Lola M. Parker Outstanding Business Woman  (2015)

Ms. Douglas-Cooke has worked in the health care profession for the past 30 years amassing a wealth of experience ranging from oncology to surgery to her current role as Vice President of Patient Care Services with Sentara Heart Hospital.

Although her career keeps her quite busy and engaged, Ms. Douglas-Cooke has been a sought after speaker for the past 10 years. Because of her expansive knowledge base, it is not uncommon to hear Ms. Douglas–Cooke speak on topics such as Cardiac Disease in Women or Organizational Leadership in Healthcare.

She is currently a member of several service organizations. She is currently President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women- Tidewater chapter and 1^st Vice President of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Alpha Chi chapter, Norfolk, VA. As a member of the Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society, she has played a strategic role in coordinating the merger of the Mid Atlantic Division. Having also served as a member of the National Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society, Ms. Douglas-Cooke has promoted and initiated many programs that positively affected cancer patients nationwide. Ms. Douglas-Cooke was selected by the Governor of Virginia to serve on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation. There she collaborated with the Virginia Senators and the House Delegates to carefully plan and oversee the execution of millions of dollars attained from the Phillip Morris Settlement for tobacco prevention targeted toward the youth.

It is difficult to cite the numerous accolades and awards Ms. Douglas-Cooke has received during her ongoing stellar career. She has received the Volunteer of the Year award from the American Cancer Society. She was also bestowed the June Rosenthal Memorial Mission Award which is granted to someone whose volunteerism radiates the core essence of honor, servitude, and dignity. Ms. Douglas-Cooke also received the highest honor from the American Cancer Society, namely the St. George National Award. Other awards include: the HealthCare Heroes Award by Inside Business, The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Mentorship Program Award; The International Rotary Society Award; Regional Volunteer of the Year Award, etc.

A strong advocate for research, Ms. Douglas-Cooke has written or co-authored several internal articles, abstracts, and poster presentations of various health related topics.

For the past 23 years, she has attended Church of the Holy Family Catholic Church and has led the Kindergarten Youth group for 15 years. And though her job keeps her quite busy, Ms. Douglas-Cooke will tell you that it is her role as a volunteer in her church and in her community that defines the core essence of who she is.