Catherine Sullivan receives Judith Lauwers Award for Excellence in Lactation Education

January 30, 2024

On January 29, the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute’s (CGBI) Catherine Sullivan, MPH, RDN, LDN, IBCLC, RLC, FAND, received the 2024 Judith Lauwers Award for Excellence in Lactation Education in recognition of sustained and multifaceted contributions to lactation education at the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee’s (LEAARC) Board of Directors 2025 Educator’s Session.

Catherine Sullivan

“This award recognizes Catherine’s deep commitment to advancing lactation education through research, mentorship, and clinical practice. Her work has made a lasting impact on families, students, and the broader public health community,” said Alessandra Bazzano, PHD, MPH, Chair and Director of the Department of Maternal and Child Health at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC Chapel Hill. “Catherine’s dedication and leadership in maternal and child health inspire us all—congratulations on this well-earned honor!”

Currently the Director and an assistant professor at CGBI, Catherine coordinates the Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative (MRT-TI) CAAHEP-accredited Lactation Consultant education program in the Gillings School of Global Public Health.

In 2013, Catherine joined founder Dr. Miriam Labbok at CGBI. After Dr. Labbok retired in 2016, Catherine took over the role of CGBI director.

Housed within the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute, the Mary Rose Tully Training Institute (MRT-TI) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon recommendation of the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee. In 2016, MRT-TI earned the distinction of becoming the first accredited Pathway 2 lactation consultant training program in the United States. The program is in the Department of Maternal and Child Health at UNC Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health.

– Robert A. Poarch