Stay the Course: It’s Working!
SPOILER ALERT! Companies Are Ramping Up Investments in DEI Staying the course in leading health equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts is easier said than done. Between the political and legislative challenges, divisive rhetoric, and resultant doubt and fear, it is understandable that many question whether or not DEI work is a dying art. GOOD NEWS:…Read More
Meet Me at The Crossroads: Understanding Intersectionality
Coined by Dr. Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989, the term “intersectionality” is just now gaining more traction in our healthcare equity, diversity, and inclusion discussions. Fundamentally, intersectionality is a metaphor for understanding the ways that multiple forms of inequality or disadvantage compound to create an entirely different experience that brings a greater dynamic of oppression. The…Read More
Old School Flavor Meets New School Vibe
I love a good mash-up of old school and new school music. The soulful tones of one era combine beautifully with the rhythmic relevance of modern forms (think Michael McDonald + Warren G), with both elements relating to the cultural realities of their time. As leaders, we often focus on diversity and inclusion on the…Read More
View Your Efforts With A Critical Lens
This. Article. Right. Here. —> What Needs to Change About DEI – And What Doesn’t by Lily Zheng Click the image ^above to open the article in a new tab. Many of you may have noticed that my tagline for 2024 has been “Translating Promises to Practice” (Trademark pending… 🙂). This article from the Harvard…Read More
It’s Juneteenth! What does that mean to you?
On June 19th, 1865, enslaved African-Americans in Texas were notified that they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Over 150 years later, one way we commemorate this event is through our continuous journey toward equity. For some, Juneteenth represents a time to celebrate and uplift African-American culture and families. For…Read More
Make Your DEI Strategy Stick
If you have worked with me, or learned from me, you know that I LOVE unpacking the ins and outs of strategy implementation. While our focus may be on DEI and Health Equity (remember these are two different things!), there is a lot we can learn from our corporate partners about mapping our actions and…Read More
Building Your Windmills: An ODLC 4-Step Guide
It is certainly windy out here! As DEI and Health Equity leaders of consequence, change is instrinsic to the work that we do. We create it, manage it, and sustain it, all of which can be complex tasks to achieve. What do you do when the uncertainty, resistance, and stress of this complicated domain bring…Read More
In 2024, Your DEI Efforts Matter Even More! (And Here’s the Data to Prove It)
Another year is in the books! You’ve written the papers, held the meetings, mentored the students, presented the lectures, invested in programming, and modified policies. And so much more! Yet, for many leaders in this space, there is still uncertainty about the future of diversity efforts. Will this still matter in 2024? Will the distractions…Read More
How to Combat DEI Fatigue and Promote-Self Care in 2024
Here we are. At the tail-end of another adventurous, activity-filled year. I couldn’t be more proud of our ODLC members and I am super excited about what 2024 holds for our organization. Although some of us are approaching a Winter “break,” the work of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging never seems to rest. Nevertheless, I…Read More
Differentiate Your Health Equity Goals
Is “Health Equity” the same as “DEI” effort? Actually, no. While these phrases are often used interchangeably, they refer to two distinct areas of study, action, and policy. In short, the foundational term “DEI” often refers to representation, fairness in resources, belonging, and valuing uniqueness. In contrast, “Health Equity” is the societal goal of everyone having a fair and just opportunity to attain…Read More