Dr. Irene Marron-Tarrazzi was one of the half-dozen outstanding women who took home a 2017 Lucy Hobbs Project Award after the Project’s 5th Anniversary Celebration in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The American Dental Association Vice President embodies the fighting spirit and community devotion that pioneer Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor – the first American woman to earn a degree in dentistry – once did herself. Read on for Dr. Marron-Tarrazzi’s story, and find out how to nominate a Woman to Watch for a 2018 Lucy Hobbs Project Award.
Know Someone Similar?
There’s still time to nominate a Woman to Watch for a 2018 Lucy Hobbs Project Award prior to the April 27, 2018 deadline.
Award categories include:
- Woman to Watch: An up-and-coming leader who utilizes her position to create positive change in the industry
- Industry Icon: A trailblazer who is consistently recognized and admired for her work in the dental industry
- Mentor: An advisor who recognizes the importance of supporting, educating and encouraging others
- Innovator: A groundbreaker who demonstrates a willingness to implement new technologies and business processes without fear of potential failure
- Humanitarian: An altruist who works tirelessly for a charity or cause that benefits the well-being of others
- Clinical Expert: A skillful practitioner who embraces advancements and adeptly integrates them into patient care.
If you know someone who fits the criteria above, click here to nominate her today.
Mark your calendar to attend this year’s celebration September 13 to 15 in San Francisco. Don’t wait to register: https://www.lucyhobbscelebration.com/
A Woman to Watch Brings Change
Dr. Marron-Tarrazzi has brought diversity and youth to the American Dental Association, where she serves as Vice President. In its 158 years, the ADA has had featured four female presidents, and one African-American.
The Venezuela native specializes in dental implants and periodontics at her practice, Brickell Periodontics in Miami, Florida.
Standing Out
As a young woman, Dr. Marron-Tarrazzi was trained internationally. She started out by running a successful solo dental practice on Miami’s high-end Brickell Avenue.
What Drives Her?
“A commitment to being part of the group that defines the future of our profession,” said Dr. Marron-Tarrazzi.
Her successful presence on the board has prompted the ADA Board of Trustees to consider making it a requirement that the vice president position be held by a young dentist.
Aiming High
Dr. Marron-Tarrazi explained why she has aimed to do more to pave the way for other young women in leadership. Research shows that when the top-tier of an organization looks like the members it represents, it’s more likely to attract new participants from across its demographic spectrum.
“I like to think my experience has help [the ADA’s] leaders recognize that there are many demographics once considered ‘different’ that are eager to be heard and could make valuable contributions to the future of our profession,” she said.
Not only is Dr. Marron-Tarrazi a leader for the ADA, but also for the Florida Dental Association and the South Florida District Dental Association.
These days, you can find her promoting patient-centered care and working to address the dentistry gender pay gap. “Being a good volunteer is not about the title you hold, but what you can help to accomplish,” she says.
When she’s not at the office, Dr. Marron-Tarrazi enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She loves reading, traveling and discovering local cuisine.
A Word of Advice
“The message I’d like to convey to my female colleagues is that it’s possible to be bold and take chances professionally, to not be afraid to defy the status quo, to be as persistent as you can be, to be resilient, have courage and be prepared to change the world.”