Columbus School for Girls

Columbus School for Girls is proud to announce that Dr. Julia Stevenson has been selected as the 2019 Alumna of the Year. Julia is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and owner of Cardinal Plastic Surgery in Chesapeake, VA. A medical mission and community volunteer, she is not only committed to CSG, but also to empowering patients through effective advocacy and education.

After spending time as a hospital employee, Julia made the decision to open her own practice in 2018. Cardinal Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive plastic and reconstructive surgery care and an opportunity for her to participate in her passion for community outreach. As a volunteer with Anidaso Health and its affiliate, Salormey Volunteers Group, in 2016, Dr. Stevenson traveled to Ghana on a medical mission to treat patients with limited access to healthcare. Over a six-day period, she and another surgeon completed more than 70 operations. She currently serves as a member of the EVMS-Sentara Community Advisory Board to address health inequities in Hampton Roads; a member of the Board of Directors for Pink Perseverance, a breast cancer awareness non-profit; a member of the Portsmouth Health Department’s Breast Cancer Coalition; and co-chair of the Health & Wellness Committee of the National Council of Negro Women. She shared experiences and her perspective with CSG’s graduating students of color at the 2017 Leaders Launch.

“It is a huge honor,” Julia said. “Because CSG really does hold a special place in my heart and is a part of who I am today. When I think of the tagline, ‘She will know her power,’  I love that. It’s not until you actually know for yourself, that it can’t be stopped. CSG helped me to see that.”

A graduate of CSG’s Class of 1999, Julia earned a Bachelor’s Degree in biology at Hampton University before earning her medical doctorate at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. She then completed a rigorous plastic surgery residency at Penn State Hershey, becoming the first African-American to graduate from the distinguished program.

“When it comes to health and wellness, Julia is bridging the gap between communities and resources,” said Head of School Jennifer Ciccarelli.  “She also makes a point to come to back to Columbus and share her experiences with current students. It is always inspiring to see CSG alumnae giving back to their communities in meaningful ways. We are excited to honor Julia as the CSG Alumna of the Year.”

The CSG Alumna of the Year Award celebrates a CSG graduate who represents the highest principles of CSG, and through that display, has made outstanding contributions in her area of endeavor. As a leader in the medical community, Julia consistently meets and often exceeds those standards.

Julia will formally accept the award before students, family, friends, and fellow alumnae at an Upper School assembly on April 26, 2019, at 1:15 p.m. in the School’s Agnes Jeffrey Shedd Theater.  All alumnae are welcome to attend. For more information on the program, contact Tanya McCarthy at tmccarthy@columbusschoolforgirls.org.