lab

On May 18, 2026, Hearst Magazines brought together influential voices in women's healthcare for the third edition of the Women's Health Lab, a hallmark event dedicated to enhancing women's health knowledge and advocacy. Held at The New York Historical Society, this exclusive gathering featured a diverse lineup of medical professionals, celebrities, and thought leaders diving into significant health issues facing women today.

The event kicked off with empowering remarks from Abigail Cuffey, Executive Editor of Women's Health, and Lisa Ryan Howard, EVP and Global Chief Revenue Officer of Hearst Magazines. They emphasized the importance of informed health discussions, urging attendees to share newfound insights beyond the event's confines. Cuffey highlighted that when women are heard and believed, impactful change is possible, defining the essence of this year’s lab.

Engaging Discussions and Notable Speakers

Among the notable speakers were Jessica Capshaw, Laura Dern, and Chelsea Gray. Their engaging panels provided powerful perspectives on various health topics—from cognitive health to mental well-being and innovation in healthcare. Cuffey noted that in a world filled with misinformation, women's health reporting must be reliable and expert-driven.

Some highlights included discussions moderated by prominent figures in the health and wellness industry. One such panel, featuring health educator Barbara Dehn and actor Garcelle Beauvais, focused on the experiences surrounding menopause and how to share personal narratives effectively.

The lab's programming also featured discussions that tackled pressing and often stigmatized health challenges. For instance, one panel explored interstitial lung disease with Laura Dern and medical experts, emphasizing the struggles of delayed diagnoses and the importance of self-advocacy.

A Collaborative Effort

Lilly served as the title sponsor for this year's event, alongside other sponsors including Altra, Bayer, and L'Oréal Paris. This collaborative effort exemplifies the support from various sectors in advancing women's health solutions.

The event encapsulated vital topics like:

• - Longevity and Resilience: A session by Sutton Foster and Dr. Tara Narula, focusing on how movement and mindset shape both physical and emotional health.
• - Mental Health: Insights shared by musician Gracie Lawrence, discussing ambition and identity in the creative spotlight, emphasizing resilience and vulnerability.
• - Skin Health and GLP-1 Impact: A thorough examination of how medications influence skin health, featuring industry experts and discussions led by Women's Health Beauty Director Brian Underwood.

Looking Ahead: Conversations for Change

An exciting dimension of the Women's Health Lab is its focus on fostering conversations that lead to real change. Attendees were encouraged to leave with actionable insights, whether challenging stigmas or advocating for oneself and others. Notably, Cuffey's call to take lessons learned from the event resonated with many, reinforcing the idea that collective knowledge sharing is paramount for progress in women's health.

As the 2026 Women's Health Lab concluded, the conversations from this event are set to be made available for on-demand viewing, allowing individuals worldwide to engage with the vital discussions that took place. The impact of this lab goes beyond a one-time event, paving the way for ongoing advocacy and education in women's health.

This year's lab was a significant step in the right direction, combining the power of celebrity influence with rigorous medical expertise. It showcased the spirit of collaboration necessary to build a future where women's health matters are given the attention and action they rightfully deserve.

For more updates and highlights, follow the event's journey on social media with #HearstHealthLab.