This Women’s History Month, we invited members of our dental school community to reflect on the experiences that have shaped their personal and professional journeys. From mentorship and career challenges to moments of growth and inspiration, their stories highlight the many paths that lead to meaningful impact.
Through these conversations, we celebrate not only their accomplishments, but also the resilience, insight, and dedication they bring to their roles every day.
Gwendolyn Graham, MBA
Director of Clinical Business Operations
Q: Can you tell us about your role at the dental school? What part of your work do you find most rewarding?
A: As the Director of Clinical Business Operations, I oversee the daily administrative and financial operations of the clinic, including the front desk, financial services, specialty clinic coordinators, insurance billers, patient relations, and the Faculty Practice front desk. I develop and implement operational strategies to improve clinical services, streamline workflows, and enhance the overall quality of patient care and service.
Q: What part of your work do you find most rewarding?
A: The most rewarding part of my work is helping my team grow into leaders, watching them gain confidence, and empowering them to make strong, independent decisions.
Q: Looking back, what experiences or challenges have most influenced the path that brought you here? How did you navigate these obstacles?
A: In my leadership position, one of the challenges that has most influenced my path has been learning how to effectively manage and support difficult or frustrated individuals while maintaining professionalism and working toward positive outcomes.
I have navigated these challenges by pursuing professional development opportunities and strengthening my leadership skills. I have also learned to view challenges not as problems, but as opportunities to learn, grow, and turn difficult moments into positive outcomes.
Q: For Women’s History Month, were there mentors or role models who shaped your journey? What lessons or advice from them still guide you today?
A: I have had several mentors and role models (Dana Hart, MBA) who shaped my professional journey. One in particular was Ms. Lynne Sikawa, MBA ‘ 06, my former direct supervisor, who challenged me to think independently and develop my own solutions rather than relying on others for answers.
That lesson I learned from her continues to guide me today, to gather information, analyze situations, consider different options, and take responsibility for my decisions.
Q: How do you see your work inspiring or supporting the next generation of women in the field?
A: I believe that my strengths, accomplishments, and dedication to leading by example can help inspire the next generation of women to pursue and succeed in leadership roles within my field.
Aman Gupta, M.D.
Associate Professor,
Division of Biomedical Sciences
Q: Can you tell us about your role at the dental school?
A: My role at the dental school is teaching, mentoring, and inspiring future dentists in ways that help them to grow in their lives outside and beyond school.
In addition, to designing, reviewing and updating course materials, I develop and administer tests and competencies.
During my one-on-one meetings, I try to gain knowledge of my students as individuals — how they think and think about themselves as learners — as well as of their culture and community. With the heart of a mother and the mind of a trainer, I consider myself an academic parent to students.
Q: What part of your work do you find most rewarding?
A: Teaching brings both personal and emotional fulfillment to me as I don’t look at my work as a job, but a calling to make a difference.
For me, it’s rewarding to witness the growth and progress of my students in their critical thinking skills. The most enjoyable moments are when I can reflect on their ideas in collaboration and I see them gain confidence in their decision-making abilities.
I try setting high expectations for students, and this is my way of showing them that I believe in their potential.
Q: Looking back, what experiences or challenges have most influenced the path that brought you here? How did you navigate these obstacles?
A: Sacrificing professional and financial opportunities for family care and then making a comeback after career break was challenging. Cultural misunderstandings, differences in professional communication style and lack of appreciation are some of the other challenges I have faced.
I consider obstacles a normal part of my life, but they do build stress. I navigate through them by reframing my thoughts, which makes me more appreciative. Practicing gratitude and counting the blessings is something that boosts my wellbeing. Rather than crumbling over discomfort I tend to embrace resilience, take time for self-reflection and this is my perfect time to be altruistic. I think about those who don’t have enough to eat and don’t’ know where the next meal will come from. Invariably, my hardest moments turn out to be blessings in disguise. Therefore, I appreciate the ups and downs as ‘Life begins at the end of your comfort zone’.
Beyond that, a good, hearty laugh has the power to lift our spirits and dispel the worries. I often tend to invite others into my laughter as the world is brighter from behind a smile.
Q: For Women’s History Month, were there mentors or role models who shaped your journey? What lessons or advice from them still guide you today?
A: Family members were my earliest mentors and role models, and they gave me opportunity to create myself. My dad has been my role model in health and fitness, and he helped shape my passion for loving my body so it can love me back. My mom supported my dreams and desire to work as a health care professional. The insight, wisdom, guidance and love of my relatives, friends, teachers, and colleagues made me see what was possible long before I could see it for myself and then challenged me to rise to that vision. They created psychological safety nets that allowed me to leap towards my potential without the fear of falling. Even today they are my lifeline and true heroes. I believe that every person who crossed my path had a reason, be it was a lesson or a blessing, but it helped me create a better version of myself.
The advice of my mentors that still guides me today is to live life like a honeybee. Be selfless, work hard and build a compassionate community.
Q: How do you see your work inspiring or supporting the next generation of women in the field?
A: Teaching is my genuine commitment towards serving, leading and supporting the younger women in their well-being and academic success.
I tend to create a safe space for them where they are heard, build trust so that they feel there is someone out there for them who is not going to be judging them but listening to their challenges, showing empathy and compassion. I support and assist the next generation women by allocating time to my dental students for check-ins with each of them so that they can start to see information and put it into categories for treating patients independently.
For those under pressure to meet targets, I make myself available and provide solutions in simple and practical way. Apart from assisting them reach optimum educational development, I tend to adjust while assessing them as not all women are equipped with same coping skills, the same resources, support and privileges. I hope to instill the same mindset in them. I inspire them by making time for hobbies, staying focused on work and deeply driven. While following their dreams, I observe female dentists reshaping the face of dentistry. They are simple, they prioritize good health, are academically smarter, have ability to transform economy, and in turn all they strive for is safety, autonomy and some fun.
Stephanie Lica, R.D.H., M.S.
Clinical Assistant Professor,
Division of Dental Public Health and Outreach
Q: Can you tell us about your role at the dental school?
A: I am a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Dental Public Health and Outreach. I serve as the lead dental hygienist on the Titans for Teeth Mobile Clinic, where I oversee dental and dental hygiene students as they provide preventive services to community members. Additionally, I teach Dental Anatomy I and II to first-year dental hygiene students.
Q: What part of your work do you find most rewarding?
A: My favorite part of my role is supporting the development of students’ confidence and competence as they progress through their professional programs, particularly in dental anatomy, community-based dental education, and the prevention and promotion of oral health.
Q: Looking back, what experiences or challenges have most influenced the path that brought you here? How did you navigate those obstacles?
A: My greatest professional accomplishment has been completing my master’s degree. Being able to work while gaining both clinical and academic experience throughout the program was incredibly valuable and helped shape me as a professional. Serving in the community and providing care to patients who need it most is deeply rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do the work that I do.
Q: For Women’s History Month, were there mentors of role models who shaped your journey? What lessons or advice from them still guide you today?
A: April Kotermanski, R.D.H., MHSA, and Elizabeth Pitts, R.D.H, M.S. have been two of the most influential mentors in my academic journey. Their support and confidence in me, both as a dental hygiene student and as a professional, have shaped who I am as an educator, clinician, and advocate for my profession. They taught me the importance of pursuing goals, no matter how big or small, and helped me realize that I am capable of creating meaningful, positive change in any role.
Q: How do you see your work inspiring or supporting the next generation of women in the field?
A: I believe my passion for the dental hygiene profession, especially as an educator, shines through in my work. I hope to inspire women to reach for their goals and continue striving for the achievements they set for themselves. Whether that path includes pursuing a master’s degree or exploring opportunities in another field, my hope is that everyone discovers their passion and, in turn, inspires others along the way.
Angela Hoikka, D.D.S. ’02, M.S. Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Assistant Clinical Professor,
Division of Clinical Dentistry
Q: Can you tell us about your role at the dental school? What part of your work do you find most rewarding?
A: While responsible for managing daily radiology clinic operations, I enjoy creating solutions to increase clinic efficiently and decrease stress for faculty, staff and students
Q: Looking back, what experiences or challenges have most influenced the path that brought you here? How did you navigate those obstacles?
Balancing work with family has always been my biggest challenge. The need to continue learning and stay current and engaged brought me back to the University
Q: For Women’s History Month, were there mentors of role models who shaped your journey? What lessons or advice from them still guide you today?
A: Rujuta Katkar, B.D.S., M.D.S, M.S., James Geist, D.D.S., M.S., B.A., and Hassan Geha, D.D.S, M.D.S, are leaders in our field. While they are all incredibly bright and humble, I appreciate them most for their unconditional instruction and gentle guidance, delivered with light humor. Their modeling continues to shape my daily decision-making and ability to cope with difficult situations with grace and forgiveness.
Q: How do you see your work inspiring or supporting the next generation of women in the field?
A: I hope to provide consistency and stability for students and be someone they can depend on.
Kathi Shepherd, R.D.H.’82 , M.S. ’95
Associate Professor,
Assistant Dean, Educational Development & Assessment
Q: Can you tell us about your role at the dental school? What part of your work do you find most rewarding?
A: My current role is the Assistant Dean of Educational Development and Assessment. I am also being delegated academic dean duties.
Q: What part of your work do you find most rewarding?
A: Watching faculty and students achieve their personal and professional goals is most rewarding to me.
Q: Looking back, what experiences or challenges have most influenced the path that brought you here? How did you navigate those obstacles?
I was the former dental hygiene program director for 15 years here at Detroit Mercy. In this role, I was tasked with being responsible for Commission on Dental Accreditation compliance, including developing and monitoring dental hygiene student achievement. This involved creating, monitoring, and evaluating curriculum, student experiences, and assessments. I was asked to expand these tasks to include dental students as well. In doing so, I was greatly influenced by the many faculty and students I worked with, particularly by watching individuals achieve their personal and professional goals. These experiences led me to where I am today.
The challenges I encountered along the way (and still experience today) are mostly related to those who do not understand that, as individuals, we all have strengths but also areas in need of improvement. Many feel that students must be perfect in order to excel in the academic environment. Our students are increasingly faced with many challenges outside of school that require additional support, enabling them to succeed. My philosophy is that it is our responsibility to create an environment and support system conducive to learning, regardless of capability. I try to keep a positive attitude and continually strive to maintain a high standard of education, given what we are experiencing today.
Q: For Women’s History Month, were there mentors of role models who shaped your journey? What lessons or advice from them still guide you today?
A: I am fortunate to have had many, many mentors who shaped my journey, both internal and external. My primary role model was my mother, who raised me to never forget that “no one is better than you and you are not better than anyone”. As someone who was widowed at age 41 and raised five children into adulthood as a single parent, her ongoing advice was to be independent and not rely on others for your own success.
Q: How do you see your work inspiring or supporting the next generation of women in the field?
A: Many are aware of the difficult nature of my responsibilities. I often have to work with people to improve systems that are not always comfortable for the person being tasked with facilitating the change. I’m not sure my work inspires the next generation of women in the field, but I hope those with whom I work, including faculty and students, understand that hard work, perseverance, and facilitating change for the sake of improving our profession and patient care have led me to where I am today. I continually strive for the same to occur with those I work with.
Their reflections remind us that growth is often shaped by challenge, guided by mentorship, and strengthened through experience. By sharing their journeys, these women offer insight, encouragement, and inspiration to those who follow.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize the lasting impact of their contributions and the many ways they continue to shape the future of our community.